Unpacking Neuroqueerness
George Muniz Gund and Xenia Rakovshik
Hello, my name is George Muniz Gund (he/they). I am a young Brazilian American Autistic and ADHD actor, disability justice advocate and board member at Autism Career Pathways (501c3).In this podcast, my co-host X Rakov and I talk about our lived experiences of being neurodivergent people growing up in a world built for neurotypicals. We also occasionally host guests to talk about their own personal lived experiences with neurodiversity, as every neurodistinct person is different and experiences neurodiversity in their own unique ways.*We do not speak for all neurodistinct people, we are just two neurodistinct people speaking...
Episodes
Episode 173- A life and podcast update
*Apologies in advance for random keyboard tapping sounds (was feeling very stimmy while recording this)In this episode I give an insight to what's been going on in my life, recent reflections involving dating as an autistic person and the upcoming plans for this podcastEnjoy :)
Episode 25- The shameful Autism related comments made by Kanye West
This is an episode I didn't plan on recording originally but unfortunately felt the need to. I explain why recent comments made by Kanye West, where he claims to believe that he might be "a little bit autistic", are deeply problematic and will continue to perpetuate negative stigmas and stereotypes about Autism that advocates like myself have been continuosely fighting against for decades.
Episode 26- Why I believe Elon Musk is harming the autistic community
In this episode I talk about why I believe Elon Musk is harming his community and he shouldn't be talked about as a representation of Autistic people as far as I am concerned.
Episode 49- A witness account of internalized societal prejudice
In this short bonus episode, I talk about a conversation I overheard in between two ladies that was laced with internalized ableism and made me sad.
Episode 52- An overview of the term "queer"
In this episode I talk a little bit about the history of term "queer", then discuss the idea of expanding it to include anyone who deviates from societal norms, independent of sexual orientation or preferences.*This reflects my own viewpoints and I do not speak for all queer and/or neurodistinct individuals.
Episode 53- Why many autistics do well in crisis situations
In this episode I talk about why due to hyperfocus, literal thinking and past traumas, many autistics can thrive when there is a crisis or emergency and swift action needs to be taken.
Episode 54- Reflecting on the impact of this podcast and why it will remain free
In this episode I take a moment to reflect on how much this podcast has grown and the gratitude I feel for making an impact with my work. I also explain why I plan to keep this podcast free of charge and free of ads, in order for it to remain accessible to as many people as possible.
Episode 58- My issue with "treatment" ads for neurodivergence
In this episode I explain the difference in between taking medication as a support for certain struggles and pathologizing an entire neurotype, which perpetuates negative stigmas and stereotypes about disabiltiy.
Episode 59- Why it's not ok to assume someone's support needs without knowing them
In this episode I discuss why no one should assume a persons level of support needs without knowing them, as this person may be masking and support needs can often fluctuate many times throughout one single day.
Episode 72- ND folks aren't perfect either
In this episode I acknowledge that ND people aren't perfect and can make mistakes as well.
Episode 73- We aren't always doing as well as we may look
In this episode I tackle how damaging it can be to assume someone is well based on a single observation of something they did or achieved, because we're not seeing all the effort and burnout behind that.
The story of what happened to Episode 35
In this special bonus episode I explain what happened to Episode 35 and why it's no longer listed on this podcast
Episode 138- Celebrating 10k downloads and a special thank you to Finland
In this episode I thank everyone for reaching 10,000 downloads, recognize countries with the highest amount of streams and reflect on the original goals of this podcast, which still stand strong today.
Episode 1- My introduction to the Neurodiversity Paradigm
Welcome to my new podcast! In this episode I talk a little bit about myself, how I came in to the Neurodiversity world, and how changing my perspective on Autism and Neurodiversity has been so helpful for me
Episode 2- The social model of disability and the problem with the term "Special Needs"
In this episode I talk a little bit about my style of podcasting, give an overview of some common Neurodiversity terms and discuss the social model of disability as a challenge to the medical model of disability, as well as the issue with using the term "Special Needs"
Episode 3- A few examples of Neurodiversity affirming accommodations
In this episode I talk about some Neurodiversity related accommodations that can help neurodistinct students and/or clients thrive without trying to change the way their brains work
Episode 4- A conversation with my sister Luana Muniz Gund (she/her)
In this episode I host my very first guest, someone very close to me, my sister Luana Muniz Gund. Luana talks about her unique perspective growing up with an autistic brother and a little bit about her perspective as a psychology student on the issues around the current discourse around autism in this field and also in society at large.
Episode 5- Why Diagnosis is a privelege
In this episode I discuss how Autism is still severely misunderstood and underdiagnosed and why self diagnosis is the only option for many autistics and that should be honored and respected
Episode 6- What is Autistic Masking
In this episode, I talk about the concept of Autistic masking: What it is, why we do it and how Non-autistics can help us by being more understanding and accepting of our differences :)
Episode 7- Things to avoid saying to Autistic people
In this episode I cover some of the most common microagressions out there that many Autistics like myself are tired of non-autistics saying to us, even if the intent is positive
Episode 8- Why autistic meltdowns are NOT tantrums
In this episode I talk a little about Autistic Meltdowns, what causes them and the burnout and shutdown symptoms that can follow a meltdown episode. I also talk about Autism related disabilities and how important it is to not associate those with Autism as a whole. To finish, I briefly explain what a dynamic disability is.
Episode 9- A conversation with my longtime friend and fellow autie Lisa Schatz (they/them)
In this episode, I am joined by my longtime friend Lisa for a chat about our experiences growing up as undiagnosed neurodistinct individuals in a very ableist (and also sexist) school culture.
Episode 10- Why most autistics and ADHDers work in spurts
In this episode, I talk about some positive autism traits that are seldom discussed outside the autistic community. I also discuss how Neurodistinct people have different working styles and support needs compared to their neurotypical peers.
Episode 11- Why Eye Contact is uncomfortable for Autistics+Neurodistinct styles of communication
In this episode I discuss why for us Autistics, eye contact isn't the primary way that we show engagement, and why it can be very uncomfortable or even painful to some of us. I also discuss other ways that Autistics tend to show engagement, that may differ from standard neuronormative forms of communication.
Episode 12- Identity First Language and the Double Empathy Theory
In this episode I talk about why the majority of Autistic people overwhelmingly prefer to be called "Autistic person" rather than "Person with Autism".I also talk about the Double Empathy Theory by Dr. Damian Milton and why we shouldn't view Autistic ways of communicating as deficits or disorders.
Episode 13- Why I changed my views on "The Good Doctor"
In this episode, I talk about the show a "The Good Doctor" from ABC and why I feel like it misses the mark on accurate Autistic representation.
Episode 14-Why you should NEVER support Autism Speaks
In this episode I talk about the (non-austic led) organization "Autism Speaks" and how despite painting themselves as "helping" autistics, they are actually trying to eliminate Autism from the earth through eugenics based research.
Episode 15- The problematic history of ABA Therapy
In this episode I discuss the ableist history surrounding the creation ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy. I also explain why many Autistic adults that went through ABA as a child have developed PTSD as a result and why the traditional style of ABA therapy can be problematic.*It is important to acknowledge that despite it's serious problems, ABA is still the only support therapy available to many families and many ABA practicioners have come to learn how to apply more neurodiversity affirming practices in their work.
Episode 16- A conversation with neurodistinct actor Maeve Montgomery (she/her)
In this episode I have a very insightful and resourceful conversation with fellow MTS alum and ADHD actor Maeve Montgomery. We talk about our experiences studying the Meisner technique and how it has helped us not just with acting, but with our unmasking journeys and accepting our true identities as neurodistinct individuals, while also acknowledging that there is nothing wrong with being the way we are.
Episode 17- Why Allyship is so important
In this episode I talk about why people like me advocate so hard for our cuases and why allyship is more important now than ever before.
Episode 18- My review of Netflix's "Atypical"
In this episode, I give an honest review of the show "Atypical", from my perspective as an Autistic Actor.
Episode 19- Why Autism is not a linear scale
In this episode I explain why there is no such thing as "mild" or "severe" autism and why using those terms can propagate negative stigmas and stereotypes about autism.
Episode 20- Why Aspergers Syndrome was removed from the DSM
In this episode I talk about the dirty history of Hans Asperger and why his name should have never been used as a diagnosis.
Episode 21- Answering questions from my Grandmother Theo Gund (she/her)
In this episode I answer a few questions about the history of Autism asked by my Grandmother Theo GundIf you enjoy this episode tune in to Part 2 of our conversation (Episode 28)!
Episode 22- The problematic history of the puzzle piece for Autism
In this episode I talk about why the puzzle piece is so problematic and offensive to a lot of autistics, and what to use instead.
Episode 23- The autistic need for predictability and clear direct communication
In this episode I talk about why predictability and direct communication are so important for autistic people and why we should all honor that as a society.
Episode 24- Autism, ADHD and food selectivity
In this episode, I explain why many Autistic and ADHD folks often get mislabeled as picky eaters and why we simply can't handle the texture of certain foods.
Episode 27- Why certain disabilities are considered "invisible" by society
In this episode I talk about how ableist preconceptions of what disability is supposed to look like is what leads certain disabilities being deemed "invisible", and why I believe disability shouldn’t be viewed as a tragedy.
Episode 28- Reminiscing on my childhood with my Grandmother Theo Gund (she/her)
In this episode, my grandma and I talk a little about the history of neurodivergence and mental illness in our family. We also reminisce a little bit on our time together when I was a young, undiagnosed autistic child.
Episode 29- A chat about Neurodistinct life with fellow ADHDer Faina Cherdak (she/her)
In this episode my friend Faina and I talk about our journeys as Neurodistinct individuals navigating a neurotypical world. We discuss early life, family and school experiences, going through the Meisner Technique training to become actors, and how it all led us to accepting ourselves for who we are and feeling proud of our differences rather than ashamed.*If you like this episode, check out Episode 43 as well, where Faina and I talk again and share experiences around going through the education system as neurodistinct folks in a neurotypical-biased society.
Episode 30- The blatantly ableist and autistophobic anti-vaccination and medication theories
In this episode I discuss the highly problematic and autistophobic anti-medication lawsuits that we continue seeing and hearing about to this very day.
Episode 31- Busting the myth around Autistic people not having empathy
In this episode I talk about one of the most harmful long standing stereotypes out there: the myth around autistic people not having empathy. The reality of the matter is that we experience less cognitive empathy but more emotional empathy than non-autistics. Tune in to learn more.
Episode 32- An interview with fellow autistic ADHDer Alex (he/him)
In this episode I talk with Alex from the @theworldisahouseonfire Instagram account. I ask him some ND related questions and we have a nice little chat.
Episode 33- Why Autistic and ADHD folks need to stim
In this episode I talk more in depth about stimming. I explain what it is and why autistic people and folks with ADHD tend to stim more than neurotypicals.
Episode 34- Why not all disabled people should be held to the same standards
In this episode I explain why it's important to recognize that systemic privileges can exist even within the disabled community and why not all disabled people should be held to the same standards.
Episode 36- The issue with the term "differently abled"
In this episode I talk about how despite it generally being used with good intentions, using the term "differently abled" can make some disabled folks like myself feel unheard or invalidated when it comes to our disabilities.
Episode 37- Why we need the medical community to better understand us
In this episode I talk about how much better things would be if the medical community listened more to neurodivergent voices when it comes to how we want to be supported and better understood, rather than being treated us as broken or "disordered".
Episode 38- Why recovering from arguments is especially hard for neurodistinct folks
In this episode I talk about why many of us Neurodistinct folks, particularly those with RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) struggle even more than our neurotypical peers when it comes to recovering from arguments.
Episode 39- A beachside interview with my cousin Susannah Bien-Gund (she/her)
In this episode my cousin Susannah talks about growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and later coming to the realization that she was neurodistinct after already being married and having two small children.
Episode 40- A talk with X (she/they)
In this episode my friend X talks about her unique experience being diagnosed with ADHD as a cisgender female child, her close relationship with her autistic brother, and her experiences with the intersectionality of being queer and neurodivergent.We also talk about some frustrations we share while trying to communicate with neurotypicals and discuss some of the social constructs that may be responsible for some of these challenges.