Working Class Autistic

Kevin Joseph

Autistic people have so much to offer, and yet so many of us struggle to fit in to a world that isn’t designed for us. Welcome to the Working Class Autistic podcast, where I talk to experts and discuss ways for late-discovered autistic and neurodivergent adults to thrive and reach our full potential at work and beyond.

  1. Jul 21

    Workplace Success, Unmasking, and Late Autism Diagnosis with Kory Andreas

    "I think also it's just asking, you know, bringing somebody in your office and saying, 'Hey, how can I get you to do your very best job here and to be the most comfortable you can be in this setting?' Most of us have an answer for that, you know? think that's what's probably missing in a lot of workplaces." Therapist and late-diagnosed autistic adult Kory Andreas joins the show to discuss what autistic adults need to succeed at work. You will learn: Why workplace issues are due to capacity, not motivationWhat that feeling of ‘grelief’ is after an autism diagnosisHow autistic people can build communityPlus, learn about Kory’s special interest!Follow-up Questions: Can you ask what your coworkers prefer for communication?Is there a group for your special interest in your area?What brings joy in your life?Guest Bio: Kory Andreas, LCSW-C is a clinical social worker and Autism & Neurodivergent Specialist who brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work. As a late-diagnosed autistic adult, Kory understands the complexities of neurodivergence—particularly for individuals who have spent years masking or navigating systems not built for their needs. With over two decades of experience in education and clinical practice, Kory supports neurodivergent adults, couples, and families through autism assessments, therapy, and advocacy. She is certified as an AANE® Neurodiverse Couples Therapist and integrates trauma-informed, identity-affirming, and nervous system–aware approaches into her work. Kory is also the founder of Unmasking Retreats, immersive experiences designed to create safe, sensory-aware spaces where autistic adults can rest, connect, and be fully themselves. She is a writer, educator, and speaker on high-masking Autism and its intersection with LGBTQIA+ identities, PDA, trauma, eating disorders, addictions, and sexuality. Links: https://koryandreas.com/Reach out to me through Instagram, LinkedIn, or email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com.

  2. Jun 23

    How Katie Oswald Built a Community For Autistic Adults, By Autistic Adults

    “I got diagnosed [with autism] when I was 38. And so like anything where you go and get a diagnosis, you're like, oh, what are the next steps? And I found out that really there aren't any for when you're diagnosed as an adult. I was looking for information. I was looking for people that I could talk to about their experience who I could relate to. And I just wasn't able to find anything especially in my age range. I'm like, well, maybe I'll create something where there is this space where we can get together and talk to each other and learn from each other's experience and have that sense of belonging.” Katie Oswald is the founder of Full Spectrum Agency, a community for autistic adults. I first met Katie at the Navigating Autism Today conference put on by the Autism Alliance of Michigan. When I learned about all the work she has done to create a community for autistic people, I knew she would be a perfect guest on the podcast and we had a great discussion about the importance of spaces for autistic adults that are created by autistic adults. You will learn: What the “services cliff” is and how it affects autistic adultsHow Katie is helping autistic voices be heard in governmentHow you can get started with autism advocacy in your own areaPlus, learn about Katie’s special interest!Follow-up Questions: How has autism reframed your past struggles?Have you been affected by the services cliff?Is there a meetup group for autistic adults in your city?Guest Bio: Katie Oswald is an Autistic self-advocate and nonprofit founder who works at the intersection of education, disability justice, and real-world systems that weren’t built with Autistic people in mind. She’s the founder of Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adults, where she focuses on helping people move from trying to “fix” Autistic people to actually supporting them in ways that work. Katie trains educators and professionals on neurodiversity-affirming practices, with a focus on things like communication differences, sensory needs, and what support really looks like in everyday environments. Her work is grounded in lived experience and centered on a simple idea: Autistic people don’t need to change who they are to belong. Links: Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adultshttps://www.meetup.com/full-spectrum-agency-autistic-adults/Autistic Self Advocacy NetworkThinking Person’s Guide to AutismKind TheoryQuestions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com

  3. Apr 28

    How to Handle Executive Function Skills with Katey Treloar

    “They weren't lazy. They were just struggling with task initiation. They weren't crazy. They were just struggling with organization and planning. Name it to tame it. So it's not that I'm lazy and can't get to meetings on time and prepared. I just don't have the systems and strategies built to make me successful in doing those things.” Katey Treloar is an executive function coach that helps neurodiverse individuals develop systems and strategies to overcome obstacles both at work and home. In our conversation we talk about different types of executive functioning skills and how to build systems to help you with the ones you struggle with. You will learn: Different types of executive functioning skillsWhy you have to name it to tame itThe strengths of neurodiverse peoplePlus, learn about Katey’s special interest!Follow-up Questions: What’s an executive functioning skill that you struggle with?What’s a system you can create to help with that skill?Can you ask for or provide an agenda for your next meeting?Guest Bio: Katey Treloar is the founder of Executive Function Coaching, LLC. She specializes in supporting neurodiverse individuals who seek to better understand their disabilities and develop strategies to enhance their personal and professional success. Through personalized one-on-one coaching and workplace training, Katey assists clients in identifying and addressing executive function challenges. By collaboratively developing effective systems and strategies, she helps individuals overcome obstacles both at work and at home. Katey is dedicated to serving adults and improving the lives of those living with these often-invisible disabilities. Links: efcsessions.comKatey’s LinkedInQuestions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com

About

Autistic people have so much to offer, and yet so many of us struggle to fit in to a world that isn’t designed for us. Welcome to the Working Class Autistic podcast, where I talk to experts and discuss ways for late-discovered autistic and neurodivergent adults to thrive and reach our full potential at work and beyond.