The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

What if what looks like “attitude” is actually miscommunication?

What happens when a society decides your value is measured solely by what you produce?In this thought-provoking conversation, Helena St. George explores the chilling premise behind her novel Shattered but Not Silenced—a dystopian world where productivity determines survival. Drawing from her lived experience as a parent of neurodivergent children, Helena unpacks the emotional, political, and human stakes behind systems that prioritize output over humanity.This episode dives deep into autonomy, advocacy, quiet resistance, and what it truly means to be valued as a person—not a function.Powerful Moments“My art is my voice. Maybe one day they’ll listen.”“I didn’t want to make her likable—I wanted to make her relatable.”“The tragedy isn’t her autism. It’s the system.”“If you can lick a stamp, you’re employable… except stamps are self-stick now.”Who This Episode Is ForListeners interested in neurodiversity & advocacyFans of dystopian fiction with real-world parallelsParents navigating education systems and support servicesAnyone questioning how society defines value and successFinal ReflectionThis episode challenges a deeply ingrained belief: that our worth is tied to what we produce.Instead, it offers a more human truth—That value comes from perspective, presence, and individuality.Resources & LinksHelena St. George’s website: helenastgeorge.comShattered but Not Silenced - https://helenastgeorge.com/shattered-not-silencedClosing ThoughtIf a system only values productivity…Then resistance begins the moment you decide your humanity is enough.If this episode resonates, follow the show and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Donation/Support: https://donate.stripe.com/3cI14o2yP4oIdnQ3BTaIM00?locale=en&__embed_source=buy_btn_1TBR5jKBQBNitX9LljVc0mAkPatreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/14218572/join#no_universalAdvertise: https://www.neurodiversityvoices.com/advertisewithusInstagram/Youtube/LinkedIn: @neurodiversityvoicespodcastWebsite: https://shows.acast.com/the-neurodiversity-voices-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you spend years advocating for your autistic child…only to discover that you’re autistic too?In this special April episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, Paul Cruz sits down with Julie Green to explore late autism diagnosis, motherhood, masking, and identity.This episode is also a milestone.It marks the first anniversary of the podcastAnd coincides with World Autism Awareness DayTogether, these moments create space not just for awareness—but for reflection, nuance, and deeper understanding.Julie shares how her understanding of autism evolved—from early stereotypes shaped by media to a deeply personal realization that reframed her entire life.This conversation is about more than diagnosis.It’s about moving from self-blame → self-understanding, and learning to extend that same compassion to the next generation.As we recognize World Autism Awareness Day this April, this conversation invites us to move beyond awareness toward:understandingacceptanceand systems-level changeIt also marks one year of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast—a year of centering lived experience, nuance, and meaningful conversations.Resources & LinksLearn more about Julie Green: https://juliemgreen.ca/Explore her memoir Motherness: https://juliemgreen.ca/books-1Donation/Support: https://donate.stripe.com/3cI14o2yP4oIdnQ3BTaIM00?locale=en&__embed_source=buy_btn_1TBR5jKBQBNitX9LljVc0mAkPatreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/14218572/join#no_universalAdvertise: https://www.neurodiversityvoices.com/advertisewithusInstagram/Youtube/LinkedIn: @neurodiversityvoicespodcastWebsite: https://shows.acast.com/the-neurodiversity-voices-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this reflective conversation, Paul sits down with Zack Yarde, neurodiversity researcher, systems thinker, and longtime leader in human services.Together they explore a question many neurodivergent people quietly carry:What happens when you realize the problem might not be you — but the system you're trying to exist inside?Zack shares insights from his work on workplace inclusion, leadership, and community spaces, including tabletop gaming environments that intentionally foster psychological safety.Rather than offering quick fixes, this episode invites listeners into a deeper conversation about curiosity, systems thinking, and the ways neurodivergent people are often asked to carry the burden of change alone.If you've ever questioned whether you're "too much," "not enough," or built differently than the systems around you, this episode is for you.Memorable Moments"We might get a good idea that helps one group — but when we apply it to everyone, we can accidentally exclude even more people.""Stop blaming yourself for being your own manifestation of neurodivergence.""True independence actually requires community."About the Guest:Zack Yarde is a neurodiversity researcher, leadership practitioner, and systems thinker focused on building more inclusive workplaces and communities.His work explores how organizational systems, leadership practices, and culture shape accessibility, psychological safety, and employee agency.Alongside his professional work, Zack is also involved in tabletop role-playing communities, where he facilitates collaborative storytelling spaces that support creativity and belonging.Connect With ZackLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackyarde/Donation/Support: https://donate.stripe.com/3cI14o2yP4oIdnQ3BTaIM00?locale=en&__embed_source=buy_btn_1TBR5jKBQBNitX9LljVc0mAkPatreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/14218572/join#no_universalAdvertise: https://www.neurodiversityvoices.com/advertisewithusInstagram/Youtube/LinkedIn: @neurodiversityvoicespodcastWebsite: https://shows.acast.com/the-neurodiversity-voices-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At what point do you stop asking "What's wrong with me?" and start asking "What's wrong with the system?"In this episode, Paul sits down with neurodiversity researcher Zack Yarde to unpack one of the most important mindset shifts for neurodivergent individuals: you are not the problem.Zach shares powerful insights on self-acceptance, the pressure to fit "typical" presentations of neurodivergence, and why organizations often fail at true inclusion. Together, they explore where inclusion efforts break down—systems, leadership, or culture—and why all three must work together to create meaningful change.This conversation is a reminder that authenticity isn't a weakness—it's a strength.The full episode of this conversation goes live on March 25.Make sure you're subscribed to The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast so you don't miss it—and be ready to join the conversation when it drops.Donation/Support: https://donate.stripe.com/3cI14o2yP4oIdnQ3BTaIM00?locale=en&__embed_source=buy_btn_1TBR5jKBQBNitX9LljVc0mAkPatreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/14218572/join#no_universalAdvertise: https://www.neurodiversityvoices.com/advertisewithusInstagram/Youtube/LinkedIn: @neurodiversityvoicespodcastWebsite: https://shows.acast.com/the-neurodiversity-voices-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.