28: Autism Without Borders: Stephen Shore’s Global Advocacy

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation of Unmasking Social, Dr. Stephen Shore, an international autism advocate, professor, and author, explores autism through a global lens. Drawing on his experiences traveling to more than 58 countries, Dr. Shore shares how cultural beliefs, values, and systems shape the way autism is understood, supported, and experienced around the world. Together, they discuss the universality of sensory challenges, the critical role of parents as advocates, and why community-based participatory research must meaningfully include autistic voices. Dr. Shore introduces the concept of Daily Life Therapy, emphasizing balance, dignity, and cultural responsiveness in everyday living. The conversation also highlights the importance of early intervention, mental health support, and moving away from deficit-based models toward inclusive, strengths-based approaches.  This episode is a reminder that autistic behaviors are human behaviors - and that true inclusion happens when autistic individuals are partners in shaping research, programs, and policy worldwide.  You can find Dr Stephen Shore and his work easily on linked in; (1) Stephen Shore | LinkedIn and DrStephenShore.com.Follow Unmasking Social at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube