Do you stumble over your words – and actions – when it comes to autism & Autistic people? Or aren’t often understood when describing your own experiences with autism?
Not sure how to better meet the needs of Autistic colleagues, vendors, or customers?
Gain valuable insights from this panel of talented Autistic individuals to enhance your understanding at work, home, and in the wider world. Join host Lindsey T. H. Jackson in this virtual fireside chat and community event.
Unlearning Ableism: World Autism Month was a live, virtual panel event hosted by Lindsey T. H. Jackson on Wednesday, April 5th. We came together, helping ‘neurodivergent’ and ‘neurotypical’ people alike to unlearn some of the myths and misconceptions about autism and autistic people in your work and everyday life.
Catch the replay to join us in unlearning ableism and celebrating the diverse Autistic community!
Unlearn & Learn About:
– Ways to embrace and support your Autistic colleagues and loved ones
– An intersectional view into the impacts and lived experiences of Autism
– Person-first language vs. identity-first language (ex. “Person with Autism, or Autistic Person”)
– How Human Resources and People Ops leaders play a key role in shaping an Autistic colleague’s experience (and how they can avoid compounding discrimination)
– Medical diagnosis vs. self-diagnosis as tools
– The (to-date, largely White) #unmasking movement – how can this be more intersectional?
– And, the questions our community asked in the final Q&A.
Kim Merrikin (she/her): a human person who exists at the intersection of womanhood, autism, fatness, and probably many other things—but those are the ones that impact her day to day most. She has spent most of her career in justice-oriented communications and marketing, and is deeply passionate about ethical storytelling and truth in marketing. Outside of work, you can find her playing hockey, surfing (or as she puts it, “at least trying to”), paddle boarding, swimming, exploring outdoors, lowkey chasing coastal storms, and advocating for inclusivity—especially for fat/large-bodied women—in outdoor and athletic spaces. Connect at Kim-Merrikin.com, LinkedIn, or on her Instagram @movefatgirl.
Merlin Star (any pronouns): a nonbinary Black neurodivergent individual that fights racism, loves mathematics, and frequently reads. Merlin holds a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a Master’s in Quantitative Psychology. Learn more about them at MerlinJStar.com and on the website Autism and Intersectionality where they bring an intersectional lens to organizations and individuals who are ready to become more inclusive of neurodiversity. Merlin has experience and interest in ethical data science, quantitative psychology, and interdisciplinary work.
Shamus Hart (he/him): a UX Lead at the intersection of Autism advocacy and cutting-edge user experience design. You can find Shamus’s incredibly open, honest writing about his experience as an Autistic person in his personal life and work on Medium. Experience his work with Autism Awareness Australia, his UXD at Qantas on LinkedIn, or read his personal Medium articles here.
Lindsey T. H. Jackson (she/her): Fondly recognized as “America’s DEI Teacher,” Lindsey is the host for these Unlearning conversations in our shared community space. She is leading a more diverse, equitable and inclusive future of work as a DEI Consultant and Lead Executive Officer at the consulting firm LTHJ Global and new DEI tech-enabled platform, Sojourn. You can learn more from her on LinkedIn, Instagram or right here on the LTHJ Global site.
Register below for all future Unlearning sessions to connect with this paradigm-shifting community. Upskill your understanding, leadership and teamwork skills.