Conversation with Damon Kirsebom

02/07/22 • 26 min

Amplified: Autistics in Conversation with Reframing Autism

In this seventh episode Ginny Grant begins by introducing the show and providing context about herself and Reframing Autism. Ginny then introduces Damon Kirsebom, who is a young Canadian nonspeaking Autistic advocate.
In the conversation, Damon reflects on his journey from not having a reliable form of communication throughout his younger years to learning to communicate via a letterboard, then an iPad at the age of fourteen. He discusses his experiences of segregation, discrimination and isolation in high school and how these led him to develop an interest in advocacy. He also discusses some of the videos he created, sharing his experiences and insights to help others understand other nonspeaking Autistic people and improve the lives of nonspeakers.

Previous Episode

Conversation with Sam Rose

In this sixth episode Ginny Grant begins by introducing the show and providing context about herself and Reframing Autism. Ginny introduces Sam Rose, who is an Autistic advocate, mentor and student.

Sam is a program facilitator, mentoring Autistic youth with the I CAN Network, and is currently undertaking an internship with Reframing Autism. Sam is soon to complete a Bachelor of Arts/Psychology where they have been developing academic interest in the intersection of Autism and mental health, and the concept of neurodiversity more broadly. As a member of the Queer community, Sam is also interested in working at the intersection of Autistic LGBTIQA+ identity and unpacking internalised stigma, and they are currently co-authoring a book on this topic with Yenn Purkis.

In the conversation, Sam reflects on their late Autistic identification in their early twenties. Sam discusses some of the barriers to finding and embracing an Autistic identity and what Autistic empowerment looks like. Sam talks about their deep passion for Autism, and also their strong interest in gardening and being in nature. Sam also talks about their rewarding work with the I CAN Network, connecting with young Autistic people. Finally, they chat about their drive to reduce stigma and increase understanding of the intersections between Autism and mental health issues as well as gender and sexuality.

Next Episode

Conversation with David Gray-Hammond

In this eighth episode Ginny Grant begins by introducing the show and providing context about herself and Reframing Autism. Ginny then introduces David Gray-Hammond, who is an Autistic mental health and addiction advocate and activist.
In the conversation, David reflects on his journey of Autism acceptance after receiving a diagnosis at the age of twenty-six. He discusses his first steps into the world of advocacy and how he discovered the support and embrace of the Autistic community which has been vital to his wellbeing. He also discusses what prompted him to begin writing his blog about Autism, mental health and addiction (Emergent Divergence) and what drives him to keep writing and advocating in these areas. David also explores some of his proudest moments as an advocate and activist to date and shares his hopes for the future.

Amplified: Autistics in Conversation with Reframing Autism - Conversation with Damon Kirsebom

Transcript

[Music intro: ‘Winter is here’ by Elliot Middleton for Premiumbeat, a delicate piano melody which creates a hopeful mood]

Ginny: Hello and welcome to this episode of Amplified: Autistics in Conversation with Reframing Autism.

I’m Ginny Grant, an Autistic advocate and Reframing Autism’s Communications Manager, and I am the host of this podcast. Today I’m thrilled to be conversing with a young Autistic advocate, Damon Kirsebom.

I’d like to start by acknowl