16th June is Neurodiversity Pride Day, and joining me on this episode is Karl Allcoat.

Karl's story is one of self-discovery and embracing his unique experiences as an autistic person.

He shares what it means to him to be "neurospicy" and opens up about realising he was autistic, from the hurdles he faced in school and university, to the sense of loss for things he might have missed out on.

We talk about the long wait for an autism diagnosis and how it affects getting help.

Communication and advocating for himself are key for Karl in navigating life and he shares insights into the misconceptions and challenges faced by autistic people, especially when it comes to fitting into societal norms.

He also touches on being both autistic and LGBTQ+, and the importance of feeling like you belong, especially at work.

The conversation emphasises the need for education, understanding, and empathy to create a more accepting world.

Karl reminds us to approach others with kindness, curiosity, and an open mind

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Conversation

05:23 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Self-Diagnosis

10:52 Reflecting on Past Experiences and the Impact of Autism

13:44 The Importance of Understanding and Communicating Needs

26:38Addressing the Need for Improved Support and Accessibility

33:53 Challenging Misconceptions and Stereotypes

41:53 Creating a Sense of Belonging in the Workplace

47:48 The Role of Education and Mindset Change

55:11 Navigating the Intersectionality of Identities

59:01 Meeting Others with Empathy and Curiosity

Connect with Karl:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-allcoat/?originalSubdomain=uk

Connect with Ben:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-de-pfeiffer-key-729626a/

Website: https://bendpk.com