IN this episode, Shazmin explores the intersection of autism and trauma with Beatrice Leong, who shares her experiences with the additional layer of being a woman, and how the society we live in can cause trauma for autistic women because of how differently they experience the world.
Beatrice discusses how the diagnosis process itself can be lengthy and traumatic and also be challenging for autistic individuals to go through.
Through their conversation, Shazmin and Beatrice shed light on the complexities of living with autism and trauma, and how the two intersect. Beatrice also offers insights into what autistic individuals need to lead more fulfilling lives, including support, understanding, and accommodations to help manage the challenges they face and to dispel the myth that autistic people are robotic and do not have feelings or empathy.
Beatrice Leong is a documentary filmmaker and entrepreneur attached to a health tech startup initiative and runs an autism advocacy group called Aida.
Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at age 35, she dedicates her life path to reframe our understanding ASD to foster greater understanding from and for a meaningful participation and inclusion of autistics themselves across all levels of society. – The Vibes, April 21, 2023
Produced and co-presented by Shazmin Shamsuddin
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