Meet Dr. Theresa Haskins: The Mom Who Rewrote the Rulebook on Autism

Send us a text Dr. Theresa Haskins shares her journey from a mother seeking answers for her autistic son to becoming an educator and researcher dedicated to creating more inclusive systems for neurodivergent individuals. Her experiences navigating medical dismissals, educational barriers, and workplace challenges illuminate how society needs to fundamentally shift its approach to neurodiversity. • Mother of a "thrice exceptional" son (autistic, ADHD, and gifted) who could count to 100 at age two but wasn't speaking conversationally • Left special education program after realizing conventional teaching approaches didn't align with her son's needs • Pursued educational psychology and doctorate degrees to understand how to change systems, not just help individuals adapt • Advocates for autonomous learning and choice-making rather than taking away agency from neurodivergent individuals • Challenges organizations to focus on meeting people's needs without requiring them to "prove" their disability • Questions arbitrary job requirements that create barriers for neurodivergent talent • Emphasizes that different developmental paths aren't lesser ones – just different • Works with universities, government agencies, and organizations to implement neurodiversity-affirming practices • Promotes universal design principles that benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities • Believes we need to value diverse skills and stop measuring everyone against neurotypical milestones You and your family matter. You exist, you deserve to thrive, you deserve education, you deserve gainful employment, you deserve respect, and that's what we work towards. https://tonymantor.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI) The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates. Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed. Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care. Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.