E55: Climb Your Own Mountain Reflections from Jared Stewart

Every one of us has challenges to overcome and each of those challenges are unique. In this episode of the Infuse Compassion podcast, Amy and Mark reflect on the conversation with Jared Stewart in our last episode, who shared with us the challenges unique to adults living with neurodiversity. As we discuss the great work Jared and his colleagues at ScenicView Academy are doing to help adults with nuerodiversities thrive in a world designed for others, we’ll explore: - The importance of listening instead of assuming we know what others need. - The value of “climbing our own mountain” by recognizing what challenges we face and adjusting meet those challenges. - The empowerment that comes in contributing, regardless of your abilities. While the conversation focuses on the neurodivergent community, the tips we learned from Jared apply to all of us. Compassion isn’t about showing pity or feeling sorry but recognizing the challenges of climbing our own mountains. Give up the need to be the teacher or coach – what Jared calls “surrendering the one up” – and simply listen, understand, and ask how you can best help. Add to the conversation with your thoughts in the comments about how we can help each other climb our own mountains. Jared Stewart, M.Ed., BCBA, was named the 2011 Educator of the Year by the National Association of Private Special Education Centers, the 2018 Presenter of the Year by the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, and the 2020 Hero for Autism by the Autism Resources of Utah County Council. As a Program Director for Provo Utah’s ScenicView Academy— a transitional school for neurodiverse adults targeting functional independence— he teaches his students to recognize and embrace the strengths of their diagnoses while they strive to maximize their potential for success. As an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University, he helps run their annual Conference on Autism and assists with the Melisa Nellesen Center’s Passages Program as a life-skills instructor and curriculum developer. He is the former governor-appointed Chair of the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council and currently serves on several local and national advisory boards for autism and related conditions. Jared has spent over two decades working with neurodivergent adolescents and adults as a teacher, life coach, and licensed behavior analyst, and has shared his views on the techniques and mindsets that lead to improved outcomes for these individuals with audiences around the world. His passion for the subject arises from personal experience: he has numerous family members on the Spectrum, and he was diagnosed with autism himself as an adult. In his rare free moments, Jared enjoys reading, hiking, writing, and spending time with his wife and three children. Throughout his career he has always adhered to to the belief that there is untapped greatness in everyone, regardless of their so-called “disabilities”. Contact Jared and ScenicView Academy: jareds@svacademy.org www.svacademy.org www.facebook.com/Jared-Stewart-MEd www.linkedin.com/in/Jared-Stewart-MEd-BCBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices