EPISODE · Jul 17, 2025 · 50 MIN
Step Into My Shoes
from The Inclusion Bites Podcast · host Joanne Lockwood
In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood is joined by Rebecca Engle for an honest exploration into the lived experience of being an autistic educator and advocate. Together, they invite listeners to “step into the shoes” of someone who navigates neurodiversity both personally and professionally. Their discussion traverses Rebecca's childhood journey through early specialist education, the realisation of difference brought on by others’ reactions, and the everyday experience of masking, stimming, and direct communication. The conversation offers rare insight into the emotional and sensory landscape of neurodivergence, laying bare both the internal and external challenges – as well as moments where neurodiversity is simply, and powerfully, an authentic way of being. Rebecca is a dedicated special education teacher, author, and advocate based in Texas, whose work centres on fostering genuinely inclusive learning environments and empowering neurodivergent students. Diagnosed in early childhood with a multitude of developmental differences now understood as falling under the autism spectrum, Rebecca leverages her firsthand experiences to drive systemic change in support and advocacy. Her debut childrens book, “Step Into My Shoes,” is a compassionate tool for encouraging understanding and empathy within primary school contexts, drawing from both her life and her years of supporting autistic children. As an educator in areas of high poverty and diverse backgrounds, Rebecca directly addresses the nuances of late diagnosis, the limitations and differences of educational systems, and the importance of identity-affirming support beyond compliance or superficial inclusion. Throughout the episode, Joanne and Rebecca debunk misconceptions about autism, dissect the pitfalls of reward-based behaviour systems such as ABA, and make a compelling case for cognitive behavioural approaches and open dialogue. They highlight the urgency of not just accepting, but embracing neurodiversity in schools, the workplace, and wider society. Practical strategies for supporting autistic children (and adults) are illustrated, including classroom labelling, honest self-advocacy, and the normalisation of stimming. A key takeaway from this conversation is the need to centre authenticity and empowerment over conformity, recognising that true inclusion springs from understanding, environment adaptation, and open acknowledgment—not from compelling neurodivergent individuals to mask or fit into narrow expectations. Listeners will be challenged to rethink support strategies and come away inspired to be more active participants in shaping inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive as themselves.
What this episode covers
<p>In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood is joined by Rebecca Engle for an honest exploration into the lived experience of being an autistic educator and advocate. Together, they invite listeners to “step into the shoes” of someone who navigates neurodiversity both personally and professionally. Their discussion traverses Rebecca's childhood journey through early specialist education, the realisation of difference brought on by others’ reactions, and the everyday experience of masking, stimming, and direct communication. The conversation offers rare insight into the emotional and sensory landscape of neurodivergence, laying bare both the internal and external challenges – as well as moments where neurodiversity is simply, and powerfully, an authentic way of being.</p> <p>Rebecca is a dedicated special education teacher, author, and advocate based in Texas, whose work centres on fostering genuinely inclusive learning environments and empowering neurodivergent students. Diagnosed in early childhood with a multitude of developmental differences now understood as falling under the autism spectrum, Rebecca leverages her firsthand experiences to drive systemic change in support and advocacy. Her debut childrens book, “Step Into My Shoes,” is a compassionate tool for encouraging understanding and empathy within primary school contexts, drawing from both her life and her years of supporting autistic children. As an educator in areas of high poverty and diverse backgrounds, Rebecca directly addresses the nuances of late diagnosis, the limitations and differences of educational systems, and the importance of identity-affirming support beyond compliance or superficial inclusion.</p> <p>Throughout the episode, Joanne and Rebecca debunk misconceptions about autism, dissect the pitfalls of reward-based behaviour systems such as ABA, and make a compelling case for cognitive behavioural approaches and open dialogue. They highlight the urgency of not just accepting, but embracing neurodiversity in schools, the workplace, and wider society. Practical strategies for supporting autistic children (and adults) are illustrated, including classroom labelling, honest self-advocacy, and the normalisation of stimming.</p> <p>A key takeaway from this conversation is the need to centre authenticity and empowerment over conformity, recognising that true inclusion springs from understanding, environment adaptation, and open acknowledgment—not from compelling neurodivergent individuals to mask or fit into narrow expectations. Listeners will be challenged to rethink support strategies and come away inspired to be more active participants in shaping inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive as themselves.</p>
NOW PLAYING
Step Into My Shoes
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.