Lea Anne Paskvalich is an advisor for Wayfinder. Her 23+ years of experience in the neurodiverse community include serving as Director of Admissions and Public Relations for the Temple Grandin School and the Executive Director of the Autism Society of Colorado. As a neurodiversity consultant, she helps individuals connect to the best resources available in the autism and neurodiversity space. Below, she shares her wisdom about the past, present and future of neurodiversity awareness.
Note: Wayfinder recognizes the definition of neurodiversity used by the National Institutes of Health: Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many ways, with no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not deficits. Neurodiversity refers to the diversity of all people, but it is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder and other neurological or developmental disorders such as ADHD or dyslexia.
The Hidden Truths of Neurodiversity
What are you passionate about when it comes to neurodiversity?
We know early diagnosis and intervention for autism and other neurodiversities are beneficial. However, individuals who were not diagnosed early often navigate adult life without the knowledge and support they need to be or feel successful. I want adults who are struggling to have access to information, and communities where they live and work to practice more acceptance of neurodiversity.
What did you learn about neurodiversity from your time as a school administrator?
Students came to us feeling deeply misunderstood and disrespected by teachers and their peers at past schools. The anxiety associated with these feelings was so overwhelming that it made attending school nearly impossible for some. Our ability to build connections with the students laid the foundation for relationships that helped to reduce anxiety. I learned how important it is to give neurodiverse students a safe space to show up as their true selves at school.
What’s one successful way you were able to empower neurodiverse kids?
One of the programs I started at the school was called Entrepreneurial Thursday. We invited entrepreneurs in to talk with the students about their path to entrepreneurship. What I really wanted to show the students was that your past doesn't have to be a straight line. For example, some of these entrepreneurs didn't go to college right away, or at all. Sharing these people’s unique paths with the students while also feeding my own entrepreneurial spirit was really special.
In your opinion, what are some of the most common misconceptions about the neurodiverse population?
I think neurodiverse people are often underestimated. Oftentimes they process and interact with the world in ways that look different from the norm — or what people are expecting. Neurodiverse people may need accommodations to get the job done at work or at school. We make them jump through a lot of hoops to get these accommodations and even question if they really need them. I myself wear hearing aids — no one has ever asked me if I really need them. Everyone should have the support needed to be successful.
The Power of Connection
What did you learn about connection from leading the Autism Society of Colorado?
As a leader, I listened to many voices and perspectives. People appreciated being heard, even if I couldn't fix their problems. It's amazing what you can learn when you just listen. During COVID, I created virtual support group programming for autistic adults. These virtual groups were a lifeline of connection to many and are still going strong today with some of the original members.
The Walk With Autism, the Autism Society’s primary fundraiser and community event for many years, had been on hold due to staff capacity and COVID gathering restrictions. In 2021, we restructured and resumed the event, and the turnout was outstanding. Coming out of the pandemic, everyone really missed connecting in person and appreciated the opportunity we created for that. The event continued to grow and has now expanded to a second location in Colorado.
Why is building networks and support groups such an area of passion for you?
What I've come to learn about myself is that I’m passionate about connection. That's what drives me! Throughout the work that I've done in my career, I've been able to take my skills and passion for connection and use them to build networks to help people thrive. A lot of education needs to happen inside and outside the disability community, and using connection as a vehicle for that is really important.
Why is connection so important to the neurodiverse community?
I think connection is important for everybody! Neurodiverse people often connect in a different way, and it's not wrong or bad. I hope we can be open to different ways of connection and how people interpret the world. Let’s acknowledge how others connect, rather than just expecting them to connect in the way we want them to.
Amplifying Neurodiverse Voices in Colorado
How can we ensure that the neurodiverse perspectives are central to the development of disability services and programs?
For people with disabilities, self-determination is crucial — “nothing about me without me.” Even if someone is non-speaking, it doesn't mean that they don't have something to say. It’s our job to invite neurodivergent voices to the table and seek ways to understand. Part of that means slowing down. When you slow down, it forces you to listen better!
What’s a personal success story of community activism in the neurodiversity space?
In the summer of 2020, I facilitated weekly discussions with parents and heard deep concerns about potential misunderstandings between law enforcement and their autistic teen/adult children. We all wanted more disability training for first responders. Representing these parents, I reached out to a state legislator, sharing our concerns and suggestions for improved law enforcement training on disabilities. This conversation became the catalyst for Colorado HB21-1122, a law that has significantly enhanced first responder training across the state, focusing on interactions with individuals with disabilities.
A Sounding Board for the Neurodiverse Community
Tell me about the day-to-day of your consulting practice.
My clients count on me to connect them with resources and support they have been unable to find. I also organize neurodiversity events across Colorado that provide access to information, connection and community.
Do you see a lack of people like you serving in that role for the community?
There are some amazing parent Facebook groups and community “listservs” that provide support informally. But statewide, I don't think there is enough resource navigation support. I hope there can be more professionals within organizations and state and local governments to help people navigate the resources available to them.
How can leaders improve their organizations’ understanding and support of the neurodiverse community?
The first thing they need to do is look internally to ensure they understand and support the needs of their neurodiverse employees and team members. For a leader to support neurodiversity in the overall community, they should make sure they understand it within their own organization.
The Future of Neurodiversity
What inspires you in serving as an advisor for Wayfinder? What role do you think Wayfinder can play in the disability community here in Colorado?
I see Wayfinder as a connector. One thing that has really impressed me is the company’s ability to innovate and pivot. Also, I think Wayfinder draws from an exceptional board of advisors with unique perspectives and life experiences, and the company has really benefited from that. It has been a joy to see Wayfinder’s growth and development into an exceptional platform for improving care coordination for people with disabilities across Colorado.
What advice would you give to parents and families caring for someone with a disability?
Get connected with other parents and caregivers who can relate to your day-to-day joys and challenges. These connections are important for the mental health of the caregiver and the person with a disability. Strike a balance between loving your child or family member with a disability and holding them to high standards and expectations. I think often it's hard for a parent to see their child struggle, but when we do hard things, we learn. If everything is made to be easy, it’s going to be even more difficult for them when they become an adult.
When you look at the future of disability services for neurodiverse populations, what opportunities do you see ahead?
I’m not the first to say this, but neurodiversity is the next human rights movement. As part of that, I see more neurodiverse people supporting each other and being recognized as thought leaders. We all want to be supported by people who are like us. So in every subset of our community, I hope we see the neurodiverse population embracing their roles as people we can turn to for advice and wisdom.