Episode 20: Embracing Neuroqueer Identity: Queerness Explored Through the Lens of Autism and ADHD

Statistically, 70% of Autistic individuals identify as non-heterosexual, and genderqueer people are 3 to 6 times more likely to be diagnosed as Autistic than cisgender adults. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Rebecca Minor, MSW, LICSW, a gender expansive therapist and advocate in the neuroqueer space, about genderqueer identity and neuroqueer identity—what they are, how they intersect, and how they are perceived versus present in society, relationships, and the mental health community. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Understand what is genderqueer identity and neuroqueer identity, as well as delve into the misconceptions surrounding them. See how neurodivergence and queerness overlap for both Autism and ADHD, including what studies have been done around this. Understand the importance of self-disclosure in therapy, particularly for marginalized communities with intersectional identities, and how it can build connection and community, as well as offer emotional relief for clients. There is still a lot to learn and unpack about queerness and neurodivergence, but research suggests a strong connection between neurodivergence and gender identity. We hope to shed light, give valuable insights, and broaden your understanding of these diverse identities. More about Rebecca: Rebecca Minor, MSW, LICSW is a neuroqueer femme, clinician, consultant, and educator specializing in the intersection of trauma, gender, and sexuality. As a Gender Specialist, Rebecca partners with trans and gender nonconforming youth through their journey of becoming, and is a guide to their parents in affirming it. Rebecca is part-time faculty at Boston University School of Social work and always works through a lens that is neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and resilience-oriented. In addition to her clinical work, Rebecca has provided cultural humility training and consultation to organizations, schools, and businesses for the past decade. You can follow her on Instagram, hire her for parent coaching, or check out her blog, and free guides and course for parents and caregivers! Rebecca’s Website: www.genderspecialist.com Work with Rebecca: https://www.genderspecialist.com/coaching Rebecca’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/gender.specialist Rebecca’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaMinorLICSW Resources Neurodivergent Insights Masterclass Series: Exploring Neuroqueer Identities by Dr. Megan Anna Neff and Rebecca Minor: https://learn.neurodivergentinsights.com/exploring-neuroqueer-identities/ Neurodivergent Insights Infographic: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/autism-infographics/trans-autism ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️ Spotify 🎙️ Apple 🎙️ YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube 💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground ———————————————————————————————— ✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources If you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources ———————————————————————————————— 💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground Divergent Conversations Underground is a space for messy conversations, real connection, and unfinished thoughts in a neurodivergent-affirming community. If you’d like to go deeper with us into more nuanced, searching conversations, join here: divergentconversations.substack.com ———————————————————————————————— Mentioned in this episode: Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources If you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources