Dani Bowman
Appearances
Today, Explained
No love (on the spectrum) for RFK Jr.
What do you like about him? What I really like about Henry is that he's really kind. He's very understanding. He takes me out to, like, wonderful dates. Like, for example, he took me out to a wonderful... South Coast Winery as one of our getaways. He definitely makes my dating experience so magical.
Today, Explained
No love (on the spectrum) for RFK Jr.
Okay, it really honestly broke my heart because words like that don't describe reality. They shape it. They can either build people up or tear them down. And the idea that autistic people are automatically a burden? That kind of thinking destroys hope. And let's be clear, this isn't about politics. It's not about being red, blue, or whatever side you're on.
Today, Explained
No love (on the spectrum) for RFK Jr.
It's about the language we use and how that language either fuels hope or crushes it. We people on the autism spectrum are capable. We can be capable human beings. All we need is just a loving push from the support of our friends and family to definitely keep moving forward to independent... fulfilling lives.
Today, Explained
No love (on the spectrum) for RFK Jr.
Do you believe that you have limitations? Of course I do. I do have some certain limitations, and especially because I have a hard— and I do have a challenge that I have called verbal apraxia, which means I have a hard time articulating with my words, or sometimes my words come out as some word salad, like earlier. However, as we people on the autism spectrum are working together to—
Today, Explained
No love (on the spectrum) for RFK Jr.
To challenge these roadblocks, we can make it better.
Today, Explained
No love (on the spectrum) for RFK Jr.
Well, James, one thing I wanted to add, and Noel, can I add something to that? Yeah, yeah, of course. I understand why people might think of that if we're a burden, but if you have met me as a kid, you wouldn't say that. Well, I didn't speak until I was almost six, and when I moved in with my aunt and uncle at 11, I barely had any functional language and struggled to connect with anyone.
Today, Explained
No love (on the spectrum) for RFK Jr.
Oh, yes. Well, and I have to tell you that you're pretty good at paying taxes. And we and of course, we both pay taxes.
Today, Explained
No love (on the spectrum) for RFK Jr.
Well, I do have a cousin who is severely autistic. And even though he seemed to be getting better at knowing how to use the restroom by himself, I kind of do feel bad for my cousin. But you're right that there's other nonverbal people on the spectrum that can get a degree. I met this one lady who is nonverbal and is capable of getting a PhD.
Today, Explained
No love (on the spectrum) for RFK Jr.
So I would say, please listen. Listen to people who actually live this experience. We don't need pity. We need opportunity. We don't need stereotypes. We need understanding. We're not broken. We're just wired differently. And given the chance, we can do incredible things. All we need is just a loving push.
Today, Explained
No love (on the spectrum) for RFK Jr.
I definitely agree with what James says. I would have an RFK junior resign immediately.
Today, Explained
No love (on the spectrum) for RFK Jr.
James and I were both grateful to be part of this podcast. And we definitely have to work together to prove RFK Jr. wrong.
Today, Explained
No love (on the spectrum) for RFK Jr.
I help students on the autism spectrum by helping them educate, elevate, and empowering them by helping them turn their passion in animation into a career with our one-on-one sessions and our animation camps.
Today, Explained
No love (on the spectrum) for RFK Jr.
Dani, have you met someone on the show? Actually, for me, when it comes to finding the love, the person that I found, Henry, is outside of the show.
Today, Explained
No love (on the spectrum) for RFK Jr.
We first met each other in person at the Huntington Park Police Department when his, um, when the police department did a fundraiser for autism acceptance and they were looking for a company or organization to help donate the funds, Henry and the Huntington Park Police Department chose Deanie Mason as the recipient of the funds. So as Henry and I first met, Oh, dear.