{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks ","title":"Episode 103: Yenn Purkis","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2087,"description":"Welcome to episode #103! We’re thrilled to be joined by Yenn Purkis today.Yenn Purkis is an autistic, asexual, and non-binary advocate, author, and speaker with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. They’ve written 18 published books and contributed to many more. Known for their honest storytelling and passion for neurodivergent visibility, Yenn has delivered two TEDx talks and currently serves as Deputy CEO of the Disability Leadership Institute. Based in Canberra, Australia, Yenn shares their life with their beloved tortoiseshell cat, Sunflower, and is a self-proclaimed Star Trek “Borg” superfan. They are fiercely committed to authenticity, community, and using their voice to make space for others.Welcome to the show, Yenn!QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? – Diagnosed with autism in prison at age 20 in 1994 – Initially rejected the label, masking heavily for survival – Took 10 years to fully embrace the diagnosisJN: What challenges did you face? – Internalized stigma made acceptance hard – Preferred to say “I’ve been in prison” over “I’m autistic” – Struggled with self-worth and masking in extreme environmentsJN: What changes have come post-diagnosis? – Found mentorship and community through advocate Polly Samuel – Began to embrace autistic pride and write books – Diagnosis opened the door to advocacy and self-acceptanceJN: What neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now? – Working 9 jobs across advocacy, writing, and public speaking – Finds joy and stimulation in juggling multiple roles – Uses structure, discipline, and passion to stay productiveJC: What \"work\" projects are you concentrating on? – Deputy CEO at Disability Leadership Institute – Working with Rebus Theatre, La Trobe University, University of Wollongong – Running the “Autism and Adulthood” course at My Life, My DecisionsJN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time? – Watching TV (Borg obsession, Star Trek, Breaking Bad,...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/QZFZQrtBSDhon7MItX8a5mQvkXQ5KKmI2fe6dyhM72o/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzMzNDE3LzE2NjEw/NjYyOTYtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}