In this episode of our Day In The Life series, Taylor sits down with Pedro Morataya, an autistic man with a Master’s degree in Environmental Science, for an open, grounded, and deeply honest conversation about autism, identity, self‑advocacy, and growing into adulthood while navigating the expectations of a largely neurotypical world. Pedro shares his lived experience of moving through school, discovering what autism meant for him during his teen years, finding support through accommodations, and learning how to self‑advocate — something he continues to develop today. He also talks about work experiences (both positive and toxic), the role therapy has played in his personal growth, and the joys, challenges, and strengths that shape his life. This episode is for listeners who want to understand autism through the voice of someone who has lived it from early childhood into young adulthood. 🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode Pedro’s Journey With Autism Being diagnosed around age three but not fully understanding autism until high schoolHow symptoms and needs changed during middle school and adolescenceWhy high school and early college were the most challenging years for masking and fear of judgmentLearning to embrace autism as part of what makes him uniqueEducation, Accommodations & Academic Success How accommodations like extended time, flexible homework deadlines, and quiet testing spaces supported himNavigating night classes when the disability office was closedBalancing the demands of both a bachelor’s and master’s programAdvice for students: keep asking for help, advocate for yourself, and stay on top of prioritiesWork, Toxic Environments & Self‑Advocacy Working part‑time after graduationA difficult experience in a care center where advocating for himself was punishedThe moment he realized leaving was the healthiest choiceHow therapy helped him rebuild confidence and learn to speak upThe importance of finding environments where managers value communication and psychological safetyIdentity, Communication & Masking Why he masked heavily in high school to avoid being seen as “different”Fear of ableism and exclusion during adolescenceBecoming more open about his autism as he grew olderWhat communication feels like for him — and how social interactions (especially crushes) used to cause anxietyDaily Life, Routines & Joy A typical day: work, taking the bus, spending time with friends, running, movies, video games, and job applicationsWhy running — especially in the evening — brings him freedom and calmThe special interests many autistic people experience, and how passion fuels his hobbiesThe joy of spending time with family and quality friendsStrengths, Perspective & Personal Growth Seeing autism not as a limitation but as a unique way of thinkingValuing different perspectives and understanding how others thinkTurning weaknesses into strengths and breaking stereotypesRecognizing who his true friends areHis belief that everyone has something unique — disability or notTechnology & Accessibility Comfort with technology and using devices for work and daily lifeChallenges with job application websitesThoughts on AI: helpful when used responsibly, but not something to rely on too heavily👥 Who This Episode Is For Autistic people and those exploring their own neurodivergenceStudents navigating accommodations and self‑advocacyYoung adults entering the workforce with a disabilityTeachers, professors, employers, and HR
