Conversation with Shadia Hancock

03/06/22 • 16 min

Amplified: Autistics in Conversation with Reframing Autism

In this eleventh episode Ginny Grant begins by introducing the show and providing context about herself and Reframing Autism. Ginny then introduces Shadia Hancock, who is a young Australian Autistic advocate.
In the conversation, Shadia reflects on their Autism journey after learning of their Autistic identity at eight years of age. Shadia explains that they were connected in with older Autistic mentors early in their journey, which helped to foster a positive sense of identity. Shadia discusses their initial steps in advocacy, beginning with a presentation to their teachers about their Autistic identity, their differences and needs. They also reflect on their experience of travelling to Singapore for the Asia Pacific Autism Conference in 2019, which was a proud achievement for them. Shadia explores their experience of studying Speech Pathology at university, including some of the barriers they have faced and their tips for new Autistic students. Finally, they discuss their future career aspirations, including doing further research into supporting AAC users and providing animal-assisted therapy through their practice.

Previous Episode

Conversation with Jarad McLoughlin

In this tenth episode Ginny Grant begins by introducing the show and providing context about herself and Reframing Autism. Ginny then introduces Jarad McLoughlin, who is an Australian Autistic LGBTQIA+ and disability advocate and activist.
In the conversation, Jarad reflects on his Autism journey after receiving a diagnosis as a young child. He discusses some of the barriers to understanding and accepting Autism at that time, including the lack of information, resources and role models. He talks about how he finally came to accept and embrace his Autism in his teenage years along with being part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Jarad discusses his contributions to several not-for-profit organisations, such as the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and People with Disability Australia. Finally he shares two of his proudest moments as an advocate.

Next Episode

Conversation with JayJay Mudridge

In this twelfth episode Ginny Grant begins by introducing the show and providing context about herself and Reframing Autism. Ginny then introduces JayJay Mudridge, who is a young American Autistic advocate.
In the conversation, JayJay reflects on their Autism journey after being identified as Autistic at a young age. They talk about how finding the Autistic community and seeing Autistic individuals existing as their authentic selves was a vital step in their own self-acceptance. JayJay discusses some of the Autistic advocates they have become friends with and how those relationships work. Next, They explain that their advocacy was traumagenic – that is, it comes from a place of trauma – following their experiences of Applied Behaviour Analysis or ABA during their formative years. JayJay shares some of their experiences of ABA and its devastating impacts, and comments on the notion of “modern ABA”. Finally, JayJay explores some of the ways in which they have unmasked and live authentically.

Amplified: Autistics in Conversation with Reframing Autism - Conversation with Shadia Hancock

Transcript

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

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

I’d like to start by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which I’m recording this podcast today, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. Reframin