In this special episode, I present a deep dive generated by Google's NotebookLM based on my 4,500-word paper that redefines neurodiversity. This phenomenal presentation takes a critical look at the language we currently use, arguing that bedrock terms like "neurotypical" are functionally useless as a neurotype and that "neurodivergent" acts as a failed marketing campaign. Drawing on my background in marketing and advertising, I argue that the current vocabulary inadvertently builds an unnecessary "us versus them" boundary, triggering immediate resistance and defensiveness in the workplace because the words are seen as clunky and inherently judgmental. You'll hear exactly how a "PhD-sized word" like neurodivergent subconsciously reinforces the idea of deviation or straying from a standard path, undermining the core goal of inclusion before the conversation can even begin.

To fix this communication failure, I introduce a complete framework reboot anchored in the unifying concept of the Neurocloud. This model establishes that everyone is in the cloud and that human variation is defined purely by the intensity of universal human traits (like focus or sensory filtering) using an audio mixing board analogy. I replace the flawed binary with purely descriptive terms: Neurodistinct for the "spiky profile" (extreme highs and lows) and Neurouniform for the more balanced profile. Crucially, this allows us to redefine "neurotypical" not as fixed neurotype or neurotype grouping, but as a fluid social consensus, the set of unwritten interaction rules specific to a culture or company. One of the most amazing insights is understanding neurodiversity is key to optimizing interaction strategies between all forms of intelligence, under Dr Lutza Ireland's Neuroversal concept that including humans and AI, making it a core competency for 21st-century strategic operations, not just an HR focus. Tune in to learn how to use this new, non-confrontational language to advocate for mutual benefit and efficiency by focusing on leveraging strengths and reducing unnecessary cognitive load.

I think I am very lucky to have been connected to Sol Smith. He is a professor, author, neurodistinct self-advocate, neurodiversity consultant, with multiple advanced degrees. At the same time he is down to earth and a great conversationalist that is easy to talk with and listen to.

His newest book is AUTISTIC'S GUIDE TO SELF-DISCOVERY, sub-titled FLOURISHING AS A NEURODIVERGENT ADULT (Linked to Amazon)

Sit back and enjoy our wandering conversation as two autistics circle around the topic of neurodiversity and being neurodistinct.

Learn more about or contact Sol at https://www.professorsol.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sol-smith-mfa-eds-ms-cas-7955364/

This podcast is major overdue. I did the interview with Gena Sims in June of 2023. It has been hiding in my podcast folder for me to edit and publish it. Gena had an internet connection that was unstable so there was a massive amount of editing as we would back up and redo from a good start point each time the connection froze. Between me trying to deal with being spread thin, what is turning out to be an issue with medications as my bodies processing of them slows down as I am getting older, and the seeming overwhelming editing job I had this episode on hold.

Gena is fascinating to talk with and is doing amazing things to help the autism community. It all started with an autistic sister and getting out graduating with a degree in theater and music just before the pandemic hit. In Gena's always upbeat style she found a way to turn it all into an amazing effort to help the autistic community and many autistic individuals. Check out her efforts or even better give Autism Theater Project a donation at:

https://autismtheaterproject.org/

https://www.youtube.com/c/AutismTheaterProject

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gena-sims-701ba4186

https://www.instagram.com/genasims19

Have my first academic book finally being released. Co-Edited & authored with Santoshi Halder of the University of Calcutta & Dave Caudel of Vanderbilt University's Frist Center of Autism and Innovation. Been a long process that we started pre-COVID with the pandemic causing multiple delays.

The part of recruiting contributors and editing seemed straight forward but when I learned my chapter needed to be at least 8000 words it became daunting. But when it was all done my chapter came in just over 9000 words if I remember correctly. Thanks to Dr Dave Caudel for his insightful help in his feedback end editing comments for my chapter. And major kudos to Dr Halder for her persistence to see this project through from her initial concept to final publication.

In this episode I took the text of my chapter and put it into Google's NotebookLM This product is amazing at condensing information and giving you different ways to review its variations. Built in is the ability to generate a briefing document, FAQ, test guide, and timeline. But the one I find most amazing is it can create a podcast dialogue audio with the simple push of a button. This episode is the 22 minute podcast NotebookLM created wrapped with my standard intro and outro as well as a brief explanation of the book and NotebookLM.

Sit back and enjoy the amazing technology we have now to make information more approachable by those with various learning styles.

Details on the book at:

https://www.routledge.com/Inclusion-and-Autism-Neurodiverse-Autistic-First-Person-Accounts/Halder-Goldstein-Caudel/p/book/9781032906959

No, this is not another podcast that simply ends without getting any new episodes. But I have been dealing with some life complications and as is not unique most of it dealt with ever present drama of being employed. I could go on about the details but will simply say that the company culture I so loved at my job is simply a memory as they have made it clear that employees are just tools to get to the profits that are the only thing that matters. But enough about me for now.

In this special and unique episode I recorded a what was supposed to be a conversation but turned out more like a lecture with my great friend Rhonda Moore PhD The conversation started out with Rhonda mentioning she would soon be giving a presentation on communication and she asked if I could point out any of my podcasts or videos that had some of my insight. Because there are a number of thoughts about communication I hadn't taken the time or had the chance to present or record I took this as an opportunity to finally capture them. So I turned on a recording mic I had sitting on my desk and recorded the audio of our Zoom meeting. Listening to it afterwards as I was preparing to send it to my Ai Tim Clone as additional training of the generative Ai clone I decided I liked it so much it would be a great episode to restart my podcast.

So sit back with your favorite beverage and listen in to my ad lib dissertation on communication and a number of the far less obvious but simple reasons it often fails. A great quote I have posted in my office and like to think about when dealing with communication is from George Bernard Shaw "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion it has taken place."

Ed Thompson from Uptimize.com and I go back to the early days when the few involved were focused on Autism at Work. This episode is a unique twist in that Ed is the host and I am the guest! This came about because Ed had me as a guest on the Uptimize fireside chat webinar series. The content came out so well I asked Ed if I could use the audio as a podcast episode. So here it is.

To reach Uptimize, Ed, and his team head over to Uptimize.com

This episode continues Tim's chat with Danny. After years of hearing about Danny and T.A.C.T., we catch up with Danny Combs. Danny was a successful Nashville Musician and a Music Educator and then an idea struck him that completely changed his life.

Generations of Danny's family built great careers working with their hands in the trades. He recognized that not all autistic individuals are going to be amazing computer programers despite what many organizations have promoted. His idea was to teach hands on trade skills in the belief that a large segment of autistics could build solid, well paying careers doing the jobs much of American education has forgotten.

The result is Colorado based T.A.C.T. (Teaching the Autistic Community Trades). In the 7 years since he began working out of a van he has grown the program to its new home in a beautiful facility teaching a range for trades. His placement rate for graduates is in the high 80% range with high quality career jobs.

If creating a successful career program for autistics isn't enough he is also one of the co-founders of the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce. Believed to be the first chamber of commerce created around neurodiversity, it has attracted the interest of companies large and small.

Join us for a 2 episode chat with Danny Combs.

T.A.C.T.
https://www.buildwithtact.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildwithtact
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tactkidsorg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tact-kids-inc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRZYpkaoUfVDW5GpD8sg-nA
Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce
https://www.cndcc.org/

Contact Danny
danny@buildwithtact.org

In this episode, after years of hearing about Danny and T.A.C.T., we catch up with Danny Combs. Danny was a successful Nashville Musician and a Music Educator and then an idea struck him that completely changed his life.

Generations of Danny's family built great careers working with their hands in the trades. He recognized that not all autistic individuals are going to be amazing computer programers despite what many organizations have promoted. His idea was to teach hands on trade skills in the belief that a large segment of autistics could build solid, well paying careers doing the jobs much of American education has forgotten.

The result is Colorado based T.A.C.T. (Teaching the Autistic Community Trades). In the 7 years since he began working out of a van he has grown the program to its new home in a beautiful facility teaching a range for trades. His placement rate for graduates is in the high 80% range with high quality career jobs.

If creating a successful career program for autistics isn't enough he is also one of the co-founders of the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce. Believed to be the first chamber of commerce created around neurodiversity, it has attracted the interest of companies large and small.

Join us for a 2 episode chat with Danny Combs.

T.A.C.T.
https://www.buildwithtact.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildwithtact
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tactkidsorg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tact-kids-inc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRZYpkaoUfVDW5GpD8sg-nA
Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce
https://www.cndcc.org/

Contact Danny
danny@buildwithtact.org