Diverge & Disrupt
Diverge & Disrupt
Podcast Description
Welcome to Diverge & Disrupt with Liz Vossenkemper, a neurodivergent nurse practitioner passionate about reshaping the narrative around autism, ADHD, and developmental disabilities. This podcast dives into the hard, nuanced conversations about raising neurodivergent kids, building affirming communities, and challenging outdated norms. With real talk, expert insights, and lived experiences, Liz creates a safe space for everyone to feel seen, valued, and supported. Let’s disrupt old systems and design a more inclusive future—together.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on topics such as autism, ADHD, developmental disabilities, and advocacy, with episodes exploring themes like the failures of traditional therapy models, the importance of community support, and the nuances of inclusive education. For example, Season 1 Episode 3 discusses expanding the possibilities of Applied Behavior Analysis, while episodes featuring advocates like Nikki Zimmerman delve into the intricacies of parental advocacy and systemic change in education.
Welcome to Diverge & Disrupt with Liz Vossenkemper, a neurodivergent nurse practitioner passionate about reshaping the narrative around autism, ADHD, and developmental disabilities. This podcast dives into the hard, nuanced conversations about raising neurodivergent kids, building affirming communities, and challenging outdated norms. With real talk, expert insights, and lived experiences, Liz creates a safe space for everyone to feel seen, valued, and supported. Let’s disrupt old systems and design a more inclusive future—together.
In this heartfelt episode, Liz sits down with longtime autism advocate, parent, and nurse Melissa Brooks to talk about Our Autism Journey, the second annual autism community event happening on Saturday, April 12th at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Eastern Washington.
This event isn’t just a walk or resource fair—it’s a community experience designed by and for autistic individuals, their families, and allies. Liz and Melissa share how the event grew from a dream into an inclusive, vibrant, and safe celebration for people of all ages and support levels. From low-sensory spaces to Nerf wars, toddler play zones to expert panels—this is a place for everyone.
You’ll hear Melissa’s personal journey parenting three autistic kids, including her high-support daughter Abby, and how that experience has shaped her dedication to inclusion and connection. Liz and Melissa also talk about planning the event with intention, joy, and just a little chaos—and how community can truly be the antidote to isolation.
Whether your kiddo can only handle 15 minutes or wants to stay all day, you belong here.
Event Info – Our Autism Journey 2025
🗓 Saturday, April 12
🕙 10 AM – 3 PM
📍 Benton County Fairgrounds
💸 FREE ENTRY (no registration required!)
☀️ All ages and all support needs welcome
Get Involved + Learn More
Event Page: www.ourautismjourney.org
Facebook Page: facebook.com/ourautismjourneyTC
Highlights from the Episode
Why “Our Autism Journey” is more than a walk—it's a living, breathing experience
Creating a space for high support needs, low sensory needs, and everything in between
Dance parties, quiet zones, petting zoos, food trucks, Nerf wars, and beyond
The role of joy, tacos, and radical inclusion in showing what community can be
What happens when families, providers, and autistic people come together with heart
Key Takeaways
Inclusion doesn’t require perfection—just thoughtfulness and effort
Community is the solution to isolation
There’s no wrong way to attend: show up as you are, for as long as works for you
Every person—every need, every age, every vibe—has a place at this event
Volunteer Info
We always need volunteers, especially for setup and teardown. If you want to be part of something beautiful, fun, and community-driven, reach out through the event website or Facebook!
Disclaimer
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