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#132 Navigating Neurodiversity- Shifting the Way We See Autism with Samar Waqar

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Manage episode 497229591 series 3560181
Content provided by Elizabeth Mahusay. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Elizabeth Mahusay or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

What if the real transformation doesn't begin with action, but with how we think?

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Samar Waqar—founder of Kind Theory—to unpack how one autism diagnosis changed everything. But not in the way you might expect.

Samar shares her deeply personal story: from navigating multiple career shifts across continents, to the moment she realized her son’s diagnosis wasn’t a tragedy—but a clue to a deeper understanding of neurodiversity. With clarity and conviction, she challenges the default narratives around autism, inclusion, and competence, offering a refreshingly empowering framework that every parent, educator, and leader needs to hear.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How shifting your thinking from “diagnosis” to “neurotype” changes everything

  • Why true inclusion goes beyond therapy—and starts with redesigning the environment

  • A real-world example of what “building the ramp” for neurodivergent individuals looks like

  • How imposter syndrome shows up in marginalized identities—and how to dismantle it

  • The science-backed reason your thinking patterns shape your life results

  • Why presuming competence should be the new default in every interaction

Samar’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and radical perspective shifts—and the ripple effect it’s creating through Kind Theory is just the beginning.

About Samar Waqar: Samar Waqar is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and the founder of Kind Theory, a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals. Originally from Pakistan and now based in Texas, Samar brings a global perspective shaped by her diverse career in education, business, and social impact. Her personal journey as a mother and a neurodivergent individual fuels her mission to shift the narrative from sympathy to strength and from diagnosis to understanding.

About Kind Theory: Kind Theory is a nonprofit organization focused on making the world more accessible for neurodivergent individuals. Through education, advocacy, and customized support, Kind Theory helps communities move beyond therapy-based solutions and toward systemic inclusion. Their work empowers families, educators, and organizations to build environments where everyone can thrive.

Connect with Samar: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samar.waqar

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samarwaqar/

Learn More About Kind Theory: Website: https://www.facebook.com/kindtheoryorg

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kindtheoryorg

💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Meet Elizabeth Mahusay:

Elizabeth Mahusay is a coach, speaker, and author passionate about helping people transform their thinking and live with purpose. A former chemistry educator turned leadership coach, she has trained thousands to overcome limiting beliefs and grow personally and professionally. Elizabeth is a certified keynote speaker with Southwestern Consulting and author of Pick Your Path. She lives in Allen, Texas, with her husband of 28 years, Fred, and they have two adult sons.

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

  continue reading

133 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 497229591 series 3560181
Content provided by Elizabeth Mahusay. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Elizabeth Mahusay or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

What if the real transformation doesn't begin with action, but with how we think?

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Samar Waqar—founder of Kind Theory—to unpack how one autism diagnosis changed everything. But not in the way you might expect.

Samar shares her deeply personal story: from navigating multiple career shifts across continents, to the moment she realized her son’s diagnosis wasn’t a tragedy—but a clue to a deeper understanding of neurodiversity. With clarity and conviction, she challenges the default narratives around autism, inclusion, and competence, offering a refreshingly empowering framework that every parent, educator, and leader needs to hear.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How shifting your thinking from “diagnosis” to “neurotype” changes everything

  • Why true inclusion goes beyond therapy—and starts with redesigning the environment

  • A real-world example of what “building the ramp” for neurodivergent individuals looks like

  • How imposter syndrome shows up in marginalized identities—and how to dismantle it

  • The science-backed reason your thinking patterns shape your life results

  • Why presuming competence should be the new default in every interaction

Samar’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and radical perspective shifts—and the ripple effect it’s creating through Kind Theory is just the beginning.

About Samar Waqar: Samar Waqar is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and the founder of Kind Theory, a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals. Originally from Pakistan and now based in Texas, Samar brings a global perspective shaped by her diverse career in education, business, and social impact. Her personal journey as a mother and a neurodivergent individual fuels her mission to shift the narrative from sympathy to strength and from diagnosis to understanding.

About Kind Theory: Kind Theory is a nonprofit organization focused on making the world more accessible for neurodivergent individuals. Through education, advocacy, and customized support, Kind Theory helps communities move beyond therapy-based solutions and toward systemic inclusion. Their work empowers families, educators, and organizations to build environments where everyone can thrive.

Connect with Samar: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samar.waqar

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samarwaqar/

Learn More About Kind Theory: Website: https://www.facebook.com/kindtheoryorg

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kindtheoryorg

💡 Join the Women Growth Group for live, in-person training that empowers your potential and connects you with a vibrant community of growth-minded women! https://linktr.ee/gowithelizabeth

Meet Elizabeth Mahusay:

Elizabeth Mahusay is a coach, speaker, and author passionate about helping people transform their thinking and live with purpose. A former chemistry educator turned leadership coach, she has trained thousands to overcome limiting beliefs and grow personally and professionally. Elizabeth is a certified keynote speaker with Southwestern Consulting and author of Pick Your Path. She lives in Allen, Texas, with her husband of 28 years, Fred, and they have two adult sons.

Stay connected with Elizabeth on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethbmahusay

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebmahusay/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethMahusay

Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

  continue reading

133 episodes

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