In this episode of NeuroSpicy@Work, Duena talks with author, speaker, and autistic advocate Becca Lory Hector about the invisible forces shaping work for neurodivergent adults today. They explore why ableism is still embedded into everyday professional expectations, how generational differences influence ND identity, and why autistic adults often carry the emotional cost of “not quite fitting” into structures that were never designed for them.

Becca brings a grounded, honest perspective on ND adulthood: late discovery, burnout, unmasking, communication differences, workplace bias, and the push toward genuine inclusion rather than performative “awareness.” Together they break down what it really means to navigate work as an autistic adult in a culture still catching up.

What We Talk About

• Why ableism is still normalised in most workplaces
 • Generational differences in understanding autism and ADHD
 • The emotional and practical cost of masking
 • Late diagnosis and rebuilding identity
 • ND–NT communication differences
 • Why ND people experience burnout earlier and harder
 • Cultural resistance to unmasking and authenticity
 • “Doing ND” vs “Performing professionalism”
 • The shift from toxic productivity to humane expectations

Why This Matters

Ableism is often invisible — baked into job descriptions, expectations, communication norms, and “professionalism.” Understanding how ND adults of different generations experience these pressures is key to building workplaces where people can show up honestly without burning themselves down to appear “normal.”

Who This Episode Is For

Neurodivergent adults (late or early diagnosed), leaders, HR teams, educators, workplace culture designers, and anyone trying to reduce unintentional ableism in organisations.

Guest

Becca Lory Hector
 Website: https://beccalory.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccaloryhector

🎧 Listen to the full podcast series:
 https://feeds.transistor.fm/neurospicy-work

🧩 Take the NeuroSpicy Assessment:
 https://amineurospicy.com

🌐 Learn more about the host:
https://www.duenablomstrom.com

📚 About the Host
Hosted by Duena Blomstrom — author of People Before Tech, creator of the Human Debt framework, and late-diagnosed autistic/ADHD founder.

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This episode explores ableism, generational differences, ND identity, autistic adulthood, masking, burnout, communication gaps, misalignment between ND and NT expectations, performance culture, psychological safety, and Human Debt.
 Keywords: autism, ADHD, ND masking, late diagnosis, workplace ableism, generational differences, burnout, emotional labour, psychological safety, autistic adults, Human Debt.
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Questions This Episode Answers

• Why do ND adults experience workplace ableism even in “inclusive” environments?
 • How do generational differences shape ND identity and disclosure?
 • Why is masking so emotionally and physically exhausting?
 • What makes late diagnosis so destabilising for adults?
 • How do workplace norms reinforce ND burnout?
 • What needs to change for ND adults to feel safe at work?