Living Independently with an Aide w/ John McFadden and Kate Waltermeyer

Listen Here: https://youtu.be/G7zl20s5BCw

In this episode of Creating Communities for Neurodivergent People, we explore how learning and growth continue long after high school for neurodivergent individuals. Even as adults living independently, executive function and social learning remain essential parts of daily life.

Key topics include:

• Kate’s unique perspective as both John’s aide and someone who has ADHD and is on the Autism Spectrum

• The value and challenges of self-diagnosis as people age

• Kate’s lived experiences with ADHD (focus challenges, hyper-fixation, depression/anxiety, sleep and eating difficulties, and task overwhelm)

• Autism-related needs such as safe spaces, sensory sensitivities, overstimulation, and managing strong emotions

• How Kate and John support each other’s learning in reading, math, cooking, executive function, and social skills

• Why empathy, patience, and mutual respect create a strong aide–client relationship

• The ongoing importance of education and community engagement for neurodivergent adults

Takeaways:

Education never ends, being in community is vital, and independence is an evolving process supported by understanding and collaboration.

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#NeurodivergentVoices #ADHDAwareness #AutismAcceptance #ExecutiveFunction #NeurodiversityMatters #InclusiveEducation #CreatingCommunities #IndependenceJourney #independantliving #specialneeds #disabilityhousing #housingaccommodations

Working Without Losing Disability Benefits w/ Mary Judy, Alpine Square

Navigating government benefits while trying to work can feel overwhelming: especially for neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities. In this in-depth conversation, Mary Judy breaks down how benefits actually work, how employment is supported and what resources are available to help individuals build sustainable, fulfilling careers without losing essential support. These benefits include:

• People receiving SSI, SSDI, SNAP, or Medicaid

• Families and caregivers seeking clarity on benefits

• Employment professionals and disability advocates

• Anyone interested in disability inclusion and economic participation

Be sure to subscribe to Creating Employment for Neurodivergent People on YouTube for more educational resources! https://youtube.com/@creatingemploymentnp

Contact Mary Judy:

https://www.alpinesquare.net/about/

Mary explains Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Alpine Square services include personalized benefits analysis reports, one-on-one counseling, and long-term planning to help individuals maintain stability while entering or re-entering the workforce.

A major focus of this discussion is dismantling the myth that working automatically leads to losing benefits. Many programs are designed with gradual income thresholds that allow individuals to earn more while still retaining critical supports. Mary explains how systems like SSI include grace periods and income adjustments that often result in individuals having more financial stability when they work.

Mary introduces ABLE accounts and PASS plans, that allows individuals to save money and invest in their future without jeopardizing eligibility for benefits.

Mary points to national resources like National Association of Benefits and Work Incentives Specialists, where individuals can find certified benefits counselors across the United States or explore private services.

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Unlocking Communication for Employment for Neurodivergent Individuals

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/9MJhMglC0Cc

What if someone could think clearly… but their body simply couldn’t express the words?

In this important conversation, we explore the powerful idea that non-speaking does not mean non-thinking. Many individuals who cannot speak verbally still possess complex thoughts, intelligence, creativity, and aspirations. The challenge often lies not in cognition, but in the body’s ability to coordinate speech and movement.

Abbi Fletcher of the Colorado Spellers Collective explains how communication can be unlocked for individuals with motor-planning challenges such as Apraxia.

Apraxia can create a disconnect between the brain and the muscles needed for speech, making it difficult to control the fine motor movements of the lips, tongue, eyes, or fingers. While speech may be difficult or impossible for some individuals, their cognitive abilities remain intact.

Abbi shares how her organization helps non-speaking individuals develop communication through spelling and typing systems. Using specially designed boards and tools, individuals gradually build motor coordination while learning to point to letters and form words.

One key takeaway: during job interviews, employers should focus on a person’s skills and abilities, not solely on how they communicate.

• Why non-speaking individuals are often misunderstood

• How apraxia affects motor coordination and speech production

• Communication methods using spelling boards and typing systems

• The role of sensory regulation and motor development in communication training

• How employers can create inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent individuals

• Why parents and families play a critical role in supporting communication and career goals

• Creating opportunities for neurodivergent individuals benefits everyone. Diverse workplaces gain new perspectives, stronger creativity, and deeper empathy toward customers and communities.

If you’re interested in neurodiversity, inclusive hiring, communication access, or supporting non-speaking individuals, this conversation offers valuable insight into a topic that deserves far more awareness.

About Abbi Fletcher

Abbi Fletcher is a certified Spelling to Communicate Practitioner and the founder and owner of Colorado Spellers Collective. She has been working with the neurodiverse community since 2016 in both classroom and clinical settings; and previously served as Director of Talent Acquisition at Stride Autism Centers. Abbi is passionate about supporting individuals in their communication journey so that their most authentic selves can be heard, known and understood. Outside of her practice, she actively volunteers with Friends of Red Rocks, Calling All Crows, and Feel the Beat.

Contact Abbi:

info@coloradospellerscollective.com

#apraxiaawareness #apraxiaofspeech #speechtherapylife #speechthereapy #neurodivergentcommunication #autismacceptance #neurodivergentemployment #NeurodivergentPodcast #neurodivergentempowerment #apraxia #spellers