The Belonging Conversations Podcast
The Belonging Conversations
Ben de Pfeiffer-Key
Autism: A Journey of Self-Discovery & Self-Diagnosis with Karl Allcoat - episode of The Belonging Conversations podcast

Autism: A Journey of Self-Discovery & Self-Diagnosis with Karl Allcoat

1 hour 1 minutes Posted Jun 16, 2024 at 8:00 am.
Introduction and Excitement for the Conversation
The Journey of Self-Discovery and Self-Diagnosis
Reflecting on Past Experiences and the Impact of Autism
The Importance of Understanding and Communicating Needs
Addressing the Need for Improved Support and Accessibility
Challenging Misconceptions and Stereotypes
Creating a Sense of Belonging in the Workplace
The Role of Education and Mindset Change
Navigating the Intersectionality of Identities
Meeting Others with Empathy and Curiosity
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1:01:13
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Show notes
16th June is Neurodiversity Pride Day, and joining me on this episode is Karl Allcoat.
Karl's story is one of self-discovery and embracing his unique experiences as an autistic person. 
He shares what it means to him to be "neurospicy" and opens up about realising he was autistic, from the hurdles he faced in school and university, to the sense of loss for things he might have missed out on. 
We talk about the long wait for an autism diagnosis and how it affects getting help. 
Communication and advocating for himself are key for Karl in navigating life and he shares insights into the misconceptions and challenges faced by autistic people, especially when it comes to fitting into societal norms. 
He also touches on being both autistic and LGBTQ+, and the importance of feeling like you belong, especially at work.
The conversation emphasises the need for education, understanding, and empathy to create a more accepting world. 
Karl reminds us to approach others with kindness, curiosity, and an open mind
Connect with Karl:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-allcoat/?originalSubdomain=uk 
Connect with Ben:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-de-pfeiffer-key-729626a/
Website: https://bendpk.com