Working Class Autistic

Kevin Joseph
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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. May 26

    Finding Resources for Autistic People with Erik Gallery

    “It really comes down to just working with individuals one-on-one, understanding where they're at, and trying to lead them to the options that exist here in Michigan to support what they need.” -Erik Gallery My guest this week is Erik Gallery, the Director of Navigation for the Autism Alliance of Michigan. I met Erik at the Alliance’s Navigating Autism Today conference and I jumped at the chance to talk to him about the alliance and the tools it could offer to autistic adults. You will learn: How the MiNavigator program can identify resources for autistic peopleHow autism evaluation centers can help adultsThe importance of shared spaces for autistic peoplePlus, learn about Erik’s special interest!Follow-up Questions: Where can you find resources for autistic people?Can you share those resources with someone who needs them?What’s one thing you can do to create belonging?Guest Bio: Erik Gallery is the Director of Navigation for the Autism Alliance of Michigan. He leads an interdisciplinary team of professionals as they serve those touched by autism across the state, addressing needs through the lifespan. Erik’s background in disability services ranges more than a decade, from job coaching and case management, to clinical services and executive administration. Links: Autism Alliance of MichiganQuestions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com

    27 min

  2. May 12

    Make Your Work More Predictable to Avoid Meltdowns

    Autistic brains spend more effort on taking in and processing environmental details. As a result, when things happen that go against our predictions that can result in meltdowns. In this episode I talk about ways I make my life and schedule more predictable. Follow-up question: Can you do one thing to make your work schedule a little more predictable? Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com

    12 min

  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

    30 min

  4. Apr 14

    What it Means to Accept Autism

    April is Autism Acceptance Month, formerly known as Autism Awareness Month. I tend to be pretty skeptical of events like this, but in this episode I talk about what it means to me to accept autism and how you can approach awareness as an autistic person. Follow up question: What does accepting autism mean to you? Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com

    8 min

  5. Mar 31

    How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Work For Autistic People with Dr. Jennifer Cork

    "If you do CBT that was created for middle-class white people in the United States and try to use it in Japan or India it is not going to work as well. If you're trying to apply this modality to autistic people without consideration of that intersectionality of autism and mental health, then it isn't going to work as well. What research has shown is that if you have CBT that is adequately accommodating and taking into account the autism part, then it does work. And so that's where the problem lies." My guest this week is Dr. Jennifer Cork, a doctor of social work specializing in the treatment of neurodivergent individuals with co-occurring mental health diagnoses. I was excited to have Jennifer on because of her writing on cognitive behavior therapy for autistic people. You will learn: How to reframe a fight-or-flight responseThe state of research on therapy for autistic peopleWhy informed consent in therapy is so importantPlus, learn about Jennifer’s special interest!Follow-up Questions: Do you feel certain emotions are good or bad?Can you make your processes more accommodating?Are there certain things you don’t want to do that you can skip?Guest Bio: Dr. Jennifer Cork is a doctor of social work (DSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), specializing in the treatment of neurodivergent individuals with co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Jennifer is a late-diagnosed autistic adult and has 20 years’ experience working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. She has worked in the education, disability, and mental health settings. She has also written a therapy book called, What's Your Anxiety Level? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Neurodivergent Children and Teens with Co-Occurring Anxiety Disorders, published in October of 2025. She has a certificate in disability studies from Eastern Washington University, is a certified autism specialist (CAS), and ADHD-certified clinical service provider (ADHD-CCSP). Increasing mental health awareness and access to mental healthcare for the neurodivergent community is one of her passions. Besides education and advocacy work, Jennifer enjoys trips to the coast, hikes with her family, cooking, baking, and is an avid reader. She is also the mom, spouse, and sister of some awesome neurodivergent humans! Links: Dr. Jennifer Cork’s websitehttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/neurodivergent-knowledge/202512/does-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-work-for-autistic-clientsQuestions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com

    34 min

  6. Mar 17

    Finding a Path in Life

    Hello everyone, in this week’s episode I talk about some exciting personal news and talk about the different jobs I’ve held so far. I think it can be hard for autistic people to figure out what they want to do because so many different things can seem interesting. I hope that sharing my own path can help you figure out what you want to do and encourage you to follow your dreams no matter what you’ve done so far. Moving forward I will be publishing episodes every other week, so see you in two weeks!

    16 min

  7. Mar 10

    How to Ask for Reasonable Accommodations at Work with Scott Span

    “Neurodiverse individuals themselves are not any less efficient or any less productive than non-neurodiverse or neurotypical individuals, especially if you provide them with the reasonable accommodations to be successful.” -Scott Span My guest this week, Scott Span, is a speaker and coach that helps neurodiverse leaders manage communication and presence at work. We had a great conversation about how neurodiverse people can be authentic at work and ask for accommodations. You will learn: What reasonable accommodations can look like at workHow being authentic can encourage and support coworkersWhy psychological safety is so importantPlus, learn about Scott’s special interest!Follow-up Questions: What’s an accommodation that would be beneficial for you at work? Think about physical space, equipment, technology, and flexibility.How can you contribute to psychological safety?Are you measuring performance in a way that makes sense?Guest Bio: Scott Span is a sought-after speaker and advisor on change, personal development, leadership, and workplace culture. For two decades, Scott has supported leaders, teams, and organizations navigate the realities of change, turning uncertainty into clarity and stalled progress into results. Scott is neurodivergent and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. He brings lived experience, empathy, humor, and a process-driven style to his coaching, speaking, and facilitation. Scott tackles topics like leading through change, overcoming adversity, inclusive leadership, building an authentic leadership style and creating a high-performance workplace culture. He offers practical insights that resonate across industries. His talks inspire action and his work provides audiences and clients with clear, real-world strategies to lead and succeed with awareness, resilience, and impact. He is also a member of the Consortium for Change. Links: Tolero SolutionsDebunk Neurodivergent Myths at Work: 5 SolutionsNeurodiversity in the Workforce: Scott Span Of Tolero Solutions On Why It’s Important To Include Neurodiverse Employees & How To Make Your Workplace More Neuro-InclusiveNew research reveals mixed feelings about the terms “neurodiversity” and “neurodivergent”Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com

    36 min

  8. Mar 3

    How I Learned to Communicate as an Autistic Person

    Growing up I was always known as a quiet kid. I just felt like I never really knew what to say or how to say it. Learning about the communication differences between autistic and neurotypical people was one of the biggest reasons that I was able to conclude I was autistic myself. In this episode I talk about how I was able to learn how to communicate in spite of these challenges. Follow-up Question: What are some times in your life when you were able to speak up?More Resources: Ask A ManagerCaptain AwkwardQuestions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com

    11 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin Joseph
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kevin Joseph
  • Show Website
    Working Class Autistic