Intersections of Autistic, Asian American and Jewish Identities – with Ben VanHook

Intersections of Autistic, Asian American and Jewish Identities – with Ben VanHook

Author: Carolyn Kiel April 10, 2023 Duration: 37:19

Ben VanHook is an autistic master's degree student studying public policy at George Mason University, with the hopes of reforming employment and education policy to make them more inclusive for neurodivergent individuals. Ben's passion for creating a more inclusive world stems from his own experiences as an autistic Jewish Asian American adoptee and has led to him speaking and presenting to employers, professors, researchers and self-advocates in the United States and abroad.

During this episode, you will hear Ben talk about:

  • How he learned he was autistic while he was in high school
  • The challenges he faced coming from China to the United States as an adoptee
  • His insights about the intersections of his identities as an autistic, Jewish, Asian American adoptee
  • How posting on LinkedIn led him to become a neurodiversity advocate and public speaker on the intersections of autism, race and religion
  • His role in a TV documentary about intersectionality between race and autism 
  • His thoughts on supporting neurodivergent employees in the workplace and in their careers
  • What are the main goals for his advocacy 

To learn more about Ben and his advocacy:

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*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*


Hosted by Carolyn Kiel, Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people moves past the snap judgments that so often define how neurodivergent people are perceived. Each conversation here is an invitation to listen deeply, exploring the nuanced realities of entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and other neurodivergent individuals as they share their own experiences in their own words. You’ll hear personal accounts that challenge stereotypes, not through abstract arguments, but through the vivid details of lived experience-the unique pathways to creativity, the challenges navigated in work and relationships, and the personal definitions of success and well-being. This podcast creates a space where identity is explored with authenticity, highlighting the strengths and perspectives that arise from thinking differently. Tuning in means connecting with stories that are as diverse and dynamic as the neurodivergent community itself, offering genuine insight into mental health, societal norms, and the richness of human cognition. Carolyn guides these discussions with a focus on depth and connection, ensuring every episode goes far beneath the surface to celebrate the vibrance of neurodiversity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
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