In the first episode of The Dialogues, Kassiane Asasumasu, Morénike Giwa-Onaiwu, Renae Martin, and Oswin Latimer explore the history, politics, and lived realities of Autistic advocacy.

Drawing on decades of experience within the Autistic and disability communities, the group discusses the growing use of terms such as “profound autism”, the complicated relationship between diagnosis and support needs, and what happens when disabled people are denied the resources and autonomy they need to live in their communities.

They also reflect on the history of Autistic-led organising, the early online communities that helped shape the neurodiversity movement, and the personal cost that advocacy has sometimes carried for the people doing the work.

Along the way, the conversation explores institutionalisation, disability rights, Medicaid and community-based support, the loss of Autistic community history, and why many of the battles being fought today feel remarkably familiar to those who have been fighting them for decades.

The Dialogues is produced in collaboration with Foundations for Divergent Minds for the Autistic Culture Podcast Network.

🎧The Dialogues is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com

🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcastnetwork.com

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @autisticculturepodcast

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"It's important to look at our environment." - Morénike Giwa Onaiwu

Oswin, Morenike, Kassiane and Renae return to explore the neurodiversity movement, from autistic “superpowers” and ADHD overlaps to the real challenges of access, sensory processing, and energy management. Learn how strength-based approaches, inclusive frameworks, and ethical perspectives can reshape how we understand and support neurodiverse lives.

🎧 Listen on:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7C4IU92E2STV5FEYglW38p?si=2871f993cd2e4bb6

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/herding-cats-by-fdm/id1790942374

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCVqD01Um_rapfF72HklUi8A

📌 Follow us:

Facebook: Foundations for Divergent Minds

Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: @FDMorg

💡 Want to support the show? Donate or sponsor for future seasons: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjI2ODQ1

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"We need funding and training." - Oswin Latimer

In this episode of Herding Cats, we dive deep into the realities of neurodiversity, advocacy, and inclusion. Hosts, Oswin, Renae, Kassiane, and Morenike unpack why society often frames neurodivergent expression as something to control rather than embrace, while also tackling the flaws in the ABA system and its impact on families. From breaking down Aspie supremacy and harmful misconceptions about evolution, to addressing how diversity, equity, and inclusion must truly represent all identities, this conversation shines a light on the urgent need for reform, empowerment, and funding in the neurodiversity movement.

You’ll gain insights into:

* Why linking neurodiversity advocacy to social justice matters.

* The hidden challenges of the ABA system and how parents can navigate it responsibly.

* The dangers of leaving out those who need the most support in the neurodiversity conversation.

* How funding, training, and historical context are critical for the future of advocacy.

This episode is a call to action for anyone passionate about creating authentic inclusion and respect for all neurodivergent people, not just the “high-functioning.”

📌 Follow us:

Facebook: Foundations for Divergent Minds

Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: @FDMorg

💡 Want to support the show? Donate or sponsor for future seasons: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjI2ODQ1

Learn more about @FDMorg : https://www.divergentminds.org/

📌 Follow us:

Facebook: Foundations for Divergent Minds

Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: @FDMorg

💡 Want to support the show? Donate or sponsor for future seasons: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjI2ODQ1

Learn more about @FDMorg : https://www.divergentminds.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"This is what RFKJr is funding." - Oswin Latimer

🔥 In this powerful episode, we unpack the myths and misconceptions about autism, spotlighting RFK’s controversial claims, the dark history of eugenics, and the dangerous role pseudoscience still plays in treatment approaches. The discussion explores how race, class, and systemic biases shape the autism narrative, while emphasizing the urgent need for awareness, advocacy, and community support. Parents, caregivers, and allies will gain critical insights into protecting autistic individuals from harmful practices and ensuring their humanity and dignity are always recognized.

📌 Follow us:

Facebook: Foundations for Divergent Minds

Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: @FDMorg

💡 Want to support the show? Donate or sponsor for future seasons: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjI2ODQ1

Learn more about @FDMorg : https://www.divergentminds.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"We exist offline. Like we do exist offline." - Oswin Latimer

Oswin, Morenike and Kassiane continue their conversation on the evolution of autism advocacy, the power of digital communities, and the need for inclusive, unstructured play. There is no mincing words as they address the evolving definition of community, both in the digital and physical world. The biggest points for consideration: centralized resources, the need for universal design, and accessible spaces for all.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

✅ Individualized support is vital, but a central hub for information is needed.

✅ Autism advocacy has evolved significantly, shaping public awareness and policy.

✅ Digital spaces impact how autistic individuals connect and socialize.

✅ Unstructured play fosters development and well-being.

✅ True inclusion means integrating accessible spaces into everyday environments.

✅ Universal design benefits everyone, not just the neurodiverse community.

✅ The rise in neurodiversity research is shaping a more inclusive future.

✅ Online communities offer support but can also lead to isolation.

✅ Small advocacy wins matter—celebrate progress!

✅ The future of neurodiversity is bright with growing awareness and resources.

Learn more about @FDMorg : https://www.divergentminds.org/

A huge thank you to Ablenet for sponsoring this season of Herding Cats!

🎧 Listen on:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7C4IU92...

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

YouTube : / @fdmorg

📌 Follow us:

Facebook: Foundations for Divergent Minds

Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: ‪@FDMorg‬

💡 Want to support the show? Donate or sponsor for future seasons: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjI2ODQ1

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"All you needed to do was apologize." - Kassiane Asasumasu

Join us for an eye-opening discussion on the neurodiversity movement, from the unique culture of autism conferences like Autreat to the evolution of accessibility tools like communication badges, this conversation highlights the ongoing fight for inclusion and understanding.

Oswin, Morénike and Kassiane dive into the politics of autism advocacy, the impact of digital socialization on neurodivergent youth, and the importance of unstructured play. They also tackle past controversies, the progress in autism awareness, and the push for more inclusive spaces.

🔹 The quirky nature of autism events

🔹 Sensory experiences & accessibility needs

🔹 The evolving language of autism advocacy

🔹 Why community support matters more than ever

Learn more about @FDMorg : https://www.divergentminds.org/

💬 How can we create a more inclusive world for neurodivergent individuals?

#Neurodiversity #AutismAwareness #Accessibility

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In this powerful episode of Herding Cats, Oswin, Morenike and Kassiane confront the harsh reality of violence against disabled individuals and the growing list of names remembered on the Disability Day of Mourning. They discuss the systemic failures, lack of support services, and the deep-rooted ableism that fuels these tragedies. As disability rights face growing threats, we explore the urgent need for community awareness, intersectional advocacy, and policy change to protect vulnerable individuals.

🔹 Why is the list of names increasing?

🔹 How do regressive policies impact disability rights?

🔹 What can we do to demand justice and systemic change?

Learn more from The Foundation of Divergent Minds: https://www.divergentminds.org/

🎧 Listen now and join the movement for disability justice.

#DisabilityRights #Ableism #DisabilityDayOfMourning #DisabilityAdvocacy #SocialJustice #Autism

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"I think we can still reignite all of this with people." - Oswin Latimer

In this insightful discussion, Foundations for Divergent Minds Board Members, Oswin, Morenike and Kassiane continue reminiscing as they dive into the radical roots and current stagnation of the neurodiversity movement. 🧠💡

The conversation unpacks:

✅ The history and evolution of neurodiversity activism

✅ How societal shifts have impacted the movement

✅ The tension between individualism & collective advocacy

✅ Burnout among activists and the need for better support systems

✅ The future of neurodiversity and the role of community engagement in driving real change

🌍 If you're passionate about neurodiversity, inclusion, and advocacy, this episode is a must-watch! Join the conversation and help shape the future of the movement.

Learn more about Foundations for Divergent Minds: https://www.divergentminds.org/

🔔 Subscribe now for more in-depth discussions on neurodiversity and social change!

#Neurodiversity #InclusionMatters #Advocacy #SyyaYasotornrat #NeurodiversityMovement #AutismAcceptance #DisabilityRights #CommunitySupport #Activism #BurnoutPrevention

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