Creating Communities for Neurodivergent People

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 particip...

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 unl...

Should Disabilities Be Disclosed to Employers? | Know Limits Film interview w/ Victoria and Austin Thiery

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/79hrMvpLNh4

In this powerful interview, Judith sits down with producers Austin and Victoria Thiery to discuss their documentary project Know Limits: a story centered around Colin, an epileptic and autistic lacrosse player who earns a professional team tryout and uncovers corruption within the organization.

At its core, Know Limits explores employment, independence, and identity for neurodivergent individuals. The film examines the complex decision parents face when choosing...

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/noGwk_tMysE

What if fitness truly worked for everyone?

In this interview with Jared Ciner, Founder and Director of SPIRIT Club, shares how he built one of the most impactful inclusive fitness programs in the country: designed to include neurodivergent and physically divergent individuals.

Jared explains how his background in psychology and personal training revealed a major gap between the traditional fitness industry and the disability community—and how SPIRIT Club was created to bridge that gap by meeting people exactly where they are.

Jared Ciner is...

Empowering Deaf Careers | Inclusive Hiring, Accessibility & Workplace Accommodations w/ Lorna Riff

Listen Here: https://youtu.be/C-QvcTGIbbw

During this interview, Judith Weigle and Lorna Riff discuss inclusive hiring practices, empowering deaf job seekers, and the real-world challenges deaf individuals face in the workplace. Lorna speaks on her approach to overcoming barriers to employment.

Lorna shares her firsthand experiences hiring deaf and physically divergent employees, highlighting the importance of accessibility, communication accommodations, and flexibility in modern work environments. Together, Judith and Lorna explore how disability does not equate to inability...

My Experience Creating Employment for Neurodivergent People | Judith Weigle

Listen Here: https://youtu.be/Wr4CHYZHKkM

During this recap, Judith Weigle shares her real-world experience as an employer dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities for neurodivergent people. Drawing from years of hands-on leadership, Judith discusses what it truly takes to empower neurodivergent employees, including the daily practice of patience, understanding, and intentional support.

Please be sure to like and subscribe to Creating Employment for Neurodivergent People for even more career support tips, strategies and advice...

Job Search Strategies for Neurodivergent Professionals w/ Neurodivergent Career Coach Jacob Levy

Listen Here: https://youtu.be/Mnl_2UJ8AA4

In this episode of Creating Employment for Neurodivergent People, Judith Weigle interviews Jacob Levy, a special education teacher and neurodivergent career coach about effective job-search strategies for neurodivergent and disabled individuals. Jacob shares his personal journey with hydrocephalus, how it shaped his professional mission, and why there is no single path to career success. Together, they explore how neurodivergent job seekers can leverage LinkedIn optimization, personal branding, content creation, and strategic outreach to secure meaningful...

In this episode of Creating Employment for Neurodivergent People, host Judith Weigle interviews Tessa McEvoy, an autistic adult, digital designer, and animator, about what meaningful neurodivergent employment actually looks like. This includes finding environments that work for Tessa’s sensory needs, processing abilities and social skills. Tessa shares the real challenges she has navigated in the workplace, workplace accommodations that benefit both employee and employer, this conversation centers on trust, respectful communication, and authenticity as foundations for success.

A little bit about Tessa

Tessa McEvoy is autistic graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Ar...

Neurodivergent Employment Support & Career Coaching | Racheal Pallares (Neurodiversity Training Institute)

In this episode of Creating Employment for Neurodivergent People, I’m joined by Racheal Pallares, CEO and Founder of the Neurodiversity Training Institute, along with co-host John, for a conversation about finding and sustaining neurodivergent-friendly employment.

Racheal shares how her work supports neurodivergent adults—and parents of neurodivergent young adults—through career coaching, job search guidance, and workplace success strategies. Her approach centers on helping individuals identify what they enjoy, where their strengths lie, and how to build a career that aligns with their interests rather...

2026 Neurodivergent Employment Predictions w/Racheal Pallares, Neurodiversity Training Institute

Listen Here: https://youtu.be/MMLl2dMqtCk

In this episode from Creating Employment for Neurodivergent People, host Judith Weigle is joined by Racheal Pallares of the Neurodiversity Training Institute (NDTI) for a grounded, forward-looking conversation about the real trajectory of neurodivergent employment.

This discussion moves past surface-level inclusion messaging to examine career trajectory planning, how employers truly view neurodivergent employees, and an essential reality check: workplace standards must remain high for everyone.

...

Empowering Neurodivergent Job Seekers | Inclusive Hiring with Nancy Wells of AbleTalks

In this episode of Creating Communities for Neurodivergent People, I sit down with Nancy Wells, Licensed Professional Counselor and founder/CEO of AbleTalks, Inc., to discuss effective strategies that help autistic and neurodivergent adults thrive in employment.

We explore how neurodivergent job seekers can succeed through video job applications, soft skills development, tailored job placements, and strength-based career planning. Nancy also shares insights on building confidence, improving workplace communication, and creating inclusive opportunities that allow neurodivergent individuals to become experts in their own lives.<...

Know Your Rights: Disability Employment & Housing w/Ibrahim “Bebo” Saab, Esq. w/Disability Rights California

In this episode you will learn about advocacy and legal rights for people with intellectual and physical disabilities to include various aspects of disability support, educational transitions, employment opportunities, housing options and protection against financial abuse.

1. Regional Centers in each county provide financial support for developmental and intellectual disabilities:

Autism

Cerebral Palsy

Intellectual Disabilities

Epilepsy

These are conditions that occur as an outgrowth of intellectual disabilities / supportive living services.

In...

Therapy Reimagined for Neurodivergent People w/Natalie Zimm, M.A. LMFT

“I feel better already!”

Listen Here: https://youtu.be/Z74tSjpfBvg

In this episode of Creating Communities for Neurodivergent People, you will meet Natalie Zimm, Psychotherapist, Author, Artist. Her niche client base is ADHD, AuDHD, and Autism. Plus, Highly Gifted and Highly Sensitive People, Creatives, and OCD/anxiety. Natalie is AuDHD. Married to her husband with ADHD.

How Natalie came to work in this area of neurodivergency

Some of the issues therapy can address: Masking, Social Skills, Social Just...

Building a Life w/Down Syndrome | Tony Phillips, Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Success Story

In this inspiring episode of Creating Communities for Neurodivergent People, Judy sits down with Tony Phillips—an artist, writer, athlete, and entrepreneur living with Down Syndrome. Tony proves that people with intellectual disabilities have marketable skills and talents, whether through entrepreneurship or traditional employment.

This conversation highlights that individuals with Down Syndrome can communicate, work, share opinions, live semi-independently, and live full, joyful lives. Despite challenges associated with being special needs, Tony lives an independent lifestyle with his host family. His ho...

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 an...