Daniel Jones is the founder of The Aspie World (TAW), an internationally-recognized patient leadership platform that works to help the world understand autism — from an autistic person’s perspective. It has become the UK’s #1 resource for Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, OCD, and dyslexia. With a YouTube audience of over 100k and over 8 million views, Dan has become an influencer and public speaker — and a leading voice in the autism community. Diagnosed on the spectrum at the age of 26, Dan’s life suddenly came into sharp focus. A musician by trade, he always thought he was “a little different”, and immediately began seeking community in order to shift his understanding from the clinical world into the real one. From there, things really took off. In this episode, he sat down with Lauren to talk about his experience — and how patient advocacy has changed his perspective. His energy is infectious and upbeat — so prepare to be wowed!
Tune in as Dan shares:
- that he didn’t know anything about autism until he was diagnosed on the spectrum — at 26
- how Dan’s mum-in-law suspected his diagnosis and encouraged him to seek assessment
- that he was probably one of the last people in Wales to receive an Asperger’s diagnosis — before the DSM-5 moved Asperger’s, autism, and other developmental disorders under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorders in 2013
- that his diagnosis was liberating, and helped him understand past behaviors
- that the conservative government in the UK imposed austerity measures that have made Dan lose essential mental health support services
- that he’s in the middle of writing his second book
- the importance of the patient voice in autism advocacy — and how infrequently we have access to resources for the community, by the community
- how he structures his day with apps and activities, and why he’s committed to self-improvement
- about his issues with small motor skills and spatial awareness
- why he needs to be able to control his environment to some degree
- how autism diagnosis and treatment protocols serve men much better than women
- why autism is f**king cool
- how the NHS is inaccessible for individuals living with autism
- why YOU are f**king awesome
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