Hacking Autism: Recent Episodes
Kelsey Terry
Make Autism your unfair advantage
Hacking Autism, is hosted by Kelsey Terry a fellow spectrum dweller on that believes Aspergers Syndrome is her secret sauce for success in life. The show discusses what it means to leverage Autism as an unfair advantage talking with others that hack their autism too.
In today's episode my husband takes on the role of interviewer. I hope you enjoy the episode
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00:54 Exploring Kelsey's Childhood
01:36 From Emo to Military: Kelsey's Transformative Years
03:23 Marriage Dynamics: Embracing Each Other's Quirks
04:48 Family Background and Neurodiversity
08:22 Kelsey's Journey with Autism: Diagnosis and Acceptance
11:57 Flipping the Script: Turning Autism into a Superpower
18:13 Mastering Social Dynamics: A Lifelong Journey
19:23 College Adventures: Leveraging a Unique Perspective
24:54 Entrepreneurial Spirit: From Bead Creatures to Business Savvy
25:45 Entrepreneurial Spirit Crushed in School
26:45 Navigating College with Autism
27:46 Overcoming Test Anxiety and Embracing Neurodivergence
30:44 Adventures in Inner Mongolia: Teaching and Cultural Challenges
33:52 Transitioning from Finance to Tech: A Career Journey
38:07 Marriage, Neurodivergence, and Curating Life Experiences
42:16 Reflections and Advice for a Fulfilling Life
48:01 Embracing Neurodivergence as a Superpower
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Today's episode explores neurodivergence through personal narratives, including discussions on late diagnosis, parenting neurodivergent children, the role of therapy, and setting boundaries. Host Kelsey and her friend Erin share their experiences, shedding light on adaptability, challenges in school, relationships, and self-discovery through therapy.
00:31 Erin's Early Life and Academic Struggles
01:02 Erin's Social Circles and Interests
09:34 Parenting and Neurodivergence
21:14 Understanding Neurodivergence Through Therapy
28:52 Impacts of Neurodivergence in Adulthood
29:21 Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergence
35:44 Erin's Current Life and Reflections
38:43 A Prompt of Reflection for the Audience
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The episode follows the journey of Bisola, a digital product designer navigating neurodivergence and the tech industry as a woman of color. It explores the significance of self-advocacy, community support, and embracing one's identity. Additionally, it emphasizes advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional settings, as well as providing guidance on supporting neurodivergent employees.
Jump Ahead
00:29 Navigating Neurodivergence and Self-Advocacy
00:51 Bisola's Early Life and Academic Journey
03:45 The High School Experience: Overcoming Challenges
13:43 Transition to College: Finding Identity and Community
23:03 Navigating the Tech Industry: From Engineering to Product Design
26:05 Exploring the Impact of Product Design in Tech
31:04 Navigating Industry Realities as a Person of Color
32:39 The Reality of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
34:53 Personal Journey: From College to Career
36:42 Challenges and Insights on Neurodivergence in Professional Settings
39:32 Identifying with Autism: Personal Reflections and Experiences
45:33 Advocating for Neurodiversity and Inclusion in Hiring Practices
47:25 Effective DEI Initiatives: Beyond Marketing Strategies
52:18 The Importance of Self-Advocacy in Personal and Professional Life
56:50 Lightning Round Questions
01:01:57 Engaging the Audience: A New Interactive Segment
01:02:57 Parting Words of Encouragement and Support
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In this episode of the Hacking Neurodivergence podcast, Kelsey Terry facilitates a conversation with Melissa, exploring her life's journey through neurodivergence, being a therapist, and motherhood. From Melissa's early signs of neurodivergence in elementary school and navigating high school and college to embarking on a career in therapy and embracing motherhood, this episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of being neurodivergent. Melissa shares her insights into the impact of meditation, mushrooms, and therapy on her life, offering practical advice and coping strategies. Join us as we explore how understanding and embracing neurodivergence can lead to personal growth and a deeper connection with others.07:03 Navigating High School11:03 College and Career Path in Therapy19:07 Insights into Therapy and Coping Strategies51:03 Embracing Motherhood
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In this episode of the "Hacking Neurodivergence" podcast, you'll hear a fascinating conversation with Becky - a diverse individual who shares her journey through neurodivergence, her experiences in the theater scene, CrossFit coaching, and her latest ventures in home renovation and carpentry with a whimsical twist.
Throughout the podcast, Becky provides insights into self-awareness, embracing uniqueness, and the transformative power of finding one's passion and pursuing it with confidence.
Her story is a mix of personal narrative, practical advice, and inspiration for neurodivergent individuals and anyone looking to embrace their creativity and individuality.
Listeners are invited to reflect on their journeys, the importance of play in daily life, and the courage to live authentically.
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Her favorite earplugs
Jump Ahead in the Conversation
01:08 Becky's ADHD Journey: From Childhood to Theater
09:17 Exploring Becky's Varied Career and Life Lessons
29:37 The Transformative Power of CrossFit and Wellness Philosophy
32:34 Discovering a Healthier Lifestyle Through CrossFit
33:06 The Journey of Trying Various Dietary Experiments
34:53 Unveiling the Misunderstood Aspects of Diet
38:34 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth
39:57 The Magic of Playfulness in Relationships
43:45 Tackling a Home Renovation Together
47:11 Embracing Whimsy in Work and Life
52:59 Empowering Homeowners Through DIY Coaching
57:44 Lightning Round: Insights and Advice
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Chapters
01:14 Diving into Ben's Childhood and Early Struggles
04:50 A Pivotal Shift: College and Embracing Challenges
12:21 From College to Career: Navigating the Professional World
18:24 The Power of Neurodivergence in the Workplace
24:10 Finding Balance and Understanding in Marriage
29:36 Exploring Psychedelics and Personal Growth
30:36 Exploring Psychedelics: A Journey to Emotional Connection
32:26 The Transformative Experience of Psychedelics
36:34 Life After Mushrooms: A New Perspective
44:44 Embracing Fatherhood as a Neurodivergent
48:47 Navigating Parenthood with Neurodivergence
56:08 Lightning Round: Insights and Advice
Ben's favorite product
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In this episode of the Hacking Neurodivergence podcast, join Kelsey as she delves into Ben's unique journey of navigating life, career, and parenthood through the lens of neurodivergence. From his early days of feeling out of place and confronting the challenges of school to discovering his passion for software engineering and the transformative power of psychedelics, Ben's story is a testament to the strength and adaptability of the neurodivergent mind. Learn how Ben leveraged his autism to excel in his career, from working at Boeing to creating innovative software at a startup, and how psychedelics played a crucial role in unlocking a deeper understanding of himself and enhancing his relationships. Dive into the realities of neurodivergent parenting as Ben shares his experience of embracing fatherhood and the strategies he employs to navigate the chaotic yet rewarding journey. This episode is a powerful exploration of self-discovery, resilience, and the importance of embracing one's differences. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself or simply seeking to understand the neurodivergent experience, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.
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00:03 Diving Deep into Mental Health and Burnout
00:42 Darci's Journey from Teaching to Tech
00:59 The Challenges and Lessons of Startup Life
07:43 Navigating Neurodivergence in the Tech Industry
16:01 The Dark Side of Tech: Burnout and Its Cost
21:19 Finding Healing and Setting Boundaries
38:23 Redefining Success and Building a Personal Scorecard
46:56 Wrapping Up: Key Lessons and Looking Ahead
This episode features a deep dive into Darci's journey through the tech industry, focusing on mental health, burnout, the experiences of neurodivergent individuals, and the crucial lessons on self-care and setting boundaries. Through Darci's story, listeners are encouraged to redefine success on their terms and prioritize their health and well-being.
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This episode of Hacking Neurodivergence features a heartfelt discussion between host Kelsey Terry and guest, Darci. They delve into Darci's journey of self-discovery, from her shy, reserved childhood, heavily influenced by her sister, to navigating major life decisions and finding her unique identity. The conversation is split into two parts, with this episode focusing on Darci's adolescence and early career challenges, touching on themes of neurodivergence, familial relationships, and the pursuit of happiness through resilience and flexibility.00:00 Introduction01:32 Discovering Identity Through Family11:16 Chasing Joy and Pivoting Careers18:02 A New Chapter: Moving to Hawaii27:33 Reflections and Advice
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Do you ever struggle to give or receive feedback, especially as a neurodivergent person?
This episode of Hacking Neurodivergence is all about the art of giving and receiving feedback in a way that works for you. Host Kelsey Terry, who is neurodivergent herself, shares her experience and offers tips on how to:
- Avoid common pitfalls when giving feedback
- Consider the recipient and the situation
- Craft a message that is clear and helpful
- Receive feedback in a constructive way
You'll also learn why giving feedback is an act of love, for both yourself and the other person.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- 3 mistakes to avoid when giving feedback
- 3 things to consider before giving feedback
- How to frame your message for maximum impact
- 3 steps to take when receiving feedback
This episode is for you if:
- You're neurodivergent and want to improve your communication skills
- You struggle to give or receive feedback in a way that feels good
- You want to learn how to have more effective conversations
Listen now and subscribe to Hacking Neurodivergence for more tips on thriving as a neurodivergent person!
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Kelsey and Shelby meet up to talk about her journey toward realizing she was on the autism spectrum and how she's used her neurodivergence to be a better librarian, friend, and people manager.
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Coping with Covid
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The Hacking Autism podcast is all about how to make Autism your unfair advantage, told through the voices of fellow people on the Autism spectrum. In today's episode, I speak with Christopher Lutz about how he's made Autism a strength instead of a deficit.
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Check out all the other amazing episodes from earlier this season. I'll see you guys later this summer.
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Number one, the ability to focus. Focus can be one of the more obvious traits found with someone on the spectrum, but when it comes to being self employed there are infinite directions you can take. Focusing on executing the very thing in front of you is key to long term success. Focusing on the right things, and going 10 miles deep to find the best answer has really served me well in my software testing business Spectrum QA. As an entrepreneur you need to learn about tedious things like unemployment insurance and reading through legal contracts. Often this can be overwhelming to anyone starting a business, but by leveraging my superpower of focus I am able to knock one thing out after another, before you know it you’ve hit your critical milestones for the week, or caught an unfavorable contract clause someone tried to slide past you.
Number two, thinking outside the box. Spectrum brains are powerful and by default differently wired. Do yourself a favor and google an Autistic brain vs non-autistic brain. I think you’ll be very encouraged with what you’ll see. For those of you driving right now, I’ll help you out. The spectrum mind has seemingly 10x the neural connections of the other brain. In business you can use this to your advantage to think of new ways to sell your product or service.
Innovation is the name of the game, and so I’ve been very cognizant from the onset of my business to ask the question, how do most people solve this problem, and how could I rewrite the book when it comes to providing best in class testing support for growing companies? The answer, go way up stream to the root of the issue to ensure a better outcome for all stakeholders. Another example of thinking outside of the box in my company, is leveraging a team of people on the spectrum as a competitive advantage for finding bugs in software.
Most QA companies compete on price, but I don’t want to be caught in a race to the bottom. Thinking outside of the box I asked myself, what if I hire the best testers in the world in a group of people most overlook, or would never be considered for the job in the first place? 9 years ago I read an article in the Economist magazine about European QA companies exclusively staffed by people on the spectrum. The amazing news? They were crushing the competition because of their ability to focus and be exceedingly forthright about their test results. Today there are more companies like that popping up, which is phenomenal, but I wanted to take that a step further. So I decided to become the first spectrum led and spectrum staffed qa company. However, I think it would be a disservice to create a neurological echo chamber, and so its my plan to have a blended team of people on and off the spectrum so that both groups can grow in empathy as they work together daily.
Number three expertise. Fellow spectrum dwellers, there are probably several core topics you know better than 99% of the population. Perhaps its the Titanic, a personal favorite topic, or Sino-American trade policy, another personal fav. You could create a podcast, youtube channel, or class on that very topic. I’ve heard it said the riches are in the niches, and what that means is people that care about very specific things like software engineers enjoying powerlifting. They tend to love apparel with phrases that only people of that subcategory would understand. You could build an entire business around one of your passions because you’re a bonafide expert on the topic and going to work is not a chore because you love it so much. As an aside, who would have thought 10 years ago video game players would make an income comparable to a pro athlete? If you know of any pro-gamers on the spectrum please let me know because I’d love to do a podcast on that topic.
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Tyler and I talk about marriage to a woman with Aspergers, and how to navigate active and passive touch when your husband’s love language is touch. It’s a funny and intimate look at how we do married life doing our best to hack life with Autism.
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I met Maisie through Instagram and we became fast friends as we realized that we had similar goals when it came to finding gainful employment for people on the Autism spectrum. In this conversation, we talk about her professional coaching work with parents of kids on the spectrum, her son who has spectrum tendencies, and lastly we talk about her amazing Autism Career Pathways job pilot to bridge the gap between small business and those on the spectrum looking for employment. Don't miss this episode of Hacking Autism Podcast.
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In this episode of the Hacking Autism podcast, I sit with Daniel Jones of the Aspie World Youtube channel to talk about life #onthespectrum, autism in the context of social media, and some fast rapid-fire questions to wrap up our time. Dan's YouTube channel Dan's Instagram @theaspieworld Dan's Twitter @theaspieworld
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What if you could turn your diagnosis on its head to see your Autism as an advantage no matter where you are on the spectrum.
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Ashley and I sit down for the second part of our conversation to discuss what it means to adult with Asperger's and getting diagnosed later in life.
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In this conversation, we dive into the topic surrounding active and passive touch. Do you have someone in your life that doesn't respect your preferences when it comes to hugs or touch in general? How do you address that in a loving way respecting your sensory needs while allowing to you live a life of connection?
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I sit down and chat with my second and biggest monster, marketing professional and model Kelli Schutrop. We talk about the evolution of our friendship and growing apart because I was overwhelmed by her ability to thrive in areas where I had significant weakness. Over the course of our conversation, we make a starling discovery about ourselves in the process, and it changes our perspective on everything. So give it a listen, you watch us on YouTube.
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I recently introduced you to my hero Rebekah where we discussed the differences in care across cultures and you should definitely give it a listen if you haven’t already. Today I want you to meet a monster of mine. Now I’d like to acknowledge you shouldn’t call other kids on the playground a monster, so don’t try that one at home. However, I emphatically love using metaphors in daily life. So let me tell you what a “monster” is to me, and perhaps a few people might come to mind in your own life. A monster is someone that seems to crush life with seemingly little to no effort. They might be the popular kid in school, or the person that always aces their O-Chem labs. Whatever your monster seems to do flawlessly, they often make you anxious because they’re just— so— good at it all. At least that was how I felt.
In today’s episode of Hacking Autism, I interview one of many monsters in my life. We dialogue about the evolution of our friendship which started in angst and trepidation to where we are now close friends that no longer have a barrier of fear between us. This episode’s theme was a life lesson evolving over the course of 9 years, and I think everyone could benefit from giving this a listen. This episode is longer than usual, but how often do you get almost a decade wisdom distilled into an hour?
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Sponsor: Spectrum QA
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Director of Hope Station joins us for a discussion of providing care for special needs children across cultures and the ultimate thing every child needs. This is also in video format, on YouTube.
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In this episode I discuss some of the hard won life lessons learned in college and after graduation. These are the things I would have told myself when it came to tackling high school with High Functioning Autism/Aspergers.
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In this episode of Hacking Autism we cover what the show is about.
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