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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.



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https://Facebook.com/tonymantor

https://instagram.com/tonymantor

https://twitter.com/tonymantor

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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.

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)

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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 &quot;thrice exceptional&quot; son (autistic, ADHD, and gifted) who could count to 100 at age two but wasn&apos;t speaking conversationally 
• Left special education program after realizing conventional teaching approaches didn&apos;t align with her son&apos;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&apos;s needs without requiring them to &quot;prove&quot; their disability 
• Questions arbitrary job requirements that create barriers for neurodivergent talent 
• Emphasizes that different developmental paths aren&apos;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&apos;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&apos;s contents is at the listener&apos;s own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.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)

Autism, Mental Health, Advocacy & Human Stories.

Embracing Autism/Mental Health Worldwide.

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing recognition, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness about the condition. 

Mental health encompasses a range of conditions impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting millions globally. It includes disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often presenting with similar symptoms. 

Despite growing awareness, stigma and misconceptions about mental health, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis, persist, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support. 

From celebrating neurodiversity to breaking down stigma, we create a safe space for listeners to learn, grow, and feel seen. 

Whether you're on the spectrum, a caregiver, or an advocate, join our global community for inspiring conversations and empowering resources that uplift and unite. 

Tune in to embrace understanding, healing, and hope worldwide! 

Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with Autism and Mental Illness.

Autism, Mental Health, Advocacy &amp; Human Stories.Embracing Autism/Mental Health Worldwide.Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing recognition, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness about the condition.&nbsp;Mental health encompasses a range of conditions impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting millions globally. It includes disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often presenting with similar symptoms.&nbsp;Despite growing awareness, stigma and misconceptions about mental health, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis, persist, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support.&nbsp;From celebrating neurodiversity to breaking down stigma, we create a safe space for listeners to learn, grow, and feel seen.&nbsp;Whether you're on the spectrum, a caregiver, or an advocate, join our global community for inspiring conversations and empowering resources that uplift and unite.&nbsp;Tune in to embrace understanding, healing, and hope worldwide!&nbsp;Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with Autism and Mental Illness.

Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

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

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/e1721dc0-96f9-42ab-9ed3-b47101039efa/transcript