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The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
From the Archives: Diagnosed Late, Advocating Loud with Becky Bishop
Season 2, Ep. 4
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What happens when a late diagnosis finally gives you language for experiences you have carried for years?
In this archived episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz and former volunteer co-host Tayaba Khan sit down with Becky Bishop to explore late diagnosis, Neurodiversity, education reform, advocacy, and the importance of creating systems where Neurodivergent people can genuinely thrive.
Becky reflects on receiving a diagnosis later in life and the mix of validation, clarity, and reflection that can come with finally understanding your Neurodivergence. She discusses the challenges of moving through life without that context, as well as the questions that can emerge around missed support, misunderstood experiences, and opportunities that may have looked different with earlier recognition.
The conversation also turns toward education.
Paul, Tayaba, and Becky discuss the barriers Neurodivergent learners can face, including the ways women with ADHD and other Neurodivergent people may be overlooked, misunderstood, or expected to succeed within systems that do not adequately account for neurological differences.
Rather than focusing on what Neurodivergent people need to “fix” about themselves, Becky emphasizes the importance of examining the environments around them.
True inclusion requires more than accommodation after barriers appear. It means designing education, support, and community with different ways of thinking, learning, communicating, and participating in mind from the beginning.
Many Neurodivergent people spend years knowing that something feels different without having the language, recognition, or support to understand why.
A later diagnosis can provide important answers, but it can also raise difficult questions about the past.
Becky’s story reminds us that understanding Neurodivergence is not only about individual diagnosis. It is also about the systems surrounding Neurodivergent people.
When schools, workplaces, and communities expect everyone to learn, communicate, or participate in the same way, barriers are created.
Meaningful inclusion asks a different question:
How can we create environments that recognize neurological differences from the beginning rather than asking people to continually adapt to systems that exclude them?
That question remains just as relevant today as when this conversation was originally recorded.
Becky Bishop is an advocate for Neurodiversity, inclusive education, and equitable learning opportunities.
Her work focuses on increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and helping create environments where Neurodivergent individuals can be understood, supported, and empowered.
Learn, Develop, Succeed supports Neurodivergent individuals through education, community, and programs designed to build confidence, belonging, and personal growth.
Website: ldsociety.ca
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/becky-bishop-31858a283
Neurodivergent people should not have to succeed in spite of inaccessible systems.
Diagnosis and self-understanding can provide important clarity, but meaningful change also requires schools, workplaces, and communities to recognize different ways of learning, thinking, communicating, and participating.
When we move beyond deficit-based thinking and begin removing barriers, we create more space for belonging, confidence, advocacy, and opportunity.
If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with an educator, parent, advocate, or someone working toward a more inclusive future.
Featured Guest: Becky Bishop
Host: Paul Cruz
Former Volunteer Co-Host: Tayaba Khan
Topics: ADHD, Autism, Neurodiversity, Neurodivergent identity, late diagnosis, women with ADHD, education reform, inclusive education, accessibility, mental health, advocacy, educational equity, Becky Bishop, Neurodiversity Voices
About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
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The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience.
Hosted by Paul Cruz.
Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com
LinkedIn • YouTube:
@neurodiversityvoicespodcast
Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice.
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3. From the Archives: Different by Design — Autism, Neurodivergent Identity & Self-Discovery with Tamsyn Hawken
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2. Why FASD Belongs in the Neurodiversity Conversation with Kathy Unsworth
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1. When ADHD Is Misunderstood: A Parent’s Fight for Support, Safety, and Educational Reform
01:01:59||Season 2, Ep. 1We are now on our second season.In this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, Paul speaks with Grace Lee, a mother and advocate whose family’s experience with ADHD, special education, and school discipline revealed serious gaps in how schools understand neurodivergent children.Grace shares how her son’s ADHD, emotional dysregulation, and need for behavioral support were misunderstood as defiance, eventually leading to a school disciplinary incident involving law enforcement and the juvenile justice system. She discusses IEPs, Behavior Intervention Plans, Manifestation Determination Reviews, documentation, advocacy burnout, and the importance of connection over punishment.This conversation is a powerful look at what happens when systems fail to recognize neurodivergent children’s needs — and what parents, educators, administrators, and policymakers can do differently.ADHD, neurodiversity, neurodivergent children, emotional dysregulation, school discipline, special education, IEP, Behavior Intervention Plan, BIP, Functional Behavior Assessment, FBA, Manifestation Determination Review, MDR, disability rights, parent advocacy, school-to-prison pipeline, juvenile justice, educational reform, de-escalation, trauma-informed education, ADHD parenting, neurodivergent students, educational advocacy16. From Masking to Meaning: Robert "Bob" Schmus on Autism, Mental Health, and Living Authentically
49:57||Season 1, Ep. 16What does it feel like to grow up knowing you're different but not understanding why?This interview was recorded in audio format only, as preferred by our guest.In this heartfelt episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Robert "Bob" Schmus, a licensed clinical social worker, autism advocate, public speaker, writer, and creator of Bob's Neuro Tidbits.Bob shares his deeply personal journey from feeling isolated as a child to receiving an autism diagnosis at age 15 during one of the darkest periods of his life. That diagnosis didn't define him—it helped him finally understand himself.Together, Paul and Bob explore the importance of self-acceptance, why masking can be emotionally exhausting, how stimming supports emotional regulation, and why autistic people deserve understanding rather than attempts to "fix" them.As both an autistic adult and a therapist, Bob offers a unique perspective on neurodiversity-affirming care, explaining how lived experience allows him to meet clients with empathy, compassion, and authenticity. He also shares the powerful story of overcoming low expectations after being told that living independently and attending college wasn't realistic—going on to earn both his bachelor's and master's degrees while building a meaningful career helping others.Throughout the conversation, Bob reminds us that every autistic person has their own journey, their own strengths, and their own voice. His message is simple but profound: listen first, seek understanding, and never underestimate what someone can achieve.Whether you're autistic, neurodivergent, a parent, educator, therapist, healthcare professional, or someone wanting to better understand autism, this episode offers encouragement, insight, and hope.In this episode, we discuss:Receiving an autism diagnosis and finding self-understandingGrowing up feeling different before having the language to explain itThe emotional toll of masking and autistic burnoutWhy stimming is a healthy form of self-regulationSelf-acceptance and embracing authenticityNeurodiversity-affirming therapyMental health challenges affecting autistic adultsAnxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional regulationDefying low expectations and building an independent lifeWhy listening is one of the greatest forms of supportConnect with Robert "Bob" Schmus• LinkedIn: Robert Schmus, MSW, LCSW• Instagram: @vintage_bob_1989• Bob's Neuro Tidbits• SpeakerHub• The MightyIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and share The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast. Every conversation helps create a more understanding, compassionate, and inclusive world.Choose nuance. Choose understanding. And keep the conversation going.autism, autistic adults, autism diagnosis, late autism diagnosis, masking autism, autistic masking, neurodiversity, neurodiversity affirming therapy, autism, advocate, autistic therapist, autism and mental health, anxiety and autism, depression and autism, autistic burnout, autistic self-acceptance, stimming, emotional regulation, autism awareness, neurodivergent, Robert Bob Schmus, The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
15. The Power of Mattering: Rethinking Disability, Inclusion, and Belonging with Carmen Farrell
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14. Rethinking Neurodiversity: Inclusive Systems, Autism & ADHD Communication, and the Future of Accessibility with Justine Jecker
54:19||Season 1, Ep. 14We've been taught there's a "right" way to think, communicate, and behave. But what if that's the problem?In this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Justine Jecker to explore how neurodiversity is reshaping our understanding of communication, systems, accessibility, and human difference.This conversation goes beyond awareness. It challenges how workplaces operate, how healthcare communicates, and how society defines "normal."Together, Paul and Justine examine what happens when we move away from trying to fix individuals and instead focus on redesigning the systems around them. They discuss communication differences, accessibility, workplace inclusion, healthcare experiences, and why embracing neurodiversity benefits everyone—not just neurodivergent people.In this episode, you'll hear about:• Rethinking traditional assumptions about communication and behaviour• Neurodiversity in healthcare and workplace systems• Autism and ADHD communication differences• Accessibility as a systems issue rather than an individual issue• Creating environments that support diverse ways of thinking• Challenging definitions of "normal."• Inclusive design and systems change• Building communities and organizations where everyone can thriveKey TakeawayIf there's one idea to carry forward from this episode, it's this:"When we stop trying to fix people, we start building systems that actually work for everyone."Connect with Justine JeckerConnect with Justine on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/justine-v-jeckerLearn more about neurodiversity in healthcare, workplace inclusion, and systems-based approaches to accessibility.Subscribe & SupportIf this conversation resonated with you, follow The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast for more conversations about neurodiversity, accessibility, systems change, inclusion, and lived experience.Your support helps amplify neurodivergent voices and create meaningful conversations that foster understanding, belonging, and positive change.Neurodiversity, Autism, ADHD, Accessibility, Inclusion, Workplace Inclusion, Healthcare Accessibility, Systems Change, Neurodivergent, Advocacy, Neurodiversity Voices, Podcast
13. Autism, Not Attitude: Why Workplaces Misunderstand Neurodivergent Employees with Felicia Davis
01:29:13||Season 1, Ep. 13What if what looks like "attitude" is actually miscommunication?In this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Felicia M. L. Davis to explore how autism and ADHD show up in everyday conversations, workplaces, and relationships—and why so many neurodivergent people are misunderstood.From literal thinking and missed social cues to masking, burnout, and workplace bias, this conversation reveals the hidden cost of not understanding how different brains work. Together, Paul and Felicia examine how communication differences are often misinterpreted and why those misunderstandings can affect careers, relationships, mental health, and a person's sense of belonging.The discussion also explores what leaders, managers, organizations, and communities can do right now to create more inclusive, productive, and supportive environments.If you're a manager, partner, educator, or someone who has ever felt misunderstood, this episode may change how you think about communication.In this episode, you'll hear about:• Autism and ADHD communication differences• Literal thinking and social communication challenges• Masking and the hidden cost of fitting in• Neurodivergent burnout and workplace stress• Why communication is often mistaken for attitude• Workplace inclusion and leadership strategies• Building psychologically safe environments• Supporting neurodivergent employees, colleagues, and loved onesAbout Felicia M. L. DavisFelicia M. L. Davis is an advocate, speaker, and business leader who brings lived experience and practical insight to conversations about autism, ADHD, leadership, and inclusion.In this episode, she shares her personal journey toward diagnosis and the lessons she has learned navigating work, communication, relationships, and systems that often misunderstand neurodivergent minds.Felicia is also the co-author of the upcoming book:Autism, Not Attitude: Neurodivergence at Work and in RelationshipsLearn more at:feliciamldavis.com/bookEunoia Thinking:www.eunoiathinking.comThis episode is especially valuable for:• Neurodivergent adults• Managers and team leaders• HR and DEI professionals• Spouses and family members• Educators and support professionals• Anyone who wants to better understand communication differences and build more inclusive environmentsWhy this conversation mattersToo many neurodivergent people spend years being misunderstood before they are ever supported. This episode brings language, clarity, and compassion to experiences that are often dismissed, misread, or overlooked.Felicia reminds us that understanding neurodivergence is not about lowering expectations. It's about creating the conditions for people to thrive.Share This EpisodeIf this conversation resonated with you, consider sharing it with:• A manager• An HR leader• An educator• A spouse or family member• Someone exploring whether they may be neurodivergentBecause understanding changes everything.Subscribe & SupportIf you enjoyed this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with others.Your support helps amplify neurodivergent voices, increase understanding, and create a more inclusive world where every mind belongs.Neurodiversity, Autism, ADHD, Workplace Inclusion, Accessibility, Leadership, Neurodivergent, Communication, Inclusion, Human Resources, Disability Inclusion, Neurodiversity Voices, Podcast
12. Late Autism Diagnosis, Neuroqueerness & The Autistic Arcana with Erica Settino
01:08:52||Season 1, Ep. 12What happens when a late diagnosis doesn't just explain your past—it reshapes how you move through the present?In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Erica Settino to explore late-identified autism, ADHD (combined type), neuroqueerness, alexithymia, and the ongoing journey of unmasking.Erica shares the validation and clarity that came with receiving a diagnosis later in life, alongside the grief, reflection, and compassion that emerged for the younger version of herself who navigated the world without support or understanding.Together, Paul and Erica discuss identity, parenting a neurodivergent child, self-discovery, and what it means to rebuild a relationship with yourself after years of masking and misunderstanding.The conversation also explores the role of creativity, spirituality, and self-expression in the neurodivergent experience. Erica shares how poetry became a nonlinear container for truth-telling, why nature and animals offer connection and unconditional grace, and how activism can become more sustainable through art, storytelling, and care.Erica also introduces her forthcoming book, The Autistic Arcana—a neurodivergent approach to tarot, magic, and the Major Arcana that explores self-understanding through a neurodiversity-affirming lens.In this episode, you'll hear about:• Late autism diagnosis and identity discovery• ADHD (combined type) and neurodivergent experiences• Neuroqueerness and self-understanding• Alexithymia and emotional awareness• Unmasking and healing from years of misunderstanding• Parenting a neurodivergent child• Creativity, poetry, and personal expression• Nature, animals, and belonging• Sustainable activism and community care• Tarot, spirituality, and self-reflection as tools for understanding• The Autistic Arcana and neurodivergent approaches to meaning-makingWhy This Conversation MattersMany late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD adults experience a complex mix of validation, grief, relief, and self-discovery.Erica's story highlights the power of finding language for experiences that once felt confusing or isolating—and the freedom that can come from embracing your authentic self.If you've ever felt "too much," "not enough," or misunderstood, this conversation offers both language and permission.Featured ProjectThe Autistic Arcana (forthcoming)A neurodivergent approach to tarot, magic, and the Major Arcana that invites readers to explore self-understanding, reflection, and meaning through a neurodiversity-affirming perspective.Subscribe & SupportIf this episode resonated with you, please follow The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who may feel seen by this conversation.Your support helps amplify neurodivergent voices and create space for meaningful conversations about identity, belonging, self-discovery, and lived experience.Autism, ADHD, Late Diagnosis, Neuroqueer, Neurodiversity, Neurodivergent, Alexithymia, Unmasking, Autistic Adults, Identity, The Autistic Arcana, Erica Settino, Neurodiversity Voices, Podcast