Unpacking Neuroqueerness (George Muniz Gund)

In this episode I talk briefly about Pathological Demand avoidance (PDA) and what it means in the neurodistinct community. I also talk about why many autistics don't agree with the concept of authority. I explain that for us autistic folks, it doesn't matter how many accolades you have or what position you are in, you have to earn our trust first in order to earn our respect.

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 give a refresher on emotional empathy vs cognitive empathy and explain how sensory overload and mental shutdowns can play a role in autistics being perceived as not having empathy. This is largely due to the medical community refusing to learn from listening to the internal experiences of autistic people.

In this episode I talk about why having boundaries and a comfort zone is really important when you have been constantly told you're doing things wrong and conditioned to put other peoples desires ahead of your own needs.

In this episode I talk about the show "Heartbreak High (2022)" on Netflix and why I find it to be the best authentic autistic representation I have ever seen in TV and film to this day.Autistic actor and advocate Chloe Hayden does a fantastic job with her portrayal of Quinni, a young queer autistic high schooler with lots of personality (not your standard stereotypical autistic person).

In this episode, my friend and Autism Career Pathways founder Maisie Soetantyo joins me for a conversation about Autism representation in TV and films. We talk about representations we've liked, things we haven't liked and what we feel can be done better in the future.

In this episode I talk about how despite it generally being used with good intentions, using the term "differently abled" can make some disabled folks like myself feel unheard or invalidated when it comes to our disabilities.

In this episode I talk a little bit about RSD, what it is and why it is so common among autistics and ADHDers.

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 explain the difference in between taking medication as a support for certain struggles and pathologizing an entire neurotype, which perpetuates negative stigmas and stereotypes about disabiltiy.

In this episode I talk about common types of challenges that neurodistinct people tend to face in the workplace and how businesses can better accommodate their neurodivergent employees.

In this episode I explain how neurodistinct people like myself have essentially been conditioned throughout their lives to think outside the box and find strategies that work best for them, rather than trying to fit neuronormative molds and expectations.

In this very special episode, I host one of the main autistic podcasters that inspired me to start this podcast nearly 6 months ago, Melissa Tacia from "Oh, that's just my autism"! :)

Melissa and I talk about struggles with getting accommodations and acceptance around certain struggles we experience, such as executive functioning differences.

Melissa also talks about what it's like parenting and advocating for her autistic daughter as an autistic parent.

Check out Melissa's great podcast as well: https://open.spotify.com/show/4RDyBTLKsbzD5eyk6cLDvX

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 my friend X and I review the new "Barbie" film together. We discuss general thoughts on the film, the representation of patriarchy and moments that may have been influenced by the lens of neurodiversity.

In this episode I talk with neurodivergent life coach Michelle Markman about some ways that can be helpful for some of us neurodistict individuals to accommodate ourselves when it comes to struggles with executive dysfunction, setting schedules, dealing with insomnia, parenting, food sensitivities, and PMDD (Premenstrual dysphoric disorder).

MICHELLE'S COACHING WEBSITE: https://michellemarkman.com/

MICHELLE'S TIKTOK PAGE: https://www.tiktok.com/@ndcoachinc

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.

In this episode I tackle how damaging it can be to assume someone is well based on a single observation of something they did or achieved, because we're not seeing all the effort and burnout behind that.

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

In this episode I talk about how exhausting April can be for advocates like myself, as neurotypical led organizations such as "Autism Speaks" promote eugenics research and conversion therapies through their "Autism Awareness" campaigns, pretending to care about the wellbeing of autistic folks, while speaking over them and vilifying their disabilty, rather than focusing on making society more accomodating.

In this episode I talk about similarities in between autistic people and cats, and how both are often misunderstood, misjudged and mistreated by society

In this special episode, marking one year of the "Unpacking Neuroquerness" podcast, my friend Emma and I talk about her experiences with OCD and mental health. I also talk a little bit about my advocacy journey and how it all unfolded.

In this episode I explain why more people getting diagnosed or identifying as neurodivergent is actually due (in large part) to increased awareness about how certain conditions can present in different people, and not a simple "hype trend" as many people seem to believe. I talk about how better understanding yourself through a diagnosis or identification label can lead to more acceptance and a better quality of life for many individuals like myself

*I do not speak for every neurodistinct person and everyone has their own opinion on this matter.

In this episode I host my acting teacher Jim Jarrett. Jim is Sanford Meisner's last teaching protégé and founder and director of The Meisner Technique Studio in San Francisco (where I completed my acting training just over two years ago). I firmly believe that studying with Jim played a huge role in my unmasking journey and in starting this podcast. Jim talks about the craft of not trying to "be good" and not giving in to what people think. We also discuss developing strategies to get things done, and how many high masking people end up becoming actors or even artists in general.

In this episode I talk with Manisha Snoyer, host of the "Teach your Kids" podcast and founder of MasteryHour and Cottage Class.

Manisha has been a homeschooling expert and advocate for many years and has built unique curriculum planners for 200 different archetypes of students

Manisha talks about the benefits of a homeschooling environment, particularly when it comes to accommodating kids that are neurodivergent or have learning disabilities

Learn more here about the nine learning profiles for kids with learning disabilities and differences: https://teachyourkids.substack.com/p/cognitive-diversity-and-homeschooling

In this episode I bring my friend Ashra (also known as @autisticthrifter on Instagram) back on the podcast to talk about her experiences studying psychology as an autistic student, working as a TA at Harvard, and filling a huge gap in the neurodistinct community by hosting support groups for autistic adults.

Check out Ashra's website for more information regarding support groups: https://autisticthrifter.org/

*Feel free to check out my first episode with Ashra (Episode 127) as well if you'd like

In this episode I talk about why many of us Neurodistinct folks, particularly those with RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) struggle even more than our neurotypical peers when it comes to recovering from arguments.

In this episode my friend A and I talk about the nuances of his experiences growing up in Russia, the UK and US. We also talk about many subtopics such as masking, diagnosis disclosure, navigating the dating world and TV shows that do a poor job of representing the actual autistic experience from the inside rather than what it looks like to non-autistic people.

In this episode I talk about the division I have been noticing amongst the autistic community and why we shouldn't assume someone's support needs if we don't know them personally and have no idea of what they have been through in life. High maskers are really good at hiding their struggles and support needs can also fluctuate many times throughout a single week or in some cases even throughout a single day.

In this episode I break down why I feel like we shouldn't be judging people for advocating in their own ways, or we would be enforcing the very systems that we challenge every day.

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 my friend Ashra and I talk about the HBO show "Girls", by Leena Dunham. We discuss the unfair perceptions towards the main character, Hannah, and the possibility of some characters being neurodivergent coded.

In this episode I have a great conversation my family member Rick. He talks all about his experiences growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, as well as navigating life as a teacher, and now a husband and parent as well.

In this episode I talk with late diagnosed autistic life coach Michelle Markman. We talk about early life experiences, getting diagnosed, and our mission to help other neurodistinct understand and accept themselves, as well as advocate for their needs.

*Check out Michelle's website at https://michellemarkman.com/ :)

In this episode I talk about the different support need levels of Autism, why functioning labels are harmful and the pizza graph of Autism traits.

In this episode I ask my cousin Lucy a few questions and we have a nice conversation about her experience with ADHD, how medication has been helpful for her to manage certain struggles such as executive dysfunction and how she has also been able to recognize the positive traits of her ADHD and use her hyperactivity and special interests in fitness and sports to her advantage.

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 six month anniversary special episode, my friend X and I talk more in depth about dealing with the burnout that can result from navigating social situations as neurodistinct individuals in a world that is not often kind to us.

*References - brave.dave https://www.tiktok.com/@brave.dave?lang=en - Parrot video calls https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/04/21/science/parrots-video-chat-facetime.html

In this episode I talk about the experience of having paralyzing bouts of anxiety as an autistic person and projecting very negative thoughts on to situations that turn out to not be as severe as they can feel like

In this episode my friend Faina and I share experiences around neuronormative job experiences and expectations and how hard it can be to navigate those as neurodistinct individuals.

In this episode I explain why many people might seem to have less ability to do certain things after a diagnosis of Autism or ADHD, when in reality they just have a better understanding of how their brain works and more confidence in setting boundaries with others based on discovering they do in fact have a disability.

In this episode I thank everyone for reaching 10,000 downloads, recognize countries with the highest amount of streams and reflect on the original goals of this podcast, which still stand strong today.

In this episode I explain why I personally don't resonate with the term "autistic traits", because being autistic (to me) is about the frequency, intensity and ability to regulate certain sensitivities and mannerisms, not the experiences of the sensitivities and mannerisms themselves.

In this episode I talk about how ableism is still strongly tied in to immigration laws and give examples of two countries in particular, including a case involving a Korean family with an autistic child in Australia.

In this episode I talk with Iris Warchall (she/they), an autistic physical therapist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Iris talks about their journey as a late identified autistic person, what led them to pursue a career as a physical therapist and some main things that need to change in order for the medical field to become more neurodiversity affirming.

Check out Iris' website: https://iriswarchall.com/

In this short bonus episode, I talk about a conversation I overheard in between two ladies that was laced with internalized ableism and made me sad.

In this episode my friend Maeve returns to the podcast to talk about the ups and downs of sharing her ADHD diagnosis with her family and confronting dated stigmas and stereotypes surrounding ADHD, Autism and neurodiversity in general.

*Apologies for the muffled sound in the first few seconds of the recording

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 my friend X and I talk about our perspectives on the holidays and mention a few tips for navigating them as neurodivergent folks.

In this episode I ask my mom a few questions about what it was like raising an undiagnosed autistic child and advocating for accommodations in the late 1990s and early 2000s. We also talk about what it was like when I finally got diagnosed in 2010 at age 16.

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 passionately break down a recent article published by the SF Chronicle which highlights a study by UCSF which pushes the ableist narrative of trying to "fix" or "treat" autistic folks instead of listening to their experiences and making society more accommodating. I give specific examples on certain accommodations that can be made in terms of autistic experiences such as sensory sensitivities and social communication differences, rather than spending so much money and effort on "treatments".

(Link to the mentioned article: https://www.sfchronicle.com/science/article/autism-ucsf-ai-study-18520353.php)

In this episode I talk with Joanne Seymon about the story behind "Kaiko Fidgets", a fidget tool company that Joanne and her son Kai founded together. Joanne and I also talk about how fidget tools can be essential for hyperactive kids and adults who may struggle with self harm or simply need self stimulation in order to focus or regulate sensory input

*Check out the Kaiko Fidgets website through the link below :)

https://kaikofidgets.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopbP36vHFtzRiA0OeqBESq3tSOw-RBa6y2cJM68xDWgzhMn_t6m

In this episode my friend X breaks down a recent problematic article published in the UK from the perspective of an ADHD journalist with a masters in digital culture and society at Kings College London. We also discuss possible new names for ADHD, using the term "attention regulation" rather than disorder. Our cats make brief appearances as well.

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 talk about one of the most relatable things among neurodistinct folks: hyperactivity related sleep troubles. I also give a few examples of certain strategies that may be helpful for some folks experiencing trouble sleeping.

*Remember every neurodistinct person is different and has their own preferences and strategies that would best for them.

In this episode I honor Judy Heumann, known as the mother of the disability rights movement.

In this episode I explain the concept of the neurodiversity umbrella and the different conditions it can encompass. I also explain the definitions of terms such as neurodiverse, neurodivergent and neuroqueer.

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 talk about what the term "Aspie Supremacy" means and the importance of acknowledging intersectionality within the autistic community.

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.

For this episode, as we approach Autism Acceptance Month, I give a brief history "Autism awareness month" and explain why many autistics (including myself) prefer to say "Awareness and Acceptance" and how non-autistic people can be good allies and help make the world more accommodating to autistic folks, instead of pushing "cures" and "treatments", which are rooted in the old ableist eugenics narrative of Hans Asperger and the hate group "Autism Speaks" (tune in to Episode 14 of this podcast if you'd like to learn more about why you shouldn't support this organization and who to support instead).

In this episode I talk about the strong connection in between ableism and capitalism, how they work together and why this can be so damaging for many neurodistinct individuals.

In this episode I explain the deal with "autistic traits" and why we experience things such as sensory overload and meltdowns very differently than how our neurotypical peers experience them.

In this episode I explain why I feel like the HSP label is a way for undiagnosed high masking autistics with internalized ableism to speak about their experiences while avoiding the word Autism, which can harm the greater autistic community by keeping Autism stigmatized and tabooed.*I acknowledge that everyone has the right to use whatever label feels best for them. In this episode I am simply pointing out why I personally feel uncomfortable with the HSP label.

In this episode, I give an update on why I have been absent lately and some ideas I have been having regarding the future of this podcast.

In this episode I explain why many autistics like myself need to know as much detail as possible about an outing in order to feel safe and comfortable.

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 talk with fellow actor and MTS alum Precious Prado about her experience being diagnosed with ADHD in her early 20s and how it led her to better accept and understand herself, while also advocating for her support needs to be met.

In this episode, my friend X and I discuss sleep and the inherent difficulties many neurodivergent people face when trying to establish a routine that works for them.

Attached below are resources and links mentioned throughout the episode:

- The Neuroscience of Sleep and its Disorders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-AFJDcoeZA&list=PL_Sk6QhBQ1okzwlQaT10uRHQbiAq5kC5K

- The Overlooked Connection Between ADHD and Sleep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Eb-0VYN0k8&t=7s

- Sleepwalk With Me: https://open.spotify.com/album/2Eawhb5HaFqFAARajud7hu

- Sleep Problems & ADHD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuHLAzCc5_M

- Lavender sleep spray: https://www.thisworks.com/products/deep-sleep-pillow-spray-75ml?srsltid=AfmBOoqmC3MvfeL5hvx8_jQ0jUGMctWtmcO_gNPpa9JG0W2UEK1Su-AX

- Eucalyptus sheets: https://ethicalbedding.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu-63BhC9ARIsAMMTLXQ9vPxW0mOeCNK1IQXw2fdyjh2g18dSGzT-FkKxMxMby9hVT7bW_qcaAlYMEALw_wcB

In this episode I talk about one of the most harmful long standing stereotypes out there: the myth around autistic people not having empathy. The reality of the matter is that we experience less cognitive empathy but more emotional empathy than non-autistics. Tune in to learn more.

In this episode I talk with Ayelet Schrek, a fellow neurodivergent queer educator who is also physically disabled. Ayalet talks about the intersectionality of those identities and their personal experience living in a society that doesn't properly accommodate different ways of thinking and being.

In this episode I talk a little bit about auditory processing delays in autistic individuals and a recent study from Case Western Reserve University and the University of Toronto that revealed that autistic brains process substantially higher amounts of information at rest compared to neurotypical brains.

I also talk about why listening to and considering the lived experiences of autistic people is so crucial for everyone to have a better understanding of autism and neurodiversity.

In this episode, I talk with my friend Andrew Forster, whom I met at a Square Pegs meetup group for autistic adults up in Seattle a few weeks ago. Andrew and I talk about weather, TV shows, feeling misunderstood, food and more.

In this episode I talk a little about differences in between autistic and neurotypical communication styles and the reasoning behind these differences.

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 acknowledge that ND people aren't perfect and can make mistakes as well.

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 talk about why due to hyperfocus, literal thinking and past traumas, many autistics can thrive when there is a crisis or emergency and swift action needs to be taken.

In this episode I dive deeper in to the nuances of masking and how at the same time as it can be very detrimental to our mental health, it can also be a survival tool that keeps many autistic people safe in certain situations.

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 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, my longtime friend and basketball trainer Jerome Gumbs and I talk a little bit about our own unique experiences navigating life, taking positive lessons from negative experiences and creating environments where people can thrive by feeling accepted and motivated to pursue their dreams and goals, even if those are considered ambitious or outlandish by others.

LINK TO VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzLqTIURMyg

LINK TO EMPOWER ME ACADEMY WEBSITE: https://www.empowermeacademy.net/

In this episode my friend Faina and I share experiences around substance abuse, and talk about our experiences being misunderstood and mislabeled by society as neurodivergent individuals.

In this episode my cousin Susannah talks about growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and later coming to the realization that she was neurodistinct after already being married and having two small children.

In this very special episode, I talk with neurodistinct burnout restoration specialist Carole Jean Whittington from the "Beyond Autistic Burnout" Talk show

Link to get your ticket to the ENERGIZE & RESTORE Experience Day

https://resources.mindyourautisticbrain.com/products/courses/view/1154816

Link to pre-order Carole Jean's book, “Unleashing Sustainable Energy: A Strategic Approach to Transforming Spicy Burnout for ADHD/Autistic Professionals”https://resources.mindyourautisticbrain.com/spicyburnout

In this episode my father and I talk about his experience growing up with undiagnosed ADHD in the 1970s and 1980s, what it was like to get a diagnosis just a couple years ago, after living almost 50 years and having 3 children. We also talk about what it was like raising an undiagnosed autistic child in the 1990s and early 2000s.