The Intersection of Neurodivergence & Vulnerability w/Traci Neal

My strong is vulnerability and acceptance




Hey, sis! Shirl and Natty here! Today, we’re joined by
Traci Neal for an impactful conversation
about navigating life on the spectrum. 


Traci shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD and
Autism at the age of thirty-four and how she’s leaning into
vulnerability to support her in embracing the labels,
highlighting the journey of self-acceptance and growth that
will certainly resonate with Black women on a similar
journey.


As Black women, we know that societal norms often pressure us
to suppress our emotions and mold ourselves to fit certain
molds. However, Traci’s story reminds us that true strength
lies in embracing our authentic selves, diagnoses and all, a
message that resonates deeply with Black women who often face
pressure to conform to societal norms.


Episode Highlights:



Discovering Diagnoses: Traci shares her
journey of navigating a recent diagnosis of ADHD and Autism
at the age of 34, revealing the freedom and new
perspectives that came with understanding herself better.


Changing Views on Femininity and
Vulnerability:How the diagnoses reshaped her
perception of femininity and vulnerability, leading to a
deeper understanding and acceptance of herself.


Unmasking and Embracing the Labels: Traci
shares how she embraces her diagnoses, finding empowerment
and a sense of identity in the labels that she once feared.


Blossoming Confidence: We discuss how her
confidence has blossomed since receiving her diagnoses,
highlighting the positive impact of self-discovery and
self-acceptance.


Life Before and After: Traci offers
insights into her life before the diagnoses and the
profound shifts she has noticed since, revealing a journey
of self-discovery and personal growth.



Join us as we celebrate Traci’s journey and reflect on the
power of self-discovery and acceptance. This episode is a
testament to the power of self-acceptance and growth,
highlighting the importance of embracing our true selves.


Traci Neal is a neurodivergent spoken
word artist listed on Poets &
Writers residing in Columbia, SC. She is featured in
The New York Times, Mahogany (Hallmark) writing community,
The Elevation Review, 1619 Speaks Anthology in 2023 (Sims
Library of Poetry), and many other media publications. In
2023, she was a Pushcart Prize Nominee for The Elevation
Review, longlisted for the African Diaspora Award with
Kinsman Quarterly, the second-place poetry winner of the
National Career Development Association, and the second-place
poetry winner of the South Carolina Career Development
Association. Neal uses her poetry platform to help bring
awareness to non-profits in need worldwide.


Connect with Traci Neal:


Website: www.tracinealspeakerpoet.com



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