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One Size Fits One: Derek Crager on Diagnosis, Design, and Doing Different
Manage episode 512747324 series 3587757
Mike and Chaya sit down with Derek Crager to discuss his journey of being late-diagnosed AuDHDer, how embracing his neurodivergence led him from the manufacturing floor to building transformative accessible AI tools for the neurodivergent community, and what it truly means to create human-centered technology that actually fits.
We Also Cover:
- How receiving his autism and ADHD diagnosis brought self-acceptance and reshaped Derek's career
- Why "prompt engineering" might actually be a neurodivergence superpower
- The story behind PracticalAI and creating voice-first solutions that are judgment-free
- Making information accessible without internet or apps
- Building workplace inclusion into tech from the ground up
- The "one size fits one" philosophy versus one-size-fits-all systems
- Advice for neurodivergent entrepreneurs on building teams and leveraging community
- Why certification and trust matter in assistive technology
- Derek's advice for his younger self and anyone feeling out of place
Quotes:
"I wore my diagnosis like a badge of honor. Embracing who I am allowed me to communicate authentically—something I never had before."
"Knowledge is key to the universe. When we put it in the right hands, at the right time, it's a platform for belonging and growth."
"The best tech doesn't replace humans; it empowers us to be irreplaceable. If we thrive, so does everyone around us."
About Derek Crager:
Derek Crager is a neurodivergent entrepreneur, voice-first AI strategist, and the founder of Practical AI and the community hub AIforAutistics.com. With a background in industrial reliability and training, Derek spent decades feeling misunderstood in professional environments. At age 50, a late diagnosis of autism, ADHD, and dyslexia provided a new lens through which to view his life and career, explaining his innate ability for pattern recognition and systems thinking.
This personal journey became the catalyst for his professional mission. His flagship product, Pocket Mentor, is the world's first voice-based AI mentor designed for hands-free, real-time industrial support. It addresses the critical problem of "tribal knowledge" loss—where valuable expertise disappears when a key employee leaves—by transforming that knowledge into an on-demand, scalable resource accessible through a simple phone call, with no app or login required.
Through AIforAutistics.com, Derek creates a space where neurodivergent individuals can harness AI to create, earn, and build sustainable, independent lives. He is a passionate advocate for inclusion through innovation, blending emotional vulnerability with deep technological insight to empower a community where difference is a strategic advantage.
Connect with Derek:
- Practical AI Website: https://www.practicalai.app
- Pocket Mentor: https://www.pocketmentor.us
- AI for Autistics Community: https://www.aiforautistics.com
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amazonleadership/
Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/
Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.
Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.
Available soon on iOS and Android. - Play on any tablet or phone.
Stay Connected:
- Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
- All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
- Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/
- ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
- Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
- Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost
Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:
As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
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