The Autistic Rambler

So what does a rambler do? Well it can drive you from A to B. It can keep you cool in the hot sun. Or it can chat about all kinds of things under the sun which is what this Rambler does. I'm so tickled to introduce you to Maddy Dever who is one of the kindest, sweetest, perceptive, strong, intelligent and best advocate for others I've ever met. In episode one of the Autistic Rambler, we touch on experiential empathy, intersectionality of the ASD and LGBTQ++ communities, what schools could do better and a whole lot more. It's time to ramble on ;)

#208: Autistic Rambler Ep 1 - Meet the Ramblers

What could prompt you to get outside? Is the benefit of getting outside enough to prompt some movement or is there something creating a barrier? Today we chat about the benefits of looking after your mental health and your physical health and hopefully at the same time ;)

#209: Autistic Rambler Ep 2 - Chase That Pokemon

As the Queen of Soul once sang: R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to me.

We're back with the indomitable Maddy Dever and a chat about the intersectionality between the autism community and the LGBTQ+ community. Maddy, who is non binary, uses the pronouns they / them. This was not an easy choice but one they felt they needed to live as authentically as themselves as possible. Do I do great with the pronouns? Nope! But I respect Maddy's choice and I make every effort to remember how important it is.

That's honestly all that's needed when society needs to shift its perspective: effort. And respect. That Aretha - she was on to something ;)

#210: Autistic Rambler Ep 3 - Intersectionality Of ASD and LGBT

We don't want to should on you but being an ally is part of being a good human. It doesn't have to be a huge action to count. It can be standing up for someone in a meeting. It can be acting through altruism vs ego. It can be shining a light on tokenism. Or any other ism. Being an ally isn't about you - it's about what you can do to make a difference. And if you choose to wear a cape? Well, you know what Edna says about capes ;)

#211: Autistic Rambler Ep 4 - Allyship and Maybe Capes

Have you ever had to work with a school to develop an IEP for your child? Was your child ever given an opportunity to be a part of the discussion? Mine wasn't and it didn't even occur to me to ask him because the school never said it was an option. But who better to influence how an IEP is developed that the person it's most affecting?? Join us as we discuss how the IEP process can help autistic individuals who need one to also develop leadership skills, advocacy skills and know their place at the table is valued and important.

#213: Autistic Rambler Ep 6 - IEP and Leadership Skills

One thing I've always struggled with is putting value on lived experience. Not that it doesn't have value but how do you get paid for it? How do you get others to recognize it? If you think I've struggled, I've got nothing on the autism community. Tokenism is not paying someone a fair value in exchange for sharing lived experience. If it's valuable enough to ask for, it's valuable enough to pay for ;)

#222: Autistic Rambler Ep 14 - Values, Checklists And Moving Forward

We're here to chat about business, books, autism and a different way of doing things. Meet the agencies and organizations who are dedicated to improving the lives of autistic individuals and the autistic individuals helping them get it done. Did I mention we own a technology start up who's kicking the old way of coaching to the curb?

#222: Autistic Rambler Ep 14 - Values, Checklists And Moving Forward

Across the Desk