Send us a text Award-winning multimedia artist Dez, also known as Loveartpix, joins us to share his remarkable journey of living with autism and challenging societal misconceptions. With a confident demeanor that often leads others to question his diagnosis, Dez opens up about the emotional hurdles and stigmas he faces. Through his story, we aim to foster a greater understanding of neurodivergence and emphasize the importance of supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. Dez's experience sheds light on the diverse spectrum of autism, encouraging listeners to rethink preconceived notions and embrace a more inclusive perspective. Navigating the labyrinth of mental health diagnoses, Dez recounts his tumultuous path, initially misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder before his eventual autism diagnosis provided clarity and understanding. This revelation was transformative, especially as he prepared for parenthood, and highlights the need for neurodivergent-informed mental health services. The episode delves into the additional layers of ADHD and racial trauma, revealing the complexities of Dez's journey and underscoring the necessity for tailored support systems and continued research in these areas. Art emerges as a beacon of expression and empowerment throughout Dez's life. By harnessing the power of creative outlets like the Pixart app, Dez channels his focus and manages mental exhaustion, finding solace and self-discovery in the process. His artistic endeavors are not just personal but also societal, as he works to establish a neurodivergent art focus group in a maximum security prison and prepares for a solo exhibition in Manchester. Dez's story is a testament to the transformative power of art, and he invites listeners to share their own stories, reinforcing the message that no one is alone in this journey. https://tonymantor.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI) The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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