Ep15 - Breaking down stereotypes of autism and the artwork of difference

Dear listeners, I’d like you to meet Bob Schmus. Bob and I connected on LinkedIn and exchanged a few notes. It was clear that Bob has a real passion for both helping others directly through his day work and indirectly through the advocacy and awareness he’s keen to share with a broader audience.

It was when I got underneath the ‘why’ of that and learnt more about Bob’s story and his purpose that it seemed only natural to want to share that with you too.

Bob currently works as a youth therapist and counsellor and is keen to move towards spending more time working with adults as well as advocating for the autistic community.

Bob and I talk about a range of topics, but at it’s crux it comes back to understanding that we’re all different, that there are both subtle and not so subtle nuances in how we can help each other and that everyone has a role to play in society.

In our conversation, Bob talks about the value in having a ‘tool box’ of strategies that can be applied when working with different people. Not everyone will respond to the same approaches under similar circumstances in the same way. Relaxation could come in the form of drawing for one person and yet another person needs to take a walk to help reset themselves.

As someone who is passionate about supporting and advocating for those autistic individuals who entering and well into adulthood who may need support around specific skills to help them navigate life successfully, Bob has plenty to offer the community and it set on doing just that!

With a strong desire for constant personal growth and clear ambitions to further develop his therapy skills and to leverage speaking opportunities, domestically and abroad, to further promote awareness and understanding of autism, Bob is focused and dedicated to his cause!

If autism were a painting - it’d be a masterpiece with contributions from multiple painters, genres, ages and styles - it would be some amazingly complex and intricate that it’d not only capture your eye it’d open your mind to how infinitely variable people can be.

To get in touch with Bob for a chat, advice or for speaking opportunities, reach out at: schmus898@gmail.com

ps - Ever had to interview someone who you wondered or knew was autistic or otherwise neurodiverse? Grab a copy of my interview guide for neurodiverse candidates on how you can make some simple adjustments.

pps - Ready to explore neurodiverse recruitment further? Looking for some guidance on how to get started or to better support existing staff? Book a call with me - I’m all yours!