From Depression To Diagnosis: Autistic Self-Discovery And Community Building

Send us Fan MailWe trace Daye’s path from misdiagnosis and heavy depression to an autism diagnosis that reframed struggle as difference, not defect. She shares how creativity, AI, and community-building became tools for agency, culminating in the launch of the Neurodiversity Society at SMU.• early life, loss, and compounding mental health challenges• ADHD diagnosis, autism evaluation, and class barriers to access• reframing through the ankle analogy and hypermobility link• sensory regulation, heat intolerance, and overstimulation science• creative strengths at work and translating ideas into design• AI as a judgment-free collaborator and task offloader• hustle culture, burnout cycles, and learning boundaries• returning to school, long-term planning, and stability• founding the Neurodiversity Society and rapid community growth• family roots behind the lighthouse logo and meaning• advice on environment-first accessibility and balanced “superpower” mindsetWe would appreciate it if you could listen, subscribe, engage, and share this podcastTune in every second Tuesday at 7 a.m. Atlantic time for a new episodeWe'd like to thank our sponsor...The Big Bears Podcast is sponsored by ADDvocacy ADHD & Executive Function Coaching and TrainingDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show