From Neuro-Inclusion to Resisting Fascism: Why My Activism Had to Change Shape, March Fundraiser, & Signed Books - Oh my!
Finding Home in the Fight: a New Kind of Resistance. March fundraiser is now open (booking the week of March 10th).
Everything is so uncertain these days. The world feels very unstable.
In previous years, I'd found a career I loved, that I could do well, and that suited my needs. This (finding adequate, supportive, and meaningful work) is something many Autistic and other NeuroDivergent People often struggle with.
Autistic People are more likely to be underemployed or unemployed because we are often misunderstood and undervalued by those around us. Additionally, we frequently face challenges finding careers adapted to our unique skills and needs.
Many environments do not include or understand us, and we are often blamed for struggling in environments that fail to consider our differences in their design and operation.
For the past four years, I dedicated my life to creating kinder, more compassionate, and neuro-inclusive spaces (something we all can benefit from regardless of our brain types).
I loved my work more than I had loved any job before (because it was meaningful, and I could see its positive impact on the people around me), but recently the tone has changed.
It's been a journey.
Years ago, before learning about my Autistic mind, I had set out on a quest to find the “right kind” of livelihood, one that did minimal harm (and preferably was helpful to the community and world around me).
In my teen years, I'd taken "if it harms none, do what you will" to heart, and in adulthood, I found comfort in the Buddha's teachings, which tied nicely into my existing belief (and disbelief) systems.
Bouncing through multiple jobs and career paths over the years, I'd struggled to find a job that fits my life goals of "leaving the world better than I found it" and not doing harm.
Eventually, after a jarring late Autism diagnosis (at the age of 29), I found my calling working as a NeuroDiversity Consultant, helping organizations of all shapes and sizes better understand the human spectrum of brains (and experiences) within their spaces.
My work helped make spaces more accessible for NeuroDivergent People. It also made organizations more efficient and effective (because people are better at collaborating and communicating when they make fewer assumptions about the people around them and understand each other better).
DEI&A (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility) Is NOT a Bad Thing!
I was trying to make the world a better place (because that's what DEI&A is really about: making the world safe and inclusive for ALL of us).
The current administration's war on DEI&A is a war on those who are most vulnerable (to whom this world is already unkind), making the world harder for all of us to survive in.
Maternity leave is DEI&A. Wheelchair ramps are DEI&A. Support for Autistic People and those with disabilities or the elderly is DEI&A. So many things are DEI&A, but the way those in power talk about it, you wouldn't know it.
Life on Pause
My Neuro-Inclusion work has mostly been placed on pause. The businesses that aren't struggling right now (thanks to all the economic uncertainty) are scared to book anything DEI&A right now (thanks to threats from our fascist dictators).
My current path (thanks to the help of my readers and my intimate understanding of Christian Nationalist Fundemintalism and Project 2025) has turned to sharing the news about current political events in the United States (and sometimes globally), focusing on Fascism and Christian Nationalism in America, Project 2025, and the Trump-Musk regime.
I am not where I thought I would be; this isn't how I imagined my life. Still, it feels as if I'm on the right path.
While I don't know what our future holds, I am hopeful (today) that things will work out somehow.
Thank you for being part of it!
-Lyric Rivera
March 1 hour Zoom One to One "Ask Me Anything" Session are Here!
Months ago, I launched my first one-to-one blog fundraiser as my role as an independent Neuro-Inclusion Consultant (under the umbrella of DEI&A) became less reliable (thanks to the current administration's 'war on woke').
So, in the uncertain months, I plan to continue my One-to-One fundraiser, releasing spots to 5 people each month.
Thanks to everyone who has booked a session (or multiple sessions) with me so far. I'm grateful for your support.
As of today my March Fundraiser is now open (limited to the first 5 people who book via the link below).
5 more spaces available for the month of March!
Let's have a casual, one to one, conversation! There's a lot we can talk about in an hour. This is your time to talk about whatever's on your mind.
Let's have a casual, one to one, conversation!
There's a lot we can talk about in an hour and this is your time to talk about whatever's on your mind.
Ask me questions, info dump about your interests, brainstorm a project you're working on, get feedback on something.
Now booking: the week of March 10, 2025 (and the following week).
Let's schedule a session together.
$75.00 USD per session.
Don't forget to add your email address at checkout (as this is how I will be contacting you to schedule our session).
Limited availability - ONLY 5 spaces (first come first served)
Because I have only a few spaces open I do expect they will go fast. (The first time I offered these they were gone within just a few days.) However, due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback I received after the first five sessions, I decided to do this again in the future as we work to repair our RV whenever I have openings in my calendar (if the sessions continue to go well).
Just like with previous fundraisers this fundraiser will be sent to Substack Subscribers FIRST, and then shared with on my main social media pages later today (if there are any spaces left).
Notes: You may purchase more than one session and CAN buy a session as a gift for another person (but please be sure its a gift they actually want first).
I am also happy to share my lived experience with you. However, there may be some questions I do not feel comfortable answering. Though I will do my best to answer any questions that I feel are reasonable and "appropriate".
While I am an open book (and you are welcome to "ask me anything") I am NOT a medical professional and cannot give you medical advice or legal advice.
I'm happy to speak with young people (under 18) but please keep in mind that minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Workplace NeuroDiversity Books Available
Signed Books for Sale
I also still have signed paperback books for sale (US shipping only). More info.
Half-Price Ebooks
Smashwords also has the eBook version of Workplace NeuroDiversity Rising available half price through the end of the week (when you use the code EBW50 at checkout). More info.
FourthWall Store
I also have super soft shirts and hoodies, as well as hats, cups, and stickers in my FourthWall Store. More info.
