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

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

"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.