Autism and Human–Animal Relationships Becca Lory Hector

EPISODE 80
Autism and Human–Animal Relationships.
A conversation with Becca Lory Hector

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Show Notes

We all know that relationships with non-human animals play an important role in quality of life for all people, and especially so for autistic and neurodivergent people. With a lifetime of experience in such relationships, Becca Lory Hector shares her professional expertise and discusses her personal experiences as an Autistic Professional, with special attention to the obligation we all have in forming and nurturing mutually satisfying relationships and connections with non-human animals.

Featuring

Becca Lory Hector

BECCA LORY HECTOR

Becca Lory Hector is an openly Autistic Professional on a mission to close the disability gap in leadership by working with companies to attract and retain disabled talent via their DEIB (Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging) initiatives. Becca was diagnosed autistic as an adult and has since become a dedicated autism and neurodiversity advocate, researcher, consultant, speaker, and author. In addition to her work in DEIB, she is focused on autistic quality of life research, and her personal development course called ‘Self Defined Living: A Path to a Quality Autistic Life, with the goal of spreading acceptance, building understanding, and encouraging self-advocacy. She is also an animal lover with a special affinity for cats who spends most of her “free” time with her many animals, her husband Antonio, and her Emotional Support Animal (ESA), Sir Walter Underfoot.

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…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) Relationships with non-human animals have played an important role in Becca’s life, and the life of her family. What are some of the benefits that Becca shares in this discussion? Are they consistent with your experiences with pets and your animal friends?

2) Non-human animals may have different roles and relationships in the life of an autistic child or person and the larger family?  What have been your experiences of the different roles or relationships an animal has had with you or your family?

3) When an autistic person or a family chooses to have an animal become part of their lives, this often comes with expectations. What advice does Becca share about a reasonable or helpful attitude when considering this important step?

4) For those of you who have animals as part of your families, what is your obligation in making sure that our friends have a good quality of life?

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Music

Matt Savage, courtesy of Savage Records

Matt Savage is an autistic jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. Matt has collaborated with jazz greats like Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Jerry Bergonzi. Donny McCaslin, and more. He has recorded more than a dozen records and graciously contributes the music for Uniquely Human.

Production and Sound Design

ELEVATEDSTUDIO

Uniquely Human: The Podcast is produced, engineered, and edited by Elevated Studio in Denver, Colorado. Owned and operated by co-host Dave Finch, Elevated Studio produces digital media assets and content strategies for the electronics, entertainment, and lifestyle industries.