Ep.12/ Navigating Neurodivergency: Guest Kelly Colon's Journey from Late Diagnosis to Advocacy
In this episode, Ali Stricklin and Jen Dryden Hess chat with guest Kelly Colon about inclusive environments and policies.
In this conversation, Kelly Colon shares her personal journey of navigating neurodivergency as both an individual and a parent to neurodivergent children. She discusses her family's genetic neurodivergence patterns, the challenges of growing up in a large Boston family, and how family mental health challenges shaped her upbringing. Kelly's story illuminates the complexities of late diagnosis and its impact on understanding one's neurological differences later in life. We later dive into the challenges with mandated Return to Office policies and how "uninclusive" these policies can be.
Kelly emphasizes the critical importance of supporting different learning styles, advocating for inclusive environments, and using appropriate language when discussing cognitive differences. As an educator, coach and advocate, she provides valuable insights into creating systems that honor neurodiversity while highlighting the significance of self-advocacy and autonomy for neurodivergent individuals. Her expertise spans both educational and workplace settings, offering practical guidance for those navigating neurodivergency in various life contexts, whether dealing with their own late diagnosis or supporting others on their neurodivergent journey.
Kelly is the Founder of Eledex Consulting a catalyst for a neuroinclusive tomorrow.
For great resources and more information:
Follow Kelly on Substack
Follow Kelly on Instagram
Follow Eledex on Instagram
Watch Kelly on Youtube
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