PODCAST EP:19 “Autistic CEO”
Hello, everyone! Today, I want to invite you on a journey through a topic that is deeply personal and often misunderstood: neurodivergence. This term, which refers to variations in the human brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood, and other mental functions, is something that many of us might have heard but few truly understand.
As someone who is neurodivergent, specifically autistic and having ADHD, I've found that understanding and accepting my neurodivergence has been a journey of self-discovery and understanding. And I'm not alone in this journey. Many others, like my dear friend Ashlee Leeper, the creator of the Luna method, share similar experiences.
Ashlee, a lover of art and the macabre, hails from a small town where cows outnumber people. Edgar Allan Poe and Salvador Dali are among her favorites. But beyond her artistic inclinations, Ashlee and I share a bond over our neurodivergence, and it's this bond that formed the basis of our conversation.
"I remember the day you pointed out that I might be autistic," I said, laughing at the memory. "It was a revelation that led me to take a test and confirm your suspicion."
Ashlee said. "It's funny how we can go through life feeling 'different' or 'quirky' before we understand our neurodivergence,".
We discussed the challenges of being neurodivergent, especially in a society that often misunderstands or overlooks neurodivergence. "Many people who are neurodivergent may not even realize it," Ashlee pointed out. "They think they're just 'weird', and this lack of understanding can lead to feelings of confusion and isolation."
Despite these challenges, Ashlee is a successful entrepreneur and the CEO of her own company. "People often don't know what to do with the information once they realize they're neurodivergent," she shared. "But understanding and accepting your neurodivergence, and learning how to work with it rather than against it, is key."
We delved into the concept of "executive dysfunction" and "pathological demand avoidance" (PDA), which are common in people with ADHD and autism, respectively. Ashlee explained these concepts in detail, sharing how executive dysfunction can cause a person to feel overwhelmed and unable to start or complete tasks, while PDA is a condition where a person resists and avoids the everyday demands of life.
"I thrive when given tasks without context," Ashlee revealed. "It allows me to set my own frames and avoid feeling like I'm being demanded of."
This insight led to a broader discussion about the importance of communication, especially for neurodivergent individuals. "It's crucial to express your needs and boundaries to the people around you," I agreed. "And to understand how to communicate with both neurotypical individuals and other neurodivergent people."
Our conversation underscored that being neurodivergent is not a barrier to success. It's simply a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world. By understanding and accepting our neurodivergence, we can navigate life in a way that works for us. And by sharing our experiences, we can help to increase understanding and acceptance of neurodivergence in society.
xo, Ani