EPISODE 39
Scott Steindorff, Television and Film Producer, on The Gifts and Challenges of Being Neurodivergent
Scott Steindorff, Television and Film Producer, on The Gifts and Challenges of Being Neurodivergent
Play the Episode…
…and Continue the Discussion
Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.
1) Scott shares the impact on his sense of self and his self-esteem due to being so misunderstood early in life. What was that impact and how did Scott attempt to cope as a young child? Do you know of children who currently are misunderstood, and what are the actions that can be taken to improve their early experiences?
2) Scott was able to excel in a number of areas as he moved through the late teen and early adult years. These included being a champion skier and a successful businessman in real estate. What were the benefits of Scott’s accomplishments in areas in which he excelled, and were there any downsides? Do you know of any individuals who have the potential to succeed in specific arenas, and based upon Scott’s discussion and your own experiences, what is the best way to support them in such endeavors?
3) Scott shared the dangers that drinking and substance abuse posed for him, and is very aware of the reasons why he engaged in such destructive behavior. What is your reaction to what he shared, and his eventual realization that he needed to understand and get control of the underlying emotions rather than repressing them?
4) What do you feel are the best approaches to increase understanding of neurodivergent individuals who think and behave differently? Do you have any specific examples in your personal experiences, or in those of people you know, who have had “breakthroughs” in quality of life due to others understanding and supporting them better? If so, what helped to instigate those changes?
Featuring
SCOTT STEINDORFF
Scott Steindorff is an international television and film producer and writer who specializes in adapting literary bestsellers into premium movies and television. His work includes major films such as Chef and The Lincoln Lawyer, and shows that have appeared on NBC, Netflix, and HBO MAX. His critically acclaimed and award-winning miniseries for HBO, “Empire Falls,” won a Golden Globe for Best Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television. Scott teaches a course on emotions and how to utilize them to influence art at Arizona State University, where he is a Professor of Practice. Scott has lived a life with challenges related to learning and emotional regulation difficulties, and being mistreated and misunderstood. But he credits his success in business, his brilliance in the TV and film industry, and his resilience in life to his innovative thinking and perspectives.
As an autistic person, Scott is a Neurodiversity Advocate and regularly speaks with high schools and colleges across the country on the importance of emotions and feelings, as well as facing substance abuse. He’s on a mission to increase recognition of neurodivergence in the general population, as he believes neurodivergent individuals too often either live their lives undiagnosed and misunderstood or choose to remain “in the closet”. Scott hopes to show how being neurodivergent with a “differently wired” brain can be an invaluable asset. Scott believes that with increased awareness, it is far more likely that neurodivergent individuals will be better understand and valued, leading to appropriate support and greater opportunities to live happy and purposeful lives.
Show Notes
Barry and Dave welcome Scott Steindorff, a highly accomplished international television and film producer and writer. In their riveting discussion, Scott shares the many challenges he faced in life resulting from his autism and ADHD, especially in the early years. He describes the torment he experienced as he was misunderstood and misdiagnosed by people who knew him well, as well as professionals. He also credits the many gifts and talents that being neurodivergent has brought to him, and how these gifts have helped him to overcome the very real challenges he has faced. Scott is now a tireless advocate to help increase awareness and understanding of neurodivergent individuals, hoping to help others by prevent the challenges that he has experienced, and to help the world build upon and celebrate the great potential of people who think differently.
Join us on Thursday, December 16 @ 8pm EST/5pm PST, as we continue the conversation around neurodiversity with Scott.