Autistic Autonomy, Independence, and Flourishing with ASPIE-R

About this episode

The episode discusses supporting autistic individuals with purpose and pride, featuring insights from ASPIE-R founders.

Blake Baumann and Pickens Calhoun of ASPIE-R (pronounced "aspire") join Shea to talk about what it means to truly support autistic individuals; not just with accommodations, but with purpose and pride. Blake shares the personal journey that led him to found ASPIE-R, a coaching and mentoring platform built by and for the autistic community, while Pickens reflects on what it takes to be an authentic ally. Together, they explore identity, late diagnosis, parenting, and how to rise above one-size-fits-all expectations in both work and life. This episode is about rejecting shame and embracing the possibility of a self-defined, fulfilling future. Connect with Blake Baumann and Pickens Calhoun at ASPIE-R: https://www.aspie-r.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspie-r-llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakebaumann/ Follow us on social media: https://www.tiktok.com/@autistic_techie https://www.instagram.com/autistic_techie

People in this episode

Host: Shea Belsky

Guests: Blake Baumann, Pickens Calhoun

Topics covered

• autistic autonomy
• independence
• coaching
• mentoring
• identity
• support

Keywords

• autism
• coaching
• mentoring
• identity
• support
• independence
• self-defined future

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ASPIE-R

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