Finding a Path in Life

Finding Resources for Autistic People with Erik Gallery

“It really comes down to just working with individuals one-on-one, understanding where they're at, and trying to lead them to the options that exist here in Michigan to support what they need.” -Erik Gallery My guest this week is Erik Gallery, the Director of Navigation for the Autism Alliance of Michigan. I met Erik at the Alliance’s Navigating Autism Today conference and I jumped at the chance to talk to him about the alliance and the tools it could offer to autistic adults. You will learn: * How the MiNavigator program can identify resources for autistic people * How autism evaluation centers can help adults * The importance of shared spaces for autistic people * Plus, learn about Erik’s special interest! Follow-up Questions: * Where can you find resources for autistic people? * Can you share those resources with someone who needs them? * What’s one thing you can do to create belonging? Guest Bio: Erik Gallery is the Director of Navigation for the Autism Alliance of Michigan. He leads an interdisciplinary team of professionals as they serve those touched by autism across the state, addressing needs through the lifespan. Erik’s background in disability services ranges more than a decade, from job coaching and case management, to clinical services and executive administration. Links: * Autism Alliance of Michigan [https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/] Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com [kevin@workingclassautistic.com]

Make Your Work More Predictable to Avoid Meltdowns

Autistic brains spend more effort on taking in and processing environmental details. As a result, when things happen that go against our predictions that can result in meltdowns. In this episode I talk about ways I make my life and schedule more predictable. Follow-up question: Can you do one thing to make your work schedule a little more predictable? Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com [kevin@workingclassautistic.com]

How to Handle Executive Function Skills with Katey Treloar

“They weren't lazy. They were just struggling with task initiation. They weren't crazy. They were just struggling with organization and planning. Name it to tame it. So it's not that I'm lazy and can't get to meetings on time and prepared. I just don't have the systems and strategies built to make me successful in doing those things.” Katey Treloar is an executive function coach that helps neurodiverse individuals develop systems and strategies to overcome obstacles both at work and home. In our conversation we talk about different types of executive functioning skills and how to build systems to help you with the ones you struggle with. You will learn: * Different types of executive functioning skills * Why you have to name it to tame it * The strengths of neurodiverse people * Plus, learn about Katey’s special interest! Follow-up Questions: * What’s an executive functioning skill that you struggle with? * What’s a system you can create to help with that skill? * Can you ask for or provide an agenda for your next meeting? Guest Bio: Katey Treloar is the founder of Executive Function Coaching, LLC. She specializes in supporting neurodiverse individuals who seek to better understand their disabilities and develop strategies to enhance their personal and professional success. Through personalized one-on-one coaching and workplace training, Katey assists clients in identifying and addressing executive function challenges. By collaboratively developing effective systems and strategies, she helps individuals overcome obstacles both at work and at home. Katey is dedicated to serving adults and improving the lives of those living with these often-invisible disabilities. Links: * efcsessions.com [http://efcsessions.com] * Katey’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateytreloar/] Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com [kevin@workingclassautistic.com]

What it Means to Accept Autism

April is Autism Acceptance Month, formerly known as Autism Awareness Month. I tend to be pretty skeptical of events like this, but in this episode I talk about what it means to me to accept autism and how you can approach awareness as an autistic person. Follow up question: What does accepting autism mean to you? Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com [kevin@workingclassautistic.com]

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Work For Autistic People with Dr. Jennifer Cork

"If you do CBT that was created for middle-class white people in the United States and try to use it in Japan or India it is not going to work as well. If you're trying to apply this modality to autistic people without consideration of that intersectionality of autism and mental health, then it isn't going to work as well. What research has shown is that if you have CBT that is adequately accommodating and taking into account the autism part, then it does work. And so that's where the problem lies." My guest this week is Dr. Jennifer Cork, a doctor of social work specializing in the treatment of neurodivergent individuals with co-occurring mental health diagnoses. I was excited to have Jennifer on because of her writing on cognitive behavior therapy for autistic people. You will learn: * How to reframe a fight-or-flight response * The state of research on therapy for autistic people * Why informed consent in therapy is so important * Plus, learn about Jennifer’s special interest! Follow-up Questions: * Do you feel certain emotions are good or bad? * Can you make your processes more accommodating? * Are there certain things you don’t want to do that you can skip? Guest Bio: Dr. Jennifer Cork is a doctor of social work (DSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), specializing in the treatment of neurodivergent individuals with co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Jennifer is a late-diagnosed autistic adult and has 20 years’ experience working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. She has worked in the education, disability, and mental health settings. She has also written a therapy book called, What's Your Anxiety Level? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Neurodivergent Children and Teens with Co-Occurring Anxiety Disorders, published in October of 2025. She has a certificate in disability studies from Eastern Washington University, is a certified autism specialist (CAS), and ADHD-certified clinical service provider (ADHD-CCSP). Increasing mental health awareness and access to mental healthcare for the neurodivergent community is one of her passions. Besides education and advocacy work, Jennifer enjoys trips to the coast, hikes with her family, cooking, baking, and is an avid reader. She is also the mom, spouse, and sister of some awesome neurodivergent humans! Links: * Dr. Jennifer Cork’s website [https://www.drjennifercork.com/] * https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/neurodivergent-knowledge/202512/does-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-work-for-autistic-clients [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/neurodivergent-knowledge/202512/does-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-work-for-autistic-clients] Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com [kevin@workingclassautistic.com]