Barry Wortz: “Lost Potential – Unmasking the Autism Employment Crisis”

The underemployment of people with extraordinary minds is not just a personal loss — it’s a collective one.In this episode of Gladness & Hunger, I sit down with filmmaker Barry Wortz to talk about his powerful documentary, Lost Potential: Unmasking the Autism Employment Crisis.Barry was diagnosed with autism at 41 years old. Like many adults today, he spent decades navigating the world without language for his experience. In our conversation, he shares his personal journey, the misconceptions surrounding autism, and why the workplace is missing out on extraordinary talent because of misunderstanding and stigma.We explore how autism doesn’t “look” the way many people expect. Autistic individuals can be successful, gifted, creative, and deeply empathetic — yet still misunderstood. Barry makes a compelling case: when employers place people where they are strongest, especially those on the spectrum, they often outperform expectations.Together, we discuss:Why autism is frequently misunderstoodThe power of storytelling to shift stigmaLate diagnoses and changing awarenessMasking, sensory overload, and emotional misinterpretationHow managers, teachers, and leaders can better support neurodivergent individualsThe hope emerging from greater awareness and open conversationThis episode is both personal and practical — a call to see differently, hire differently, and love differently.0:00 Intro1:01 Meet Barry Wortz3:02 "Lost Potential: Unmasking the Autism Employment Crisis" Documentary6:25 Diagnosed at 41: Barry’s Personal Journey12:09 Hire the Person for Their Strengths and Watch Them Excel14:43 Creating Environments Where Autistic Individuals Can Thrive17:23 Midroll On Mentorship18:34 Masking, Anxiety & The Hidden Work of Autism24:14 Finding a Calling in Film & Education28:33 Words of Hope for Families & Individuals on the SpectrumRead more about Barry Wortz here; and watch his documentary, Lost Potential, here.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanne.w.smith/Visit Leanne's Website: https://www.leannewsmith.com/Contact Leanne's team @ [email protected]