Understanding Autism with Dr. Angela Kingdon

“Many people with autism gravitate toward leadership because of the traits and values of our culture… We’re born leaders because we’re born to see world-building vision.”  Today, we are joined by autistic advocate and host of the Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr. Angela Kingdon. Angela drops a science/history lesson, a ton of pop culture references, and some much-needed thoughts on neurodiversity in the workplace and leadership. Listen in to find out: - What Angela’s learned about herself and this awesome community since being diagnosed in 2012. - Why understanding the things neurodivergent folks have to know about themselves (to accommodate their environments) would benefit 100% of people, neurodivergent or not. - The horrifying story of why we don’t use the term Asperger’s anymore. - Why leaders must develop cultural literacy around differences (aside from the fact that it benefits them too). - Some great anecdotes about autistic people, inventions, and culture. “Autistics have been around forever – they created the first stone tools, but it wasn’t a label or diagnosis until 1943.” “Taylor Swift and her great aunt, Emily Dickinson, are both perfect examples of autistic traits.” “When people are neurotypical, they’re so used to assuming their way is the way. One-size-fits-all isn’t real, and that does need to shift.” — Dr. Angela Kingdon is a dynamic autistic advocate, author, and speaker, renowned for her impactful work in promoting neurodiversity and supporting autistic individuals. As the host of the Autistic Culture Podcast, Angela shares her experiences and insights as a late-diagnosed autistic person, aiming to create a more inclusive and understanding society. Angela's journey began with a diagnosis at the age of 39, which she describes as a turning point that allowed her to embrace her unique neurodiverse perspective fully. Leveraging her lifelong special interest in non-fiction, she founded Difference Press™ and created The Author Incubator™, a program that has helped nearly 2,000 entrepreneurs write, publish, and promote their books. Angela's expertise and dedication have led her company to remarkable success, with her clients' books reaching millions of readers and generating significant revenue. Angela holds a B.A. and an M.A. in Journalism and Media Affairs from George Washington University and a Ph.D. in Communications from the European Graduate School as well as a graduate certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility from the Unviersity of Colorado Boulder. She is also a bestselling author of eight books, including neurodiversity-affirming titles like The Equalizing Quill and Make ‘Em Beg To Work For You, which have earned her acclaim and recognition in the publishing industry. Angela is not just an advocate; she is a beacon of inspiration, empowering autistic individuals and educating the broader community about the value of neurodiversity. Her advocacy extends beyond her professional work. She actively engages with audiences through social media platforms and her podcast, sharing her story and encouraging others to understand and embrace neurodiversity. Her commitment to making the world a safer and more inclusive place for neurodivergent people is evident in her storytelling, public speaking, and educational efforts designed to foster neuroinclusive workplaces and provide valuable insights into the benefits of neurodiverse teams and strategies for creating supportive environments for autistic individuals. Regulating Stims: echolalic singing, nail-biting, fidget bubble poppers Alliterative SPINs: Hamlet, Hamilton, John Hamm Website: https://angelakingdon.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelakingdon/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autisticculturepodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drangelakingdon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AutisticCulturePodcast