Episode 2: What If Neurodivergent Needs Were The Default with Amy Kriewaldt

A lot of people say they support neurodiversity, but the real test is whether our schools, platforms, and communities are designed so people can actually participate. I’m joined by Amy Kreidwalt as part the International Neurodiversity Resource Center introduction, for an honest, practical conversation about what inclusion looks like when it’s not performative, and why universal design and accessibility help everyone thrive, not only people with a diagnosis. We dig into the details that make social media more accessible: writing thoughtful image descriptions (alt text) instead of relying on sloppy AI guesses, and using captions not just for Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, but also for ADHD and auditory processing disorder support. We also zoom out to education accessibility, where “teach the whole room like accommodations are normal” can reduce barriers and make learning feel less like an assembly line. Then we get personal about late identification, masking, and mental health. Amy shares how burnout can sneak in when advocacy becomes your whole identity, and how one simple shift, protecting an hour a day for yourself, can help you reclaim your voice. We talk sensory sensitivity, self-accommodation, and the surprisingly relatable story of being terrified of garbage trucks well into adulthood. If you’re building a neurodivergent-friendly life, parenting neurodivergent kids, or trying to make your work more inclusive, you’ll leave with concrete ideas and a little more hope. Subscribe for more conversations like this, share the episode with someone who cares about accessibility, and leave a review so more neurodivergent listeners can find us.Support the show