Fighting To Be Seen: The High Cost of Masking w/ Reid Miles

Mike and Chaya sit down with Reid Miles, creator and host of Inside the Asperger’s Studio. Reid opens up about his journey from working in the tech industry to becoming a passionate advocate for autism and neurodiversity. He shares the ups and downs of navigating the professional world as a neurodivergent individual and explains how he found his voice through podcasting and blogging.We Also Cover:

• Reid’s transition from IT to his work as an autism advocate.
• The challenges neurodivergent individuals face in corporate and volunteer environments.
• How blogging and podcasting became transformative ways for Reid to amplify his voice.
• His advice for parents of neurodivergent kids on nurturing their strengths.
• How honesty and collaboration became the foundation of Reid’s work in podcasting.
• A behind-the-scenes look at Reid’s retreat initiative for families and individuals within the autism community.

Quotes:

• "I think society is broken when it comes to learning about us because I feel they don't want to learn about us because we're different than everyone else. We're just one form of disability, people with disabilities that think differently than everyone else."
• "Why should I have to fake who I am just so you out there can feel comfortable with yourself? Why can't I feel comfortable with myself being who I am without being judged by society, being judged by the workplace?"
• "We live in a world of negativity—it builds walls. The only way forward is to tear those walls down by trusting yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone."

About Reid Miles:Reid Miles is the founder and editor of Aspergers Studio, where he writes about his adventures in life with Asperger's. A former PC Tech turned Autism Advocate, Reid shares his life and experiences through his blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. "Inside the Aspergers Studio" features discussions with people who have ASD and ADHD, professionals in the field, and parents of children on the spectrum. Recognized for his contribution to autism awareness, Reid's podcast was rated #2 Autism Podcast for 2023 by Feedspot and listed among the top Autism podcasts by Player.FM.  Connect with Reid:

• Reid's Blog: https://aspergersstudio.com/
• Reid's Podcast: https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/inside-the-aspergers-studio/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvpGU2S7peJUUr5Lo46P97w
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reidmiles/

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:

• Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
• All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
• ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
• Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
• Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost

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