In this episode, Hannah sits down with Alex, a personal trainer and advocate living with autism, to explore the complexities and nuances of his journey. Alex shares his personal experiences growing up with autism, elaborating on the unique challenges and insights that have shaped his life. He emphasises the importance of understanding communication styles and the critical role of empathy and patience in engaging with neurodivergent individuals.
Delving into the societal challenges faced by those on the autism spectrum, Alex discusses his work with Weflex, where he helps neurodiverse kids enhance their social skills and physical well-being. He touches on the power of creative outlets such as gaming and music as coping mechanisms, along with valuable psychological tools that facilitate personal growth. Alex's narrative is a compelling reminder of the potential locked within neurodiverse communities, advocating for better awareness and inclusion to bridge gaps in understanding.

About the Guest:
Alex is an inspiring individual navigating life with autism. At the age of 22, Alex is a personal trainer and support worker at Weflex, an NDIS-accredited company focused on helping neurodiverse individuals. With a deep sense of understanding and empathy, Alex shares his journey, offering insights into living with autism and advocating for a more inclusive society. His passion lies in guiding children with disabilities to find their place in the world, leveraging his own experiences to make a substantial impact.
Key Takeaways:

Alex highlights the importance of understanding body language and tone for autistic individuals, underscoring the need for clear and calm communication.
The role of creative outlets like gaming and music in providing solace and self-expression for neurodiverse individuals.
An emphasis on societal inclusion, aiming to provide better life opportunities and extend the average lifespan of those with disabilities through fitness and supportive environments.
Alex's personal journey through social anxiety and the psychological support that has helped him develop coping mechanisms.
Advocacy for empathy and respect when engaging with neurodivergent individuals, stressing that they seek the same emotional connections as everyone else.

Notable Quotes:

"For us, it's not what you're saying, it's how you're projecting yourself… that can cause sensory overload."
"I've realised now how beneficial having proper health professionals was… knowing how to approach conflicts."
"Really try to recognise when your stress cup is overflowing and know your limits."
"People like us are very creative… it's being sucked into a different reality."
"We still want the same things in life that anyone else does."

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