Bridget Hampstead's Journey: Autism, Community, and Radical Love

Send us a text Bridget Hampstead shares her journey from discovering her own neurodivergence to founding Fish in a Tree, a virtual community center supporting neurodivergent adults. Her work combines community building, political advocacy, and neuroaffirming practices to create spaces where late-diagnosed autistic individuals can find acceptance and belonging. • Founded Fish in a Tree after realizing neurodivergent people lacked community support • Pivoted from physical center to virtual programming, expanding reach nationwide • Faced challenges with neurodiversity language acceptance in the Deep South • Represented the US at UN's World Autism Awareness Day despite censorship • Increasingly focused on political advocacy as disability rights face new threats • Programming specifically resonates with late-diagnosed autistic women • Writes daily on neurodivergent topics while seeking funding to address critical issues Connect with Fish in a Tree at www.fishinatreeNOLA.org. You are so loved and a warm welcome awaits you at Fish in a Tree, where we see you, we get you, you are valid and you are the person of honor at our table. 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.