EPISODE 29
Autistic Women, Autistic Mothers: A Conversation with Carly Ott Fulgham
Autistic Women, Autistic Mothers: A Conversation with Carly Ott Fulgham
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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) Carly discusses how obvious signs of her autism never led to a diagnosis when she was a child. What were the barriers to diagnosis that she highlighted and how does “masking” contribute to delays in getting a diagnosis? Have you had or know of similar experiences?
2) Carly asserts that autistic mothers are often challenged by misconceptions about their capacity to be competent parents, and she shares personal experiences and those of other autistic mothers that may lead to stress not experienced by neurotypical mothers. What are some of these challenges and what does Carly suggest to change the course of harmful beliefs?
3) Carly also discusses her journey to her current success in having a leadership position for a major US bank. To what does she attribute her success? What are the lessons we can take away from her experiences?
Featuring
CARLY OTT FULGHAM
Carly is an Autistic Self-Advocate, mother and VP at a Fortune Top 50 company. She volunteers for multiple autism non-profits, including President of Both Autism Society Ventura County and Autism Society of California, and the boards of directors for Autism Society of America, The Art of Autism, and Specialisterne USA. She has won numerous awards, including Autism Society of America Volunteer of the Year, Bob Beggan Professional Mentorship Award, and from her employer both Global Diversity & Inclusion and Global Volunteer Awards.
“I love creative writing and to create art with pastels, mosaics, and pencil drawings. My true hobby is volunteering – I get immense satisfaction from helping lead non-profits with practical programs to help my neurotribe live a joyful life.
I had many amazing opportunities growing up, but without the knowledge that comes with knowing why I was different, it all came crashing down in my mid-twenties and I ended up on Social Security Disability. With my Autistic Disorder diagnosis, I was able to reframe my challenges and focus on my strengths, resulting in the amazing life I live today.”
Show Notes
Understanding the experience of autistic women and autistic mothers is a recent and critical focus in both the autism and neurotypical community. Carly shares her experiences of late diagnosis, motherhood, success in the corporate world and her “hobby” of selfless volunteerism to help other autistic women.
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