Ep 22: Flipping the Lens: the Autistic Experience with Becca Lory Hector

Burnout. It’s a word that comes up often in society and is often synonymous with being tired and needing a vacation. But when it comes to neurodivergent folks, autistic burnout can look radically different and have long-lasting effects.

In today’s episode, Becca Lory Hector shares her experience of being diagnosed with autism as an adult after an extensive bout of autistic burnout. She explains why her burnout occurred, what support she wished she had received, and what might have kept her from getting to that point, if only she’d had the language and framework to ask for the support she needed.

She also shares what a workplace that doesn’t only include neurodivergent folks, but offers them truly belonging, would look like, and why this change is so necessary for our workplaces.

Becca shares so much of herself, and her insights are so enlightening for the parents of autistic and neurodivergent kids. Let’s jump in!

In this episode, you’ll learn…

[00:00] Intro

[02:07] Gwen and Kristen recap their lives since the last episode and share their Rylanism and Grahamism

[09:54] An introduction to who Becca Lory Hector is and why she’s so passionate about advocacy

[13:07] Becca’s experience of receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult

[17:03] The way Becca’s autism presents, after masking for so many years

[22:10] Becca’s perspective on how parents can prepare their autistic children to advocate for themselves

[26:24] What autistic burnout is and how it presents differently than is often portrayed in society

[34:58] The support Becca wishes she could have received while recovering from autistic burnout

[43:16] Why our workplaces need to change and not just for those with neurodivergence

[48:21] The “B” in DEIB and why it’s crucial when it comes to making space for autistic folks in the workplace

[58:17] The Last Word

Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.youdontwantahug.com/post/ep-22-flipping-the-lens-the-autistic-experience-with-becca-lory-hector

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