Growing Up Autistic Becca Lory Hector

EPISODE 116
Lessons Learned from Growing Up Autistic:
Advice and Insights from Becca Lory Hector

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Show Notes

As a deeply reflective, and insightful individual, Becca Lory Hector has constructed a life and career of sharing what she has learned about growing up autistic, without a diagnosis until adulthood. With her engaging new autobiographical work, she once again demonstrates that lived experience is the best teacher, especially when shared generously with others who benefit from her wisdom. Becca, Dave and Barry have an engaging discussion that amplifies important issues of great interest for parents, professionals and autistic and neurodivergent individuals.

Featuring

Becca Lory Hector

BECCA LORY HECTOR

Becca Lory Hector is a passionate and seasoned autism and Neurodiversity advocate, consultant, researcher, and author with a career dedicated to supporting and educating about autism. Based in Maine, she is focused on living an active, positive life, and she brings that same energy to all her work. Her journey has led her to create tools and resources that empower others to embrace their authentic selves and live fulfilling lives. As an openly Autistic adult, she has poured her lived experience into her writing and teaching. Her book, Always Bring Your Sunglasses: And Other Stories from a Life of Sensory and Social Invalidation, offers a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of navigating the world as an Autistic person. Alongside her book, Becca has designed and teaches a course called Self Defined Living: A Path to a Quality Autistic Life, which is all about helping others find their own path to a fulfilling, self-empowered life. When she is not working, you will likely find her enjoying time with her husband, Antonio, and their many animals, especially Sir Walter Underfoot, their Emotional Support Animal (ESA).

Check Becca’s website 

Book: Always Bring Your Sunglasses

Becca’s courses

Follow her on Linkedin
On Youtube

…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. What was most striking to you about Becca’s experiences growing up autistic, but not knowing of her diagnosis until later in life? What impact do you feel this had on her mother? Are you aware of similar situations with people you know, or even of yourself?

2. Becca begins her book by stating “My diagnosis (at 36 years of age) saved my life”. What do you believe she means by that, and what does this statement say about the importance of a person learning about their autism or neurodivergent condition? Are you aware of situations in which diagnosis is withheld?

3. Becca discusses many important issues receiving much attention currently in the autism community, such as autistic burnout, masking and the need to prioritize regulation as part of one’s lifestyle. What are the most significant takeaways for you from this discussion?

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.