Working Class Autistic

Working Class Autistic

di Kevin Joseph
CarriereMiglioramento personale
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 adults How Katie is helping autistic voices be heard in government How you can get started with autism advocacy in your own area Plus, 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 Adults https://www.meetup.com/full-spectrum-agency-autistic-adults/ Autistic Self Advocacy Network Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism Kind Theory Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com
23 giu 2026
33:46
Ten Tips From Ten Interviews
In honor of releasing my tenth interview episode on the podcast, I decided to collect a quote from each interview and compile them into one episode. This is a great episode to start with if you’re new to the podcast or need a quick hit of inspiration! You will learn: How to approach autism like a detective How to tell if an employer supports neurodiversity How to check in during conversations And much more! Follow-up Question: Which tip was your favorite? Let me know through one of my social media accounts below! Social Media Links: Instagram LinkedIn Reddit Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com
9 giu 2026
14:39
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 people How autism evaluation centers can help adults The importance of shared spaces for autistic people Plus, 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 Michigan Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com
26 mag 2026
27:09
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 mag 2026
11:47
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 skills Why you have to name it to tame it The strengths of neurodiverse people Plus, 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.com Katey’s LinkedIn Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com
28 apr 2026
29:59
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
14 apr 2026
8:06
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 response The state of research on therapy for autistic people Why informed consent in therapy is so important Plus, 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 website https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/neurodivergent-knowledge/202512/does-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-work-for-autistic-clients Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com
31 mar 2026
33:40
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!
17 mar 2026
15:34
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 work How being authentic can encourage and support coworkers Why psychological safety is so important Plus, 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 Solutions Debunk Neurodivergent Myths at Work: 5 Solutions Neurodiversity in the Workforce: Scott Span Of Tolero Solutions On Why It’s Important To Include Neurodiverse Employees & How To Make Your Workplace More Neuro-Inclusive New research reveals mixed feelings about the terms “neurodiversity” and “neurodivergent” Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com
10 mar 2026
36:29
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 Manager Captain Awkward Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com
3 mar 2026
11:07
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