Unpacking Neuroqueerness

In this episode I discuss the highly problematic and autistophobic anti-medication lawsuits that we continue seeing and hearing about to this very day.

In this episode my friend Faina and I talk about our journeys as Neurodistinct individuals navigating a neurotypical world. We discuss early life, family and school experiences, going through the Meisner Technique training to become actors, and how it all led us to accepting ourselves for who we are and feeling proud of our differences rather than ashamed.*If you like this episode, check out Episode 43 as well, where Faina and I talk again and share experiences around going through the education system as neurodistinct folks in a neurotypical-biased society.

In this episode, my grandma and I talk a little about the history of neurodivergence and mental illness in our family. We also reminisce a little bit on our time together when I was a young, undiagnosed autistic child.

In this episode I talk about how ableist preconceptions of what disability is supposed to look like is what leads certain disabilities being deemed "invisible", and why I believe disability shouldn’t be viewed as a tragedy.

In this episode I talk about why I believe Elon Musk is harming his community and he shouldn't be talked about as a representation of Autistic people as far as I am concerned.

This is an episode I didn't plan on recording originally but unfortunately felt the need to. I explain why recent comments made by Kanye West, where he claims to believe that he might be "a little bit autistic", are deeply problematic and will continue to perpetuate negative stigmas and stereotypes about Autism that advocates like myself have been continuosely fighting against for decades.

In this episode, I explain why many Autistic and ADHD folks often get mislabeled as picky eaters and why we simply can't handle the texture of certain foods.

In this episode I talk about why predictability and direct communication are so important for autistic people and why we should all honor that as a society.

In this episode I talk about why the puzzle piece is so problematic and offensive to a lot of autistics, and what to use instead.

In this episode I answer a few questions about the history of Autism asked by my Grandmother Theo GundIf you enjoy this episode tune in to Part 2 of our conversation (Episode 28)!

In this episode I talk about the dirty history of Hans Asperger and why his name should have never been used as a diagnosis.

In this episode I explain why there is no such thing as "mild" or "severe" autism and why using those terms can propagate negative stigmas and stereotypes about autism.

In this episode, I give an honest review of the show "Atypical", from my perspective as an Autistic Actor.

In this episode I talk about why people like me advocate so hard for our cuases and why allyship is more important now than ever before.

In this episode I have a very insightful and resourceful conversation with fellow MTS alum and ADHD actor Maeve Montgomery. We talk about our experiences studying the Meisner technique and how it has helped us not just with acting, but with our unmasking journeys and accepting our true identities as neurodistinct individuals, while also acknowledging that there is nothing wrong with being the way we are.

In this episode I discuss the ableist history surrounding the creation ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy. I also explain why many Autistic adults that went through ABA as a child have developed PTSD as a result and why the traditional style of ABA therapy can be problematic.*It is important to acknowledge that despite it's serious problems, ABA is still the only support therapy available to many families and many ABA practicioners have come to learn how to apply more neurodiversity affirming practices in their work.

In this episode I talk about the (non-austic led) organization "Autism Speaks" and how despite painting themselves as "helping" autistics, they are actually trying to eliminate Autism from the earth through eugenics based research.

In this episode, I talk about the show a "The Good Doctor" from ABC and why I feel like it misses the mark on accurate Autistic representation.

In this episode I talk about why the majority of Autistic people overwhelmingly prefer to be called "Autistic person" rather than "Person with Autism".I also talk about the Double Empathy Theory by Dr. Damian Milton and why we shouldn't view Autistic ways of communicating as deficits or disorders.

In this episode I discuss why for us Autistics, eye contact isn't the primary way that we show engagement, and why it can be very uncomfortable or even painful to some of us. I also discuss other ways that Autistics tend to show engagement, that may differ from standard neuronormative forms of communication.

In this episode, I talk about some positive autism traits that are seldom discussed outside the autistic community. I also discuss how Neurodistinct people have different working styles and support needs compared to their neurotypical peers.

In this episode, I am joined by my longtime friend Lisa for a chat about our experiences growing up as undiagnosed neurodistinct individuals in a very ableist (and also sexist) school culture.

In this episode I talk a little about Autistic Meltdowns, what causes them and the burnout and shutdown symptoms that can follow a meltdown episode. I also talk about Autism related disabilities and how important it is to not associate those with Autism as a whole. To finish, I briefly explain what a dynamic disability is.

In this episode I cover some of the most common microagressions out there that many Autistics like myself are tired of non-autistics saying to us, even if the intent is positive

In this episode, I talk about the concept of Autistic masking: What it is, why we do it and how Non-autistics can help us by being more understanding and accepting of our differences :)

In this episode I discuss how Autism is still severely misunderstood and underdiagnosed and why self diagnosis is the only option for many autistics and that should be honored and respected

In this episode I host my very first guest, someone very close to me, my sister Luana Muniz Gund. Luana talks about her unique perspective growing up with an autistic brother and a little bit about her perspective as a psychology student on the issues around the current discourse around autism in this field and also in society at large.

In this episode I talk about some Neurodiversity related accommodations that can help neurodistinct students and/or clients thrive without trying to change the way their brains work

In this episode I talk a little bit about my style of podcasting, give an overview of some common Neurodiversity terms and discuss the social model of disability as a challenge to the medical model of disability, as well as the issue with using the term "Special Needs"

Welcome to my new podcast! In this episode I talk a little bit about myself, how I came in to the Neurodiversity world, and how changing my perspective on Autism and Neurodiversity has been so helpful for me