Critical conversations with Co constructors for Autoethnography
Description
1. Hospital Psychologist — Critical Conversation This conversation with the hospital psychologist revisits her memories of me, first as a 7-year-old autistic child, and later as her patient in young adulthood. She recalled my struggles with depression, anxiety, and a suicide attempt. Reflecting on sessions with my mother years earlier, she remembered my frustration, anger, and preference for solitary ramp-car play. My mother co-regulated and translated my emotions; sessions were shortened to 30 minutes using clay and sand play for comfort. Years later, after my 21-day hospitalization, she observed my quick adaptation: friendships, group participation, and identity collages reflecting independence and belonging. Structured supports,rules, visuals, and SPELL (Structure, Positive, Empathy, Low Arousal, Links)-brought predictability and autonomy. She noted my growth in eye contact, emotion regulation, and resilience. Calling me a “walking inspiration,” she linked my PhD and advocacy work to early therapeutic roots, from dysregulation to empowerment. 2. Inclusive Education Therapist — Critical Conversation Reflecting with the Provincial Department therapist on my 2018 Gateway autism-awareness debut, recommended by the Greenleaf Society, she recalled how my mother and I, once shy, helped shift the narrative from professionals speaking about autism to autistic voices leading it. That nervous debut evolved into today’s unmasked confidence through UN advocacy and Floortime teaching. We discussed masking, depression, and suicidality, reframing my transformation as purpose rather than recovery. She described my journey from mainstream and remedial schooling to global advocacy as one of South Africa’s major contributions to inclusion, calling me the local “Temple Grandin.” The event amplified autistic voices and bridged personal narrative with policy action against ableism. 3. Paul’s Interview — ICDL CEO Critical Conversation My mentorship with ICDL CEO Paul began four years ago after my proposal’s emotional authenticity drew his attention. Through our sessions, I learned to balance vulnerability with impact. Declining a paid role later affirmed integrity and authenticity, which strengthened our partnership. Now as ICDL Board President, that foundation continues to guide me. We also spoke about the loss of my mother-how her passing deepened my empathy and strengthened my resolve to lead with compassion, resilience, and inclusion for every neurodivergent person.
Files
Steps to reproduce
I conducted critical conversations with my participants and co-constructors virtually. For me to reproduce the data, I would first ask permission from the co-constructors to reuse the data and perhaps for a second conversation. I made use of ATLAS. TI to analyse my data and to select themes from the data.
Institutions
- University of South Africa