Autistic Leadership: Avoidance Through Masking

Please go to todaysautisticmoment.com for the transcripts.Autistics are among the first to think outside the boxes of social normativity. Autistic question why things in the world must be as they are. Autistics are the first to say "no." Autistics are living outside of the binary systems of society. Jax Bayne and Philip will talk about Autistics need open, safe spaces so we can help each other by thinking past the either/or binary to decolonize society and live authentically.

Go to todaysautisticmoment.com for all available versions of the transcript. Jillian Nelson, the Policy Director at The Autism Society of Minnesota and Philip bring you a profound conversation in a time when Queer and Autistic people are being marginalized so aggressively in 2025. Jillian and Philip will talk about how Autistic and our allies for Queer and Autistic people can advocate for and with our communities.

Go to todaysautisticmoment.com for the transcripts for this episode.Some doctors wrongfully believe that Autistic people do not know that our own bodies are different and need better medical care. Recently there have been attacks on the bodily autonomy of Autistic people, in particular but not limited to Autistics who are transgender. This confusion is further complicated as the health care that many marginalized groups of people are the mascots for governmental legislation. David and Philip will talk about why Autistic people need to speak up for ourselves to lead the way for systemic change regarding our bodies as an important aspect of who we are.

Go to todaysautisticmoment.com for the transcripts.Many Autistics are deciding to mask ourselves in the current political atmosphere. Our pathological demand avoidance is a powerful tool so that we can say no to these unjust rules and not be someone's tool of oppression.  Matthew and Philip will talk about masking as part of our multidimensional existence as Autistic people. 

Go to todaysautisticmoment.com for the transcripts. The first two weeks of Autism Acceptance Monthhave been very difficult given recent statements made by misinformed individuals.  On this episode of Today’sAutistic Moment, Philip will have some things to say about all of that in the first segment.  In segments two, three and fourwe will be hearing from Emily Goldberg and Anna Voight with the Autism Mentorship Program.  The Autism Mentorship Program brings in Autistic Adults to mentor Autistic teens and youth to provide them with a positive space to be themselves.  Anna herself is Autistic and a mentor who will talk about her experience working with Autistic teens and youth has helped her to be a leader and encourages her mentee to be a leader in their own life.

Go to todaysautisticmoment.com for the transcripts.Jenna Olson, a graduate from Minnesota College & Community joins Philip to tell her Autistic Story. Jenna will talk about how MICC helped prepare her to be a leader in her work and life. As you listen to Jenna, you will hear what Autistic leaders who are given a chance to receive a college education in an environment that accepts them, can achieve. Jenna works as a very successful pharmacy technician. As you listen to Jenna, you will see that she is one of many MICC's success stories.

Go to todaysautisticmoment.com for the transcripts.So much of what is happening for Autistic Adults and our intersectional communities is so overwhelming. We are feeling the emotions of anger, sadness, fear, helplessness and even panic. Autistics need some advice about what we do not have control over and what we do have control over. Becca Lory Hector, our self-care specialist joins Philip to talk about taking care of ourselves by looking after what we do have control over.

Go to todaysautisticmoment.com for the transcript.Carole Jean-Whittington and Philip will discuss the concept of Autistic leadership by emphasizing its non-hierarchical structure and collaborative nature. We will highlight self leadership as self-compassion, noting that Autistic leaders often lead by example within the Autistic community. Carole will talk about the amazing ways that Autistic women are leading the way by unveiling who they are.

Go to todaysautisticmoment.com for the transcripts.Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs were designed to help businesses become better places for marginalized groups to be accommodated.  DEI initiatives were working so that people with disabilities could access services and jobs. Since the current administration began, DEI programs are being eliminated, and companies are discontinuing their DEI programs to comply with the new laws.  Kala Allen Omeiza and I are going to discuss the impact of DEI erasure for Black Autistic communities.  Kala will emphasize the importance of prioritizing actions over arguments and staying true to values. Kala will highlight the challenges of being a DEI hire and the need for structural changes.  Kala and I will also talk about the necessity of community building and interdependence to navigate these challenges effectively. 

Go totodaysautisticmoment.com for the transcripts.In a time when racism, sexism and ableism is socially acceptable, what does Black Autistic Leadership look like?Shalese Heard joins Philip to talk about what Black Autistic Leadership looks like and how they can be proactive in a time of social upheaval.