Autistic's Guide To Self-Discovery

Join us for an engaging episode as we welcome Sol Smith, a former college professor who is autistic, dyslexia and living with ADHD, who has made a remarkable transition into coaching individuals with autism and ADHD. Sol shares his inspiring journey of self-discovery, influenced by the support of his affirming parents, which led him to question societal norms surrounding education and socialisation. Discover how Sol's realisation of his alignment with autistic traits motivated him to pursue a master's degree in psychology, focusing on autism and ADHD, and how his work now empowers others to understand themselves more authentically.

Explore thought-provoking concepts such as metacognition and the growth mindset in education. Listen in as we discuss the importance of teaching students to think about their thinking, encouraging genuine learning over static assessments. Learn about innovative educational approaches that prioritise student growth and mastery, rather than merely accumulating grades, and how these ideals align with mindfulness and educational innovation. Through Sol's perspective, we examine the significance of lateral thinking and how it contrasts with the more traditionally emphasised critical thinking in schools.

Our conversation also delves into the nuances of autism identity, the challenges of self-diagnosis, and the importance of self-advocacy. We explore the unique perspectives and experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum, highlighting the significance of identity-first language and the liberation that proper diagnosis can provide. Sol shares insights into the social challenges faced by autistic individuals, particularly in navigating social interactions and the exhausting effort of masking. This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of autism, encouraging self-acceptance and a deeper understanding of the rich diversity of human identities.

Points Of Discussion:

0:03:00 - Autistic Professor Turned Advocate and Coach
0:08:38 - Rethinking Education Through Growth Mindset
0:12:39 - Encouraging Autonomy in Education
0:22:51 - The Importance of Self-Diagnosis in Autism
0:29:00 - Understanding Autism Identity and Experience
0:37:42 - Navigating Social Interactions With Autism
0:48:02 - Autism Identity and Self-Discovery
1:00:49 - Parenting, Self-Maintenance, and Positivity
1:07:26 - Finding Mental Space Amid Busyness

Resources & Links:

Website: http://www.ProfessorSol.com
TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@bettersol
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprofessorsol
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solsmith
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@professor_sol
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sol-smith-mfa-eds-ms-cas-7955364

About Sol Smith

Sol Smith is the author of The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery and a certified autism specialist who is autistic, dyslexic, and living with ADHD. He spent more than two decades as a college professor before shifting his professional focus to coaching other autistic and ADHD people to gain autonomy in their lives. Sol’s speaking skills have earned him a following of hundreds of thousands on TikTok and led to educational seminars about neurodiversity with corporations around the world.