# Accepting and Embracing Your Autistic Self

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/neurodiversity-podcast-485169/accepting-and-embracing-your-autistic-self
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/neurodiversity-podcast-485169/accepting-and-embracing-your-autistic-self.md
Podcast: [Neurodiversity Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/neurodiversity-podcast-485169)
Published: 2026-02-26T21:27:00+00:00
Episode link: https://neurodiversitypodcast.com/home/2026/2/26/episode-307-accepting-and-embracing-your-autistic-self
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/mindmatters/20260226_Neurodiversity_Podcast_Episode_307.mp3?dest-id=643256
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/neurodiversity-podcast-485169/episodes/accepting-and-embracing-your-autistic-self
Duration seconds: 2534

## Resource

This week, Emily sits down with advisory teacher Rebecca Duffus, and neurodiversity advocate Lyric Rivera, to discuss the critical shift from viewing autism as a purely medical diagnosis to embracing it as a core identity. Lyric shares their personal journey of late discovery and the complex emotions that accompany it, from grief to validation. Rebecca provides some insight into the importance of authentic, affirming language. They also discuss how to empower autistic youth to advocate for their needs, navigate a world that isn't always accommodating, and ultimately discover the power of being exactly who they are. Rebecca and Lyric are co-authors of Autism, Identity and Me . TAKEAWAYS Identity vs pathology is all about framing autism as a core identity, rather than strictly a medical diagnosis or a list of deficits. Late-diagnosis autism often results in a complex cocktail of emotions, including grief, anger, and eventually relief. There is a crucial difference between forcing an upbeat perspective, and using language that genuinely validates an autistic person's lived experience. Equipping, not just protecting, will help autistic kids understand neurodiversity, handle misunderstandings, and utilize an autism identity statement for self-advocacy. There is a shifting landscape of autism support, language, and systemic challenges in the US, especially compared to the UK. Mental health professionals, join us for our next live 90-minute CE training, Inherited Neurodivergence: Supporting Parents' Identity Journeys , featuring presenter, Dr. Amy Marschall. The event is Friday, March 6 at 2:00 pm Eastern/11:00 am Pacific. It's approved for continuing education through the American Psychological Association and the National Board of Certified Counselors. If you can't make it…

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## Transcript

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