44. Understanding Autism in Today’s Culture War with Teva Johnstone, MSW

What impact does an identity-focused culture have on children with autism? Teva Johnstone is a licensed clinical social worker in California who works as a parenting coach for the respectful care of "spirited" and autistic youth. Teva believes all children are worthy of developing life skills that are not predetermined by an identity defined by a mental health diagnosis. In this conversation, we dive into how the characteristics of autism are presented differently in males and females. When and how is it recognized in children? Is autism over or under-diagnosed? And what role does school culture and social media play in forming their worldview? Teva explains children with autism have amazing qualities that flourish in ideal environments. She works with parents on creating a space of acceptance while appropriately challenging their children. She emphasizes how important it is for children to understand that building a character and understanding their identity is a lifelong process.Teva Johnstone is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California and a Children's Mental Health Consultant. Her areas of focus are autism, "spirited" kids, and supporting parents of gender-questioning youth. Teva is passionate about Unschool, free speech, and all things parental rights. Content creator on Instagram @rebel.parentsOnline Courses & Parent Community: tevajohnstone.com To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★