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In this episode, we sit down with J.D. Barker, a New York Times bestselling author known for his thrillers, to discuss his inspiring journey as a neurodiverse individual. Diagnosed with autism as an adult, J.D. reflects on his career transformation, shares strategies for navigating neurotypical expectations, and offers invaluable insights for parenting neurodiverse children. This heartfelt conversation is filled with practical advice, empowering takeaways, and hope for families navigating similar paths.

Guest:
J.D. Barker is an acclaimed author of numerous bestselling books, including Heavy Are the Stones and The Writer (co-written with James Patterson). Diagnosed with autism in his 20s, he combines his unique perspective with his passion for storytelling to advocate for understanding and acceptance.

Website: https://jdbarker.com/

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Key Takeaways:

1. Leaning into Strengths: "Find the one thing your child loves and encourage it. That can open so many doors." J.D. credits his love for reading and writing as his gateway to success.

2. The Role of Community: J.D. highlights the importance of a supportive network, from his wife’s life-changing encouragement to his daughter’s school team.

3. Overcoming Challenges: Social interactions can be tough, but J.D. has developed strategies like slowing down, maintaining eye contact, and focusing on one response at a time.

4. Parenting with Compassion: J.D. advises parents to embrace their child's unique strengths and to view neurodiversity as a collection of superpowers.

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