Human Diversity: Having The Courage to Be Out, Different, and Seen | Joyce CoomberSewell EP 19

What if we stopped calling it neurodiversity and started calling it what it actually is — human diversity? In this episode, I sit down with Joyce CoomberSewell, a 71-year-old late-diagnosed neurodivergent powerhouse. We Talk about her mission to shift the conversation from “neurodiversity” to human diversity, and her belief that visibility and representation are what move the needle, just like they have in other rights movements. Joyce also shares the real barriers to supporting neurodiverse people, not just logistics and resources, but fear, stigma, and the way society still tries to hide what it does not understand.This conversation goes deep and wide, from disability access and simple accommodations that change lives, to identity, grief, resilience, and what it means to be “out and proud” at any age. And at the heart of it all is Joyce’s mantra, one that feels like both a call-in and a rebellion: Be kind.If you are navigating late diagnosis or wondering whether you should pursue one, this episode is a reminder that it is never too late to reclaim who you are, and that we all deserve to be met with dignity.Episode Highlights:00:00 Why autism diagnosis is harder for older women (and what’s broken in the system)08:00 PhD motivation: credibility, visibility, and getting into bigger rooms13:10 “Neurotypical doesn’t exist”: the case for human diversity14:10 Supporting high needs disability and why society still fails people17:15 Fear, prejudice, and the myths people believe about autism22:00 Representation, visibility, and what rights movements teach usConnect with Joyce Coomber Sewellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joycecoombersewell/https://training.coombersewell.co.ukhttps://[email protected] with Mehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aniahulsman/https://www.aniahulsman.comIf this episode spoke to you, please consider subscribing and leaving a review. It would mean the world to me personally, and it really helps others who need to hear these kinds of stories to find the podcast. Until next time, stay messy. Stay magnificent and stay true to your weird, wonderful self!