In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Derek Crager, founder of Practical AI and AIforAutistics.com, for a powerful conversation about late autism diagnosis, the intersection of AI and neurodiversity, and how technology can empower inclusion. Derek shares his personal journey, the challenges of growing up undiagnosed, and how he transformed his experiences into tools like PocketMentor to support neurodivergent individuals. From dyslexic-friendly fonts to AI mentorship in the workplace, this episode is filled with insights and actionable wisdom for creating a more inclusive world—one conversation and innovation at a time.

Key Takeaways:

Late Diagnosis Impact – Receiving a diagnosis at 50 changed Derek’s self-understanding and career path.

Neurodivergent Empowerment – AI can help autistic individuals communicate, work, and self-advocate more effectively.

PocketMentor Innovation – Derek’s voice-based AI tool supports real-time learning and job guidance.

Inclusion in Practice – Real inclusion means listening, personalizing support, and giving people space to thrive.

Bias & Opportunity – AI can reflect societal biases but also offers a path toward equity when used intentionally.

Derek Crager’s definition of inclusion:

Diversity is inviting somebody to the dance, and inclusion is dancing with them. It's not just making sure you have numbers. It's actually embracing and engaging across boundaries.

Derek Crager’s Bio:

Derek Crager is a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD professional who spent a lifetime misunderstood — until he found his voice in technology. With a background in industrial reliability and a mind wired for pattern recognition, Derek turned personal struggle into purpose, founding Practical AI and the community hub AIforAutistics.com.

Through his work, Derek helps neurodivergent individuals harness AI not just to cope — but to create, earn, and thrive. His flagship tool, Pocket Mentor, offers voice-powered guidance in industrial settings, proving that AI can be both human-centered and practical.

Derek speaks openly about what it’s like to grow up undiagnosed, the quiet toll of being misunderstood, and how artificial intelligence became a tool for both personal transformation and inclusive empowerment. Today, he invites others to join a community built on shared learning and shared earning — one that celebrates difference as a superpower.

Connect with Derek Crager:

Website: https://www.practicalai.app/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amazonleadership/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 47

No - 70

☕ Buy me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusivedad

Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podcastupdates

Want to create videos like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6041699795730432

Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad