What Black Autistic Leadership Looks Like

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. 

Go to todaysautisticmoment.com for the transcripts. A.J. Locashio, Jessica Jahns and Philip will talk in detail about the focus for Today’s Autistic Moment in 2025.  How are Autistics multidimensional? Autistics are Neurological. Physical. Cultural. Awareness. Avoidance through masking. Seeking. Relational. Personal. Social. Engaging.  Autistics have so many opportunities to lead in our intersectional identities to influence social change.  A.J., Jessica, and I will talk about the many ways that Autistics can cocreate environments where we can get our support needs met through collaboration and community building with other Neurodivergent people. 

Go to todaysautisticmoment.com for the transcripts. Join the celebration of five years and 100 episodes of the podcast that has brought Autistic Adults to talk with Philip about the experience of being Autistic in an intersectional world. The 100th show is a festival featuring clips from 14 past episodes, new music, and guest interviews with Daren Howard, Dr. Devon Price. Matthew Lawrence. Sara Swan. A.J. Locashio and Jessica Jahns. There are two parts to this episode between an intermission of some upbeat music. You are invited to join the party.

Go to todaysautisticmoment.com for the transcripts for this or any other episode. In this wrap up episode for Season 4, Dr. Angela Kingdon from the Autistic Culture podcast joins Philip for a discussion about Embracing the Intersectional Autistic Culture.  All of the episodes in 2024 have been focusing on our Intersectional Autistic Adult Communities.  During this episode we will be exploring what embracing the Intersectional communities means so that all of us feels like we belong together.  We will talk about engaging with the diversity of Neurodivergent people and empowering them to keep embracing each other as we journey into an uncertain future.  At the end of this episode is the end of the year dedication to all guests, sponsors, and our amazing audience.

Go to todaysautisticmoment.com for the transcripts. Matthew Lawrence the #ActuallyAutistic Coach joins Philip to dive into the intersections of Autistic and Jewish identities. WE will talk about navigating faith, community, self-advocacy within Jewish and Neurodivergent spaces. This episode will talk about how the Jewish and Autistic Cultures meet and challenge each other. This is a great opportunity for the audience to get some great insight to self-care that works for all cultures and traditions.