Let’s make your event amazing

I’d love to help your next event be one that your audience will always remember. I’ve spoken professionally for over a decade, and I’m always looking for new opportunities to impact an audience.

On this page, you’ll find detailed information to help you discover if I might be the right fit for your event. You’ll find the topics I cover, as well as a detailed history of my experience and credentials.

Of course, you’re also welcome to reach out directly at any time – I’d be glad to chat about your event and see how I might help impact your audience.

Qualifications & Experience

A few of the great organizations I’ve spoken for:

And a few of my credentials:

  • Two-time TEDx speaker (talks have been viewed 700K+ times on YouTube)
  • Neurodiversity expert & proudly autistic
  • Licensed clinical psychologist
  • Author of the Amazon bestselling book Improve Your Social Skills
  • Co-author of the recently released Neurodiversity and the Myth of Normal
  • Founder of the premiere digital marketing agency for therapy practices
  • 10+ years of national speaking experience.

TEDx Speaker

If you want the best sense of what I’m about as a speaker, I encourage you to watch my 2018 TEDx talk “What Being Autistic Taught Me About Being Human.”

Topics & Types of Speaking

I enjoy speaking to audiences big and small, and I’m equally comfortable with inspirational keynotes and hands-on workshops. This list is not exhaustive, so if you’d like me to speak on something not listed, just ask!

Topics

  • Neurodiversity in the Workplace
  • Autism & Mental Health
  • Leadership & Professional Development
  • Relationships & Social Connection
  • Burnout & Stress Management
  • Personal Growth & Life Purpose

Types of Speaking

  • Keynote & inspirational
  • Executive seminars
  • Online webinars
  • Experiential workshops
  • CEs and professional trainings
  • Fundraising events

Specific Talks

A list of bullet points only tells you so much, so here’s a few of the specific talks I offer.

Neurodiversity in the Workplace

My most popular talk currently is “Strength in Neurodiversity: How to Create a Workplace Where Everyone Can Belong.” It covers:

  • Introduction to neurodiversity and how it can help us better understand differences
  • The competitive advantage provided by creating genuine inclusion and support for neurodivergence
  • Viewing neurodivergence through the lens of strengths and challenges, rather than disorder or “problem to be fixed”
  • Understanding the social model of disability, and how many challenges are caused by how the environment is set up rather than innate deficits
  • Practical applications for workflow and processes, office environments, hiring & promotions, and strategic decision-making

Strength in Neurodiversity is typically presented as a one-hour didactic training with Q+A, but can be adapted to a longer and more interactive experience. It can also be adapted to a variety of organizations, including businesses, government entities, medical practices, and universities.

How to Lead Without a Title

A full-day experiential workshop for a small group, which draws on principles of organizational psychology to challenge assumptions about leadership and unlock leadership potential. Participants learn key insights from psychological science on leadership and group dynamics, and engage in experiences that yield new perspectives into themselves and fresh opportunities to step up as leaders. This workshop also features guided discussions and reflection opportunities.

As above, this talk can be adapted to a one-hour didactic training or a shorter workshop. It can also be blended with the neurodiversity training to specifically empower neurodivergent leaders to thrive, or to equip executives to better lead neurodiverse teams.

Building a Community Where Everyone Belongs

A three-hour talk that explores the idea of loneliness, belonging, and social connection. It provides practical strategies for forming relationships, creating inclusive community spaces, and overcoming loneliness. It can be tailored more for a professional audience, such as strategies for educators or mental health practitioners, or tailored for individuals who are personally looking to improve their social lives.

Escaping Burnout and Creating a Culture of Thriving

Burnout is a critical factor in the workplace. Learn from clinical psychologist Dr. Daniel Wendler the best strategies for avoiding and recovering from burnout, and how team members and organizational leaders can create a culture where everyone can thrive. You’ll learn:

  • Why burnout happens, and how to recognize and respond to it
  • How to engage in effective self-care
  • How to provide support to a team member who is struggling
  • How to set (and enforce!) healthy boundaries
  • Managing shame and self-image when seeking support or taking time off.
  • Specific ways burnout affects neurodivergent people
  • When to seek professional mental health support

Outside Your Comfort Zone

An inspirational keynote that provides a new way of understanding the “comfort zone.” The audience is equipped with actionable steps for escaping their comfort zone, and encouraged to identify goals and values that will spur them to genuine courage.

Speaking Availability

I am currently open to new speaking engagements. I’m able to do both online and in-person talks. I’m based in the Austin, Texas area but can travel to your event. If you’re planning an event and I might be a fit, shoot me an email and let me know the details!

I also frequently co-present with fellow psychologist Dr. Kyler Shumway Kyler brings unique insights from his role as president of the second-largest mental health practice in Texas, and our co-led talks bring the highest possible level of audience engagement. (We’re best friends, and our on-stage chemistry is infectious in creating audience lean-in.) I can present all topics solo or co-led depending on the needs of your event, and we can discuss the best approach when you reach out.

Some Past Talks

To be honest, this section is a bit outdated – I’ve done numerous talks since the last update, and I haven’t been able to keep up with them. However, I wanted to include a few selected talks from the last few years. If you’re curious about where I’ve been speaking lately, just ask!

2023

Strength in Neurodiversity

American Psychological Association

Provided an introduction to neurodiversity and explored how applying principles of neurodiversity could make organizations and individuals stronger.

Creating a RingCentral for Everyone & Managing Burnout: Tools to Thrive for Neurodivergent People

Ringcentral, Inc

Provided training for employees and leadership on how neurodiversity can be a competitive advantage and how to create a workplace that is inclusive for all. Provided a second training on managing and avoiding burnout, with specific applications for neurodivergent employees.

Outside your Comfort Zone & Dating on the Spectrum

Savannah Autism Conference

Along with Dr. Kyler Shumway, proved opening plenary on breaking free from the comfort zone for neurodiverse people.

Along with Dr. Elizabeth Aslinger, provided psychoeducational workshop on dating strategies for neurodivergent people and relationship tips for neurodiverse partnerships.

2022

How to Get Hired at a Private Practice

American Psychological Association

Along with Dr. Kyler Shumway, provided practical strategies for career development for professionals seeking employment in private practice.

How to Make Friends after Social Distancing & Breaking Free from Loneliness

University of Texas at Austin Employee Assistance Program

As part of UT Austin’s “Strengthening relationship” series, provided two talks focused on psychoeducation and practical strategies on making friends, escaping loneliness, and building community.

2021

You Belong: Lessons From Our Neurodiverse Friendship

Southwest Washington Autism Conference

Along with Dr. Kyler Shumway, provided thoroughly revised and updated presentation containing research insights and practical strategies on topics including loneliness, neurodiversity, and friendship.

How To Lead Without A Title & How To Give a TEDx Talk As a Behavioral Health Professional

Hawaii Behavioral Health and Wellness Convention

Provided co-led keynote talk on leadership as well as solo breakout presentation on TEDx talks for interdisciplinary audience of behavioral health professionals

2020

Supercharge Your Professional Presence

American Psychological Association

I provided three one-hour presentations to mental health professionals on topics including leadership, diversified income streams, and email newsletters.

Finding Your Place Of Belonging

Asperger Autism Network

Provided co-led keynote talk on strategies for developing friendships and social skills to an audience of autistic adults and their family members as well as professional providers

Older than 2020

I’ve been speaking professionally 2013. If you want to look through my entire history, you can do so here.
Otherwise, drop me a line and let’s see if I can help with your next event!