Be Selfish: Embrace Neurodiversity
Dave Thompson, Josh Mirsky |
TEDxFarmingdale
• September 2019
Josh Mirsky is a big picture guy – a dreamer – and he has a lot to say. But diagnosed with Autism at 13, Josh struggled to fit into a world that simply wasn’t built with folks like him in mind. Things started clicking when he joined forces with Dave Thompson, an educator and innovator within the Autism community. Together, Josh and Dave have teamed up to work towards a more inclusive world for all kinds of thinkers. The two discuss the importance of embracing neurodiversity and including people labeled “different” – not just for those who would benefit directly, but for everyone. They argue that we all have something to gain from their minds, their talents, and even their needs.
Dave is an educator, innovator, and advocate in the Autism field for over 10 years. As Director of Workforce Development at Spectrum Designs Foundation, Dave has gained unique insight into just how valuable (yet undervalued) and deserving (yet under-served) the neurodiverse community is. He has an insatiable desire to see the world around him continue to evolve through employment opportunities, access to services, assistive technologies, and a more inclusive collective attitude toward people labeled ‘different.’
Josh is an advocate, thinker, and change maker in the Autism community. Diagnosed with Autism at 13, Josh has overcome misdiagnoses, bullying, lack of proper services, unemployment, and relationship struggles and has emerged as a strong, vocal young man. Josh is a Lead Production Assistant at Spectrum Designs Foundation, a self-taught artist, and has a passion for airplanes and world history. His overall goal is to spread awareness and understanding of Autism, and to lend a hand to those affected and their families at any chance he gets.