Autistic FM

#41 - Autism and Monotropism w/ Fergus Murray

In this episode of Autistic FM, host Haje Kamps welcomes Fergus Murray, a passionate advocate for neurodivergent awareness and understanding. With a rich background as an educator and private tutor for neurodivergent students, Fergus shares powerful insights into the unique experiences faced by those diagnosed with autism and ADHD, particularly through the lens of monotropism. Together with Fergus, we explore the complex dynamics of neurodivergence, from the challenges of late diagnosis to the profound impacts of sensory sensitivities. The episode delves into how concepts like monotropism, where focus and attention funnel into intense interests, play a pivotal role in shaping daily experiences for autistic individuals. Fergus also sheds light on personal and professional hurdles, providing a clearer picture of what it's like to navigate a world not always attuned to neurodiverse needs. Throughout the conversation, the emphasis is on understanding and allyship, inviting listeners to consider the broader implications of neurodivergence in society. Fergus speaks candidly about how being open about their autism diagnosis has shaped both their personal journey and their advocacy work, promoting a more nuanced appreciation for diverse cognitive profiles. Topics covered in Episode 41 * Monotropism and Autism: Exploring how focused interests impact cognitive processing and social interactions in autistic individuals. * Sensory Sensitivities and Overwhelm: Discussion on how sensory inputs are experienced differently and the coping mechanisms that can help mitigate stressors. * Navigating Neurodivergent Professional Life: Addressing challenges in the workplace, including the need for accommodations and understanding for neurodivergent employees. About Fergus Murray Fergus Murray is an autistic/ADHD writer, science tutor and community organiser. They co-founded AMASE (Autistic Mutual Aid Society Edinburgh) with their partner Sonny Hallett and others in 2017, and started Weird Pride Day (on the 4th of March) in 2021. Fergus is especially interested in the role of flow states in autistic learning and wellbeing, and also in the flowing movement of water, which often occupies their attention completely. Fergus writes about neurodiversity, science and politics on their Medium page, and runs monotropism.org [http://monotropism.org/] and weirdpride.day [http://weirdpride.day/]. Their personal site is oolong.co.uk [http://oolong.co.uk/]. Resources for this episode * Monotropism.org [https://monotropism.org/] - A site dedicated to exploring and explaining monotropism * You can find Fergus’s work in the anthology “Someone Like Me: An Anthology of Non-Fiction by Autistic Writers [https://amzn.to/46xYWfH],” edited by Clem Bastow and Jo Case * We also discussed Something About Us [https://rightfullives.net/VideoPages/Something-About-Us.html]. A film about the rights and voice of autistic people by Dinah Murray and Jes Benstock. * Autism: Explaining the Enigma by Uta Frith [https://amzn.to/4mePi6b] presents autism as a cognitive disorder characterized by impairments in theory of mind, weak central coherence, and executive dysfunction. * Jim Sinclair is one of the foundational voices [https://autism-advocacy.fandom.com/wiki/Jim_Sinclair] in the autism rights movement, best known for the powerful essay Don’t Mourn For Us, which helped shape the neurodiversity paradigm and popularized identity-first language. * Dr. Damian Milton’s theory of the double empathy problem [https://reframingautism.org.au/miltons-double-empathy-problem-a-summary-for-non-academics/] flips the mainstream narrative that autistic people inherently lack empathy. * Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s Flow Theory [https://amzn.to/46xp5vh] describes a mental state of deep focus and immersion where a person is fully engaged in a task, often losing track of time and external distractions. Content warnings This episode includes discussions on mental health diagnoses, sensory overload, and meltdowns. Additionally, challenges related to self-worth within personal and professional spheres are addressed. Please take care while listening.

#40 - Advocating Autism w/ Martin Slyngstad

In this episode of Autistic FM, we are thrilled to welcome Martin Slyngstad, an inspiring advocate and public speaker from San Jose, California. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Martin has turned his life experiences into a mission to foster understanding and acceptance of neurodivergent individuals. His journey is marked by resilience and the transformative power of embracing one's identity, as captured in his book "Chatterbox," co-authored with his mother. Throughout our conversation, Martin candidly shares the ups and downs of living with autism. We discuss his advocacy work, including training first responders and his participation in the Special Olympics, highlighting the importance of visibility and inclusion. Martin emphasizes the need for societal change to create environments where neurodivergent individuals can thrive, both in education and employment settings. Join us as Martin shares heartfelt stories of personal triumphs, the importance of family support, and the unique perspective that autism provides. He offers valuable insights into how embracing neurodiversity can lead to a richer, more inclusive world. Martin's dedication to advocacy and his courageous story are sure to inspire and motivate listeners from all walks of life. Topics covered in Episode 40 * Embracing Autism: Martin's journey to self-acceptance and how his book "Chatterbox" has impacted his perspective. * Advocacy and Inclusion: Insights into Martin’s work with first responders and his efforts to increase understanding and acceptance of autism in various communities. * Life Beyond Challenges: How participating in the Special Olympics and pursuing a career in speech pathology have enriched Martin's experience and opened new opportunities. About Martin Slyngstad Martin Slyngstad is an autistic self-advocate, author, and founder of Spire Autism. Diagnosed at age five, he now uses his voice and lived experience to educate others, build inclusion, and empower the autism community. Martin works with schools, first responders, and policymakers to create real change from local training programs to advocating for statewide legislation. He’s the co-author of Chatter Box: My Life with Autism and is passionate about making the world more accepting, one conversation at a time. Martin also works with sports teams on promoting autism acceptance Resources for this episode * You can find Martin’s Book - Chatterbox - here [https://amzn.to/3GR67VQ]. * We also discussed ABA in Epsiode 13 and Episode 37 Content warnings This episode includes discussions about autism and neurodivergence, self-injurious behavior, medication experiences with Ritalin, and potential distress with first responders. Please look after yourself and listen with care.

#39 - On the Spectrum crossover w/ Nick

In this episode of Autistic FM, I’m joined by Nick—co-host of the On the Spectrum podcast and all-around thoughtful human. We get into some real talk about his path to understanding his own neurodivergence, starting with what it was like growing up surrounded by neurodiverse folks at a time when the language around all of this was… well, kind of a mess. Nick opens up about parenting a child diagnosed with autism and how that experience cracked open a whole new layer of self-awareness for him. There’s a lot of heart here—stories about figuring things out late, learning to connect the dots backward, and finding clarity in places he didn’t expect. We also laugh a lot, and dig into what it means to live in a world that’s just starting to “get” neurodivergence. This one’s for anyone who’s ever looked around and thought, “Wait… am I the weird one?” (Spoiler: it’s not a bad thing.) Topics Covered in Episode 39 * Understanding Neurodiversity: Nick shares his experiences growing up within a neurodiverse environment and how societal views have changed. * Parenting a Neurodivergent Child: Insights into navigating and supporting the journey of raising a child diagnosed with autism. * Self-Discovery and Acceptance: The importance of accepting one's identity and the challenges of societal perceptions and personal growth. About Nick Nick is the enthusiastic co-host of the On the Spectrum Podcast [https://onthespectrumpodcast.wordpress.com/the-podcast/], where he brings his perspectives and personal experiences to discussions about neurodivergence. With a background rich in encountering various aspects of autism, Nick advocates for understanding and acceptance, encouraging open conversations to help bridge gaps in knowledge and empathy within society. Content Warnings Please note that this episode contains discussions of neurodivergence, mental health, and the use of potentially distressing language or coping mechanisms. Listener discretion is advised as you take care of your own mental health.

#38 - Autism and Sleep w/ Conner Herman

In this episode of Autistic FM, we welcome Conner Herman, an inspiring advocate for better sleep health within the neurodivergent community. As the founder of Percy [https://www.percysleep.com/], a pioneering company focused on improving sleep quality through innovative technology, Conner shares her journey from personal struggles with postpartum depression to professional success in behavioral psychology. Her passion for understanding the crucial role of sleep in mental health shines through as she delves into the transformative power of sleep and its impact on neurodivergent individuals. Conner's story is one of resilience and curiosity, driven by her own experiences and a desire to fill the gaps in our healthcare system. She reflects on the challenges of postpartum depression, the disconnect she felt within traditional medical practices, and her eventual realization of sleep's life-saving potential. Through candid discussions, we explore how Conner's unique perspective has guided her mission to address the critical sleep issues faced by autistic individuals. Join us as we discuss the science behind sleep, the impact of environmental factors on rest, and the exciting developments Conner is leading with Percy. With empathy and insight, she articulates the profound necessity for tailored sleep solutions, offering a glimpse into a future where every person has access to the sleep health they deserve. Topics covered in Episode 38 * Impact of Sleep on Mental Health: Explores how sleep deprivation interlinks with mental health issues like depression, using personal anecdotes and expert analysis. * Behavioral Sleep Solutions: Discusses innovative approaches to improving sleep without medication, focusing on behavior modification and environmental adjustments. * Neurodivergence and Sleep: Highlights the critical need for tailored sleep solutions within the neurodivergent community, addressing both the personal and broader systemic challenges About Conner Herman Conner is the founder of Percy [https://www.percysleep.com/], a startup based in Washington, DC that’s shaking up how we think about sleep—especially for neurodivergent folks. She’s a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) with a background in behavioral psychology, an MBA from Kellogg, and a past life as a Major and Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Air Force. Oh, and she’s also a mom of four. Basically, she knows what it means to operate on no sleep—and why that has to change. Before Percy, Conner spent almost 20 years running Dream Team Baby [https://www.dreamteambaby.com/], the sleep consultancy she co-founded with her business partner, Kira Ryan. They launched the first overnight sleep consulting service in Manhattan, which helped kickstart what’s now a $40M industry. Their work was featured everywhere from The Today Show to Good Morning America and Nightline, and their book The Dream Sleeper [https://amzn.to/4evyB41] has helped countless parents get their kids (and themselves) some much-needed rest. Now she’s taking all that experience—clinical, personal, and entrepreneurial—and pouring it into Percy. The team just wrapped up their fourth working prototype and is gearing up for pilot programs with research partners in winter 2025. Conner’s goal? To give families and healthcare providers better tools to understand and improve sleep, and to help people feel good about going to bed again. Trigger warnings Please note that this episode includes discussions of postpartum depression, maternal suicide, and the use of sleep aids or medication. Listen with care and consider your own needs.

#37 - Static and Dynamic Thinking w/ Julie

In this episode of Autistic FM, we delve into the world of static and dynamic thinking with Julie Meyerowitz, an experienced speech-language pathologist and dynamic intelligence coach. Julie shares her insights on how these two types of intelligence manifest in neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism, and how understanding them can enhance personal and professional relationships. Her work bridges the gap between traditional therapeutic approaches and a holistic understanding of neurodiversity. Julie discusses her journey from working within established systems and therapies to developing her own methods that prioritize human connection and dynamic intelligence. She highlights the limitations of rigid therapeutic frameworks, such as ABA, and advocates for personalized approaches that respect and nurture individuality. Her commitment to fostering growth through empathy and understanding offers a refreshing perspective for those seeking to support neurodivergent individuals. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of autism diagnosis, the role of self-regulation and co-regulation, and practical tips for enhancing dynamic thinking. Julie’s experience as both a clinician and a parent brings invaluable depth to the discussion, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in neurodiversity and human connection. Topics covered in Episode 37 * Static vs. Dynamic Intelligence: Exploring the differences between static, rule-based thinking and dynamic, intuitive thinking, and their impact on neurodivergent individuals. * Beyond Traditional Therapies: Julie discusses the limitations of conventional approaches like ABA and the importance of individualized, relationship-focused methods. * Co-Regulation and Emotional Safety: The significance of co-regulation in fostering emotional safety and growth within neurodiverse relationships. About Julie Meyerowitz Julie Meyerowitz was traditionally trained as a speech-language pathologist at Columbia University in NYC following her somewhat less tranditional education in Dramatherapy at Goucher College in Baltimore, MD. With extensive and diverse study in multiple modalities beyond this foundation, she challenges the “Gold Standard” in autism treatment. Over time, Julie has developed and refined a method that is transforming the lives of neurodiverse individuals and families. Julie is a human development and relationship specialist, guiding her clients’ progress in authentic communication, cognition, connection, and overall quality of life. Her clients experience noticeably greater results—while significantly reducing the effort they invest. As a neurodivergent woman, Julie is particularly inspired by helping parents and children gain confidence in their own abilities to make space for themselves and get what they want in this world. As a speaker, Julie is motivated to share her clarifying and empowering philosophies, wisdom, and insights with as many people as she can. Content warnings This episode includes discussions around mental health diagnoses, ABA therapy, and their potential emotional impact. Please take care and listen according to your comfort levels.