Live Chat with Barb Cook - Founder of NeuroEmploy

FREE ONLINE EVENT: Autism From The Inside Online Summit, September 19th-24th 2022.

Meet Barb Cook, from NeuroEmploy and the NeurodiversityHub. She's one of over 30 speakers at this year's Autism From The Inside Online Summit - a FREE event running from 19th-24th Sept.

Barb is the founder of the Neurodiversity Hub in Gympie Queensland, a space providing allied health services and informal community space for neurodivergent people. She has extensive experience in working with adults on the autism spectrum and ADHD, in creating pathways in attaining life goals in the areas of self-determination and self-advocacy, education, employment, health and interpersonal relationships.

Barb identifies as neurodivergent, being formally diagnosed mid-life with ADHD, Autism and dyslexia in 2009, and promotes a strength-based and person-centred approach in her life and work.

Barb will be one of my guest speakers at my Online Summit coming up, September 19th-24th 2022.

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👋Welcome to Autism From The Inside!!!

If you're autistic or think you or someone you love might be on the autism spectrum, this channel is for you!
I'm Paul Micallef, and I discovered my own autism at age 30.

Yes, I know, I don't look autistic. That's exactly why I started this channel in the first place because if I didn't show you, you would never know.

Autism affects many (if not all!) aspects of our lives, so on this channel, I want to show you what Autism looks like in real people and give you some insight into what's happening for us on the inside. We'll break down myths and misconceptions, discuss how to embrace autism and live well, and share what it's like to be an autistic person.

Join me as I share what I've found along my journey, so you don't have to learn it the hard way.

Make sure to subscribe so you won’t miss my new video every Friday and some bonus content thrown in mid-week too.

👋Connect with me:

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy my channel!

Peace,

~ Paul

#autism #asd #autismawareness #actuallyautistic

[clicheguevara]

Funny autism story for you guys: This past weekend I played a show with my band. These two women came up to the stage afterwards and said “You always look so focused, in control, and comfortable onstage. You’re so cool.”

I cringed, chuckled and said “To be fair, I’m not actually that cool. That’s just the autism you’re seeing.” They laughed and said I said “No, I’m serious. I’m genuinely autistic af.” Without missing a beat, one of them went for a fist bump and said “Well, whatever it is, it’s definitely working for you.” Then we both laughed our asses off. 🤣

It was cool to get complimented I guess, but it was really nice to be able to just casually talk and joke about it. I saw a comedian make an autism joke the other day and LOVED IT. More than anything, I just want the subject to become more “normalized”.

I’ve always encouraged my friends to ask me anything they want to know about autism. I want people to be understanding/accepting, not sympathetic.

[JONNYSORENSEN_AU]

Lost count of how many jobs I've lost for no legit reason (as in I did the work, was an excellent employee, got along with poeple) but the reason - if they even give one - is some variation of "you just don't fit in" UGH! I'll have a full watch of this one tonight thanks.

[traceycrawford]

Thank you so much Paul! You’re spot on about speaking up in the workplace feeling intimidating. It IS easier just to blend in because we don’t want to risk losing the job.

[jessicacass]

Such a great interview. I discovered, admitted and realized many things during this chat. Also I think it's great info for in crisis moment. So thank you for doing this.

[deborahlee]

Got my ticket for day 2 Barb and also ready for your week long event Paul

[MOJORAPSCALLION]

I always felt I failed at all my many jobs over my life and I tried so so hard I struggled massively with not fitting in not being given clear and unambiguous explanations of tasks to carry out and most of the time I was not given the right explanations and help so felt like a failure and underachiever compared to everyone else. I didn’t get diagnosed until I was 50 earlier this year, and the irony is the last 10 years I have multiple chronic illnesses that leave me unable to no longer work as too unwell (47 surgeries in a decade too).

[vivianstewart]

Paul, thank you for all you do for the autistic community. On this video, I have a hard time hearing Barb—she's a little muffled. You are coming in fine. Thought I would point this out so maybe something could be done for the conference.

[electron]

I found her somewhat hard to hear. She talked a bit fast and her voice was somewhat muffled but I still think it was an excellent interview.

[marenk.]

I'm sorry, I didn't read everything everywhere, but is it going to be possible to rewatch the upcoming Event sittings? It is in the middle of the night in my timezone 😅 in case I get tired? 🤔

[thetakongpancake]

Bernadette
​Tips for communicating in the workplace? For example, I have been told I can sound difficult when I am trying to clarify an ask (what is the scope of the task, deadline, urgency, etc.)

Maybe its because you are more intelligent in the way you think and it comes out in the ask. Now you have become a threat. lol They will get over it or you will find someplace you like to be o;0

[diakritika]

I gamify my work assignments (if possible).