Atypical 9to5

Rayna Spasova - van Aalst
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Celebrating autistic talent in the workplace, one story at a time.

Episodes

  1. 07/11/2025

    Albert Neef on Living and Thriving with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

    Albert Neef is a DLD buddy and mentor, supporting (young) adults and students with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). In this episode, we talk about what DLD is, how it affects life beyond language, and Albert’s message of hope and growth. 👉 Connect with Albert: www.tosbuddyenmentor.nl | LinkedIn 🧡 Support the show: ko-fi.com/atypical9to5

    24 min

  2. 05/01/2025

    Thriving in University: Autistic Student Success with Dr. Theo Bakker

    In this episode of Atypical 9to5, Rayna speaks with Dr. Theo Bakker, a Dutch researcher whose PhD focused on the success of autistic students in higher education. They discuss what large-scale data really shows, challenge common misconceptions, and explore how strategies like Universal Design for Learning can improve inclusion. They also touch on how academic challenges carry into the workplace—and what universities and employers can do better. 📎 Learn more at atypical9to5.com📩 Have feedback or want to share a perspective with Theo? You can reach him directly at t.c.bakker@vu.nl☕ Support the podcast at ko-fi.com/atypical9to5

    32 min

  3. 03/07/2025

    Entrepreneurship & Autism: Finding Success on Your Own Terms with Jane McNeice

    In this episode of Atypical 9to5, host Rayna Spasova - van Aalst speaks with Jane McNeice, a late-diagnosed autistic business owner, trainer, and author. They discuss her journey into entrepreneurship, the impact of late diagnosis on her career, and how she navigates work as an autistic professional. Jane shares insights on masking, networking, self-employment, and the importance of finding success on your own terms. Learn more about Jane McNeice and her work on LinkedIn or visit her website Mind Matters. Key Moments 🔹 00:00 – Welcome to Atypical 9to5 🔹 01:04 – Introducing Jane McNeice 🔹 02:19 – Jane’s Journey to Self-Employment 🔹 02:44 – Challenges of Networking and Training 🔹 04:26 – The Importance of Scripting 🔹 06:27 – Struggles with Public Speaking 🔹 11:19 – Accommodations and Self-Employment 🔹 13:53 – The Burden of Masking 🔹 17:52 – Reactions to Autism Disclosure 🔹 20:29 – Entrepreneurship and Autism 🔹 20:58 – Reflecting on Career Choices and Autism 🔹 23:27 – Early Career and Academic Pursuits 🔹 25:16 – Transition to Mental Health and Self-Employment 🔹 27:13 – Advice for Autistic Entrepreneurs 🔹 32:12 – Navigating Networking as an Autistic Professional 🔹 34:57 – Journey to Becoming an Author 🔹 38:47 – Final Thoughts and Contact Information Support the Podcast Enjoyed this episode?Share it with your network, leave a review, or help amplify autistic voices by supporting Atypical 9to5. Learn how you can contribute at ko-fi.com/atypical9to5. Disclaimer The stories and experiences shared in this podcast are personal to each guest. Autism and neurodiversity are unique to every individual, and we aim to celebrate that diversity rather than generalize or make universal claims.

    40 min

  4. 02/07/2025

    Challenging Norms: Dr. Julie Eshleman on Disability, Equity, and Leadership

    In this episode of Atypical 9to5, host Rayna Spasova–van Aalst speaks with Dr. Julie Eshleman, an autistic professional and freelance disability research consultant specializing in assistive technology, user experience, and disability inclusion. Julie shares her journey as an autistic professional navigating the workplace, her approach to disability advocacy, and how she uses her research to drive meaningful change. Together, they discuss job interviews, self-advocacy, and autistic strengths in the workplace, while also challenging misconceptions about autism and exploring ways to create truly inclusive environments. Learn more about Dr. Julie Eshleman and her work on LinkedIn or visit her website at DrJulieDisabilityInclusion.com. Key Moments 🔹 00:00 – Welcome to Atypical 9to5 🔹 00:57 – Introducing Dr. Julie Eshleman 🔹 01:37 – Julie’s journey into disability inclusion 🔹 03:14 – Navigating career choices and intuition 🔹 05:59 – Embracing autism and professional identity 🔹 12:31 – Autism as a disability: A personal perspective 🔹 18:26 – Strengths and challenges in the workplace 🔹 23:02 – Developing ideas before sharing 🔹 25:58 – Navigating the hiring process 🔹 26:29 – Challenges with job interviews 🔹 33:22 – Handling rejection 🔹 37:29 – Advocating for yourself 🔹 40:59 – Common misconceptions about autism 🔹 42:20 – Connecting with Julie 🔹 43:04 – Exciting career developments 🔹 44:18 – Conclusion and farewell Support the Podcast Enjoyed this episode? Share it with your network, leave a review, or help amplify autistic voices by supporting Atypical 9to5. Learn how you can contribute at ko-fi.com/atypical9to5. Disclaimer The stories and experiences shared in this podcast are personal to each guest. Autism and neurodiversity are unique to every individual, and we aim to celebrate that diversity rather than generalize or make universal claims.

    46 min

  5. 01/31/2025

    Breaking Stereotypes: Iris Brugman on Thinking Divergently and Embracing Neurodiversity

    In this episode of Atypical 9to5, host Rayna Spasova–van Aalst speaks with Iris Brugman, an autistic social designer, researcher, and expert by experience. Iris shares how her motto, “Finding Power in Thinking Divergently,” drives her innovative work in tackling societal challenges through design. Together, they explore the challenges autistic women face in the workplace, the importance of understanding accommodations, and ways to break down systemic barriers in education and employment. Learn more about Iris Brugman and her work on LinkedIn. Key Moments 00:00 - Welcome to Atypical 9to5 00:17 - Meet your host, Rayna Spasova - van Aalst 00:52 - Introduction to the podcast and guest 01:30 - Iris Brugman: a journey in social design 02:32 - The power of thinking divergently 04:35 - Superpowers vs. powers: a deeper dive 07:28 - Navigating disclosure in the workplace 21:41 - Challenges for autistic women in the workforce 30:13 - Balancing work from home and office 33:17 - Final thoughts and advice 37:12 - Conclusion and where to find more Information Enjoyed this episode? Share it with your network, leave a review, and consider supporting Atypical 9to5. Your support helps amplify autistic voices and create more inclusive conversations. You can find out how to support the podcast at ko-fi.com/atypical9to5. Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this podcast are personal to each guest. Autism and neurodiversity are unique to every individual, and we aim to celebrate that diversity rather than generalize or make universal claims.

    39 min

  6. 01/31/2025

    Welcome to Atypical 9to5

    In this introductory episode, host Rayna Spasova-van Aalst shares her journey of discovering she’s autistic and the inspiration behind creating Atypical 9to5, a podcast celebrating autistic talent in the workplace. Curious to learn more? Subscribe to the podcast and visit www.atypical9to5.com for stories, insights, and resources to help build a more inclusive working world.

    4 min

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About

Celebrating autistic talent in the workplace, one story at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Rayna Spasova - van Aalst
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rayna Spasova - van Aalst
  • Show Website
    Atypical 9to5