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Autism, identity & fighting the system | Katherine Uher | #015 Mastering Change
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“Only 10 years ago people didn’t know that girls could be autistic,” says Dr. Katherine Uher in this week’s episode of Mastering Change.
As an openly autistic psychotherapist, Dr. Uher works with those experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem and complex trauma – often shaped by a lifetime of feeling "othered."
Her research explores the impact of systemic trauma, especially how institutions often misunderstand, pathologise or erase the needs of neurodivergent people. She speaks from both professional and lived experience, which she shares in the episode.
“As a society, our perception of normal is rigid and we are wary of differences.”
Dr. Uher’s research challenges how neurodivergent people are storied and judged by professionals. She argues that many neurodivergent people struggle with their sense of self are because their identities have been shaped by other people’s opinions of what’s right and wrong.
In this episode we discuss:
- How Dr. Uher’s personal journey shaped her academic research
- The danger of pathologising differences
- How neurodivergent behaviours are misunderstood
- How neurodivergent people are taught to conform
- The long-term emotional toll of masking
- What it means to grow up “other-referencing” instead of self-referencing
This was a poignant conversation, and we’re grateful to Dr. Uher for speaking so candidly about her own journey – and the wider struggles of navigating a world not designed for neurodivergent people. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, a clinician, therapist, educator or ally, this episode is essential listening.
Don't forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the illustrious Canadian physician and world-renowned addiction expert Gabor Maté on next week’s episode!
Moment of Care: This episode discusses sensitive episodes related to trauma, mental health and potential distressing experiences. If you feel triggered at any point, please take a moment to check in with yourself and seek support.
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