[Music] I often feel that this question is blindly ignored among my fellow peers which is why I'm stepping forward today to ask how does it feel to be neurodyiverged. ent. Well, it's a question without a short answer.My name is Luke White Oak and I have a mental disorder called autism. And I want to show you how that feels for me. But first, we need to find the ethmology of this word.Neuro meaning mind and divergent is just a synonym for different. So, neurode divergence is just to have a different mind. I ...

Personal Background & Challenges - The speaker's early life was marked by instability, violence, and exposure to drug cartels, leading to a search for belonging in harmful environments [1] - The speaker was diagnosed with ADHD and learning disabilities, which initially made school difficult until academic accommodations were received [1] - The speaker experienced a significant decline in academic performance and self-worth at Berkeley after discontinuing academic accommodations, leading to feelings of being a fraud [1] Turning Points & Community - Community college provided a transformative experience through mentorship and student leadership opportunities [1] - A youth mentoring program invitation from UC Berkeley Disability Service Office became a pivotal moment, leading to self-acceptance and community involvement [1] - Attending a national student conference revealed the potential of neurodiversity and the importance of embracing differences [3][4] Neurodiversity Advocacy & Impact - The speaker emphasizes the importance of building communities where individuals can be authentic and accepted for who they are [8] - The Neurodiversity Alliance aims to rewrite the narrative around neurodiversity, promoting dignity and potential fulfillment [9] - The speaker advocates for owning one's true self rather than masking differences to defy the odds [11]

Personal Growth & Self-Discovery - The talk emphasizes the importance of inner renaissance, defined as personal growth through self-discovery by peeling off societal conditioning [21] - It encourages individuals to slow down and ask themselves "Who am I?" to live a life aligned with their physical, emotional, and mental needs [22] - The speaker's personal journey highlights the experience of burnout from societal pressures and the competitive environment of the entertainment industry [1][2] Neurodiversity & Awareness - The speaker shares a personal diagnosis of late-diagnosed high-masking autism to promote awareness and understanding of neurodiversity [13][14] - The talk advocates for increased awareness and tools for identifying neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, giftedness) in children within families and the school system [17][18] - It highlights that the struggles of neurodivergent individuals are often invisible and internal [19] Career & Life Transition - The speaker transitioned from a successful music career to becoming a certified life coach specializing in artist coaching [12][20] - A two-year job offer in the UK provided an opportunity for the speaker to take a break, slow down, and rediscover personal interests [5] - The speaker's experience in the UK involved initial loneliness and second-guessing, but ultimately led to personal growth and a renewed sense of self [8][9]