In this episode of the Neurodiversity Voices podcast, host Paul Cruz and co-host Gino Akbari engage in a profound conversation with Becca Lory Hector, an openly autistic advocate and professional. Becca shares her journey of receiving a late autism diagnosis at age 36, the impact it had on her life, and how it fueled her passion for advocacy. The discussion delves into the challenges faced by autistic individuals, including stigma, ableism, and barriers to leadership opportunities. Becca also introduces her Self-Defined Living Course, which empowers autistic individuals to design fulfilling lives tailored to their unique needs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, collaboration, and the need for inclusive spaces that embrace neurodiversity. Becca’s insights on the quality of life research and the necessity of advocating for change resonate throughout the episode, culminating in a powerful message about embracing difference and fostering understanding in society.
