Autistic entrepreneurship: a different path to work
From A Different Brilliant by Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
June 1, 2026 · 26 min · Season 6
About this episode
The episode discusses how entrepreneurship can serve as a viable employment pathway for Autistic individuals, highlighting their unique strengths and the challenges they face in traditional work environments.
In this episode of a different brilliant® , host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey speaks with Autistic social entrepreneur, researcher and systems innovator Dr Sharon Zivkovic about why entrepreneurship can be an employment pathway for Autistic people. Together, they explore the barriers Autistic people often face in traditional employment, including workplace culture, sensory challenges and recruitment processes, and discuss how self-employment and social entrepreneurship can offer greater autonomy, flexibility and wellbeing. Dr Sharon Zivkovic shares insights into Autistic strengths such as deep interests, systems thinking, pattern recognition and innovative problem-solving, explaining why these qualities can make Autistic people exceptional entrepreneurs and changemakers. The conversation also examines how Autistic thinking differs from neurotypical approaches, why society needs Autistic innovation, and how strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming supports could help more Autistic people thrive. All rights reserved.
People in this episode
Host: Madeleine Jaine Lobsey
Guest: Dr Sharon Zivkovic
Topics covered
- autistic entrepreneurship
- employment pathways
- neurodiversity
- self-employment
- social entrepreneurship
- autistic strengths
- workplace challenges
Keywords
- autism
- entrepreneurship
- employment
- neurodiversity
- self-employment
- social innovation
- workplace culture
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Autism Spectrum Australia
More episodes of A Different Brilliant
- Creating inclusive recruitment practices for Autistic people · May 4, 2026 · 42 min
- Thriving Kids: A conversation with Minister Jenny McAllister · April 14, 2026 · 40 min
- AI's role in the future of inclusive classrooms · March 30, 2026 · 40 min
- Eye care for Autistic people · March 2, 2026 · 33 min
- Exploring inclusive education through the lens of a student’s lived experience · February 4, 2026 · 32 min
- Autistic experiences of pregnancy and birth · January 12, 2026 · 37 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the A Different Brilliant podcast page.