Скачать или смотреть Helping Peers Become Better Advocates: Inclusion, Empathy & Real Conversations

Host: Brian Keene, Pure Hearts Therapy Guest: Mandy — Autistic Advocate, Peer Mentor, Neurodiversity Educator



📘 Episode Summary In today’s episode, Brian welcomes back Mandy—an autistic advocate whose insight, honesty, and lived experiences help bridge understanding between neurodivergent individuals and the communities around them.

This conversation explores:

What true inclusion looks like

How peers can become better allies

The power of online communities

Healthy boundaries and safety for autistic adolescents

Why children should be believed, supported, and included intentionally

Real-life stories from Penguin Project musical theatre

How parents and teachers can advocate with—not for—their children

What friendship means through a neurodivergent lens

How resources and gentle assistance can reduce stress and build empowerment

This is an honest, insightful, heartfelt conversation that helps families, educators, and peers understand ways to foster acceptance, belonging, and meaningful relationships.





✨ Key Takeaways 1. Inclusion Isn’t “Letting Them Sit at the Table”—It’s Wanting Them There Mandy explains that inclusion goes beyond the “right thing to do.” It’s about recognizing that a person's presence matters and enriches the group.

2. Online Spaces Often Lead the Way Digital communities remove physical judgments and bring people together based on interests and strengths—not labels.

3. Peers Can Advocate Through Their Actions Modeling respectful communication

Directing conversation to the neurodivergent individual rather than around them

Recognizing and celebrating strengths

Meeting people where they are

4. Parents Should Be Active Participants in IEPs Brian and Mandy discuss examples of parents who:

Observe classrooms firsthand

Ask specific questions

Identify mismatches between learning environments and student needs

Advocate beyond the “check-the-box” approach

5. Misconceptions About Friendship For many autistic individuals:

The line between acquaintance and friend may feel unclear

Empathy is expressed through shared experiences, not always through typical responses

Volume, pacing, or intensity may fluctuate with comfort or excitement Gentle, respectful cues from friends can be extremely helpful.

6. Teaching Boundaries Is Critical Mandy shares personal experiences illustrating how:

Autistic youth often aren’t taught what harassment or unhealthy dynamics look like

Early boundary education (middle school age) can prevent exploitation

Families and educators should prioritize these conversations

7. Support Is More Than Information—It’s Assistance Sharing resources is important, but offering help with applications, forms, or steps shows real advocacy.





💬 Memorable Quotes “Inclusion isn’t just letting someone sit at the table—it’s wanting them to be there.” – Mandy

“Meeting people where they’re at is huge.” – Brian

“Some of us don’t even know what a friend is—and that’s okay.” – Mandy

“Teaching healthy boundaries early can change lives.” – Mandy





🔗 Resources Mentioned Penguin Project – Inclusive musical theatre program pairing neurodivergent actors with peer mentors

CARD (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities) – State-supported resources (varies by location)

Local/state autism agencies or community groups

Online peer support communities for autistic youth and adults





👋 Connect With Us Pure Hearts Therapy Website: pureheartstherapy.com