TELOS: A Neurodiversity Conversation

How can workplaces move beyond awareness to action, meaningfully including, empowering, and celebrating neurodivergent employees? In this episode, Aeris speaks with Shea Belsky , a Tech Lead at HubSpot, Former CTO at Mentra, and Host of Autistic Techie whose advocacy has helped shape neuro-inclusive hiring across companies such as HubSpot, Microsoft, and AWS. Together, they explore what real inclu...

Disabled U.S. Navy veteran and #1 Amazon bestselling author Kristof Morrow joins Aeris for a raw and inspiring conversation about resilience, creativity, and triumph against impossible odds. After spending five years unable to write a single word while battling worsening Tourette's symptoms, Kristof surrendered to his fight and began writing again—resulting in "The Second Sun," which...

In this episode of TELOS, we sit down with Dr. Emily Levy   to discuss what neurodivergent students need most to thrive, and Dr. Levy offers essential advice for parents and teachers on how to support these learners best. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or advocate for inclusive education, this conversation offers practical wisdom and inspiration for creating more compassionate learning enviro...

In this episode, host Aeris and guest Stacy Schaffer, a licensed professional counselor and childhood trauma survivor, explore the profound impact of childhood trauma and the healing process. They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for children, the role of play therapy, and the unique ways trauma can manifest in neurodivergent children. Find Stacy’s work here !

In this conversation, Host Aeris sits down with Dr. Rebecca Payne discusses the significance of chaos-seeking and setting boundaries in personal relationships, emphasizing the importance of self-respect and the emotional challenges that can arise when asserting these boundaries. The conversation highlights the proactive nature of boundary setting and the potential consequences of not addressing is...

October is ADHD Awareness Month, and this episode dives into one of the most misunderstood aspects of ADHD: executive function. Host Aeris talks with Hannah Bookbinder , licensed ADHD coach and educator, and founder of AcademicAlly, LLC and creator of MyTOAD about how ADHD brains really work (and why “try harder” might be the worst advice we can give).

In this episode of TELOS, host Aeris speaks with Ryan Miele, founder of Turbobo , a company that creates weighted stuffed animals designed to help individuals manage anxiety. The conversation explores the science behind anxiety, the impact of wellness devices on neurodivergent individuals, and the importance of normalizing discussions around mental health.

In this episode of Telos, host Aeris speaks with Dr. Robin Harwick about the transformative potential of education for neurodivergent students. They discuss the need for schools to honour neurodiversity, the principles of democratic education, and the importance of building trust and safety in learning environments.  To learn more about Dr. Harwick’s work with The Pearl, click here thepearlhighsch...

Content Warning : This episode discusses suicide, self-harm, and mental health crises in detail. Please prioritize your well-being. If these topics may be triggering, consider listening to our mindfulness episode instead. In this episode of TELOS: A Neurodiversity Conversation, host Aeris sits down with writer, researcher, and mental health advocate Grace Ogren to explore the realities of mental h...

In this episode of TELOS, host Aeris and guest Grant Harris discuss the critical transition from educational environments to the workplace for neurodivergent individuals. They explore the importance of creating truly inclusive workplaces that recognize and celebrate neurodiversity, the role of leadership in fostering an inclusive culture, and the challenges of disclosure for neurodivergent employe...

In this episode of TELOS: A Neurodiversity Conversation , Aeris sits down with Dr. Christopher Scott Wyatt: educator, researcher, father, and writer of The Autistic Me blog. They talk about Dr. Wyatt’s journey through diagnosis, his decades of advocacy and teaching, and the challenges and strengths of autistic life. The conversation also takes on today’s pressing issues: how autism and disability...

In this episode of TELOS: A Neurodiversity Conversation, Aeris sits down with poet, novelist, and mentor Dale E. Walsh, student of Dartmouth College and graduate magna cum laude of Fairleigh Dickinson University, to explore what it means to live and thrive with schizophrenia for 50 years. From navigating delusions to “outgrowing” them, and from using creativity as a lifeline to mentoring families...

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is an often misunderstood form of neurodivergence. In this episode, Aeris sits down with Cynthia Gralla, PhD in Comparative Literature, author, educator, and host of " A Real Affliction: BPD, Culture, and Stigma ," to explore BPD through the lens of language, linguistics, and storytelling. This conversation is for anyone with BPD, neurodivergent alli...

What if children’s “challenging behaviour” isn’t misbehaviour at all — but communication? In this episode of TELOS: A Neurodiversity Conversation, Aeris sits down with Jacintha Field, a family and child counsellor, art therapist, and founder of Happy Souls Kids. Together, they explore practical tools for regulation, the role of art and play in healing, and why neurodivergence matters for EVERY chi...

Why do so many neurodivergent people also experience chronic illness symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, hives, or joint pain? In this episode of Telos: A Neurodiversity Podcast , host Aeris explores the chronic illness “triad”: hypermobility, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and dysautonomia (especially POTS). We’ll look at how these conditions overlap with autism, ADHD, and anxiety, and how l...

Accommodations—extra time, note-takers, sensory tools—can be life-saving for neurodivergent students. But they don’t dismantle the invisible systems that still hold us back. In this episode, Aeris unpacks the “hidden curriculum”: the unwritten rules, norms, and expectations that often disadvantage neurodivergent and racialized students. This episode also features a spotlight on Neurodiversity Voic...

Healing doesn’t have to happen in silence. In fact, speaking our truths (especially the ones we’ve been told to hide) can be the most radical act of self-love and community care. In this episode, host Aeris shares their own journey as a neurodivergent youth advocate as well as spotlighting this month's partner Spread Love Project as an example of what it looks like to heal out loud as a commun...

In this return episode, host Aeris explores how culture, race, language, and systemic bias shape the lived experiences of neurodivergent people, and why true neurodiversity must include intersectionality. From underdiagnosis in BIPOC communities to the dangers of ableism in policing, this episode calls for justice, cultural competence, and representation in every corner of mental health and educat...

This April, we're breaking down the evolution from "Autism Awareness" to Autism Acceptance Month —and why that shift is more than just a name change. In this solo episode, Aeris explores the roots of April's autism campaigns, critiques past approaches, and dives into what real inclusion looks like when it's led by Autistic voices. Whether you’re neurodivergent or just looking to learn, this conver...

Autistic people are often mislabeled as unempathetic, but research—and lived experience—paints a very different picture. While autistic individuals may struggle with cognitive empathy (recognizing and interpreting others’ emotions), their emotional empathy (feeling deeply for others) is often just as strong—if not stronger—than neurotypical people. In this episode, host Aeris explores the nuances...

In this episode of Telos: A Neurodiversity Conversation , host Aeris explores the difference between innate and acquired neurodivergence—challenging the idea that all neurodivergence is present from birth. While conditions like autism and ADHD are typically innate, experiences like trauma can also rewire the brain , leading to neurodivergent traits that develop over time.

This episode is designed to offer a much-needed break for your body and mind, whether you’re neurodivergent or simply looking for ways to manage stress. We often feel like we’re constantly juggling responsibilities, and sometimes it’s easy to forget how much our bodies need rest and care. This guided relaxation is a reminder that it’s okay to take a step back, breathe, and reset.

In this episode, host Aeris takes a closer look at stimming—those repetitive movements or actions like tapping, rocking, or humming that are often misunderstood. Discover how stimming plays a crucial role in helping individuals regulate emotions, manage sensory input, and boost focus and learning. Join the conversation as we explore the science behind stimming and why it’s an essential tool for ma...

In this episode, we dive deep into autistic burnout, exploring what it is, how it differs from more common forms of burnout, and its unique challenges. We discuss practical strategies for managing and recovering from burnout, including setting boundaries, self-care practices, and sensory soothing techniques. By understanding the early signs of burnout and creating supportive environments, listener...

In this episode, we explore the world of accommodations—tools and adjustments that create equity in environments often designed for neurotypical norms. Host Aeris shares personal experiences with sensory overload, like doing homework in my closet as a quiet escape, and how accommodations like testing in separate rooms have been transformative. We also discuss the broader impact of accommodations,...