Autism Digest Interview with Maisie Soetantyo

Empowering Neurodiversity in the Workplace: An Interview with Maisie Soetantyo, CEO of Autism Career Pathways

Autism Digest Interview with Maisie Soetantyo

In a world where inclusivity and diversity are vital for thriving workplaces, one leader stands out as a champion for neurodivergent individuals. We are thrilled to spotlight Maisie Soetantyo, the visionary CEO of Autism Career Pathways, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to transforming workplaces into environments where autistic individuals can succeed. Diagnosed with autism, ADHD, auditory and sensory processing differences, and number dyslexia, Maisie’s personal journey fuels her passion for ensuring autistic individuals have access to meaningful careers. Her inspiring work is reshaping how businesses approach neurodiversity, and her enthusiasm is contagious. In this blog, we explore Maisie’s remarkable story, the transformative initiatives at Autism Career Pathways, and her vision for a more inclusive future. Follow along with Maisie and her organization on Instagram and Facebook to stay connected with their mission.

A Personal Journey Fueling a Professional Mission

Maisie Soetantyo’s story is one of resilience and advocacy. Born in Indonesia and late-diagnosed with autism, Maisie’s journey of self-discovery has shaped her mission. As she shared in the April 2024 newsletter from Autism Career Pathways, “Despite the challenges I have had, I have come to embrace my neurodivergent identity and believe that being autistic has shaped me in unique and positive ways.” This acceptance drives her work to empower others to embrace their authentic selves.

Maisie’s career began over 30 years ago at UCLA, working with neurodivergent children, teens, and adults. Initially trained in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), she later pivoted to focus on supporting autistic authenticity, a shift that led to the founding of Autism Career Pathways in 2019. Her organization bridges the gap between neurodivergent job seekers and employers, fostering inclusive workplaces. To hear more about her journey, check out her interview on the Square Peg Podcast at Square Peg Community.

Autism Career Pathways: Building Bridges to Employment

At Autism Career Pathways, Maisie leads innovative programs to empower autistic individuals and educate businesses. One standout offering is the Career Assessment Tool (CAPABL), an activity-based program that creates personalized video resumes and detailed skill summaries, highlighting strengths like communication styles and executive functioning. Learn more about CAPABL at Autism Career Pathways’ Programs Page. The organization also offers an autistic-led online career exploration course and personalized coaching to support neurodivergent individuals and their caregivers in navigating career paths.

Maisie’s philosophy—“before you can be anything, you have to be you first”—guides her work. By providing inclusivity training for businesses, Autism Career Pathways helps organizations create neuro-inclusive environments with tailored accommodations. Follow their updates on Instagram to see how they’re transforming workplaces. Maisie’s efforts ensure autistic individuals not only secure jobs but build sustainable, fulfilling careers.

A Vision for Radical Acceptance and Opportunity

Maisie’s advocacy extends to families, emphasizing the importance of supportive home environments. In a 2022 episode of the Two Sides of the Spectrum podcast, available at Learn Play Thrive, she discussed nurturing “autistic authenticity” as a foundation for self-advocacy and meaningful careers. She encourages parents to presume competence in their autistic children and provide unconditional acceptance, a message she reiterated in the Autism Career Pathways Newsletter.

Reflecting on her own childhood, Maisie credits her parents for fostering real-life experiences that shaped her advocacy. “They took us everywhere and provided support after school,” she shared in the newsletter, accessible at Autism Career Pathways. Her work encourages parents to create rich, supportive environments for autistic children, laying the groundwork for confidence and success.

The Power of Autistic-Led Advocacy

Maisie’s commitment to autistic-led advocacy is a cornerstone of her work. In a 2023 episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, she urged parents to nurture their autistic children’s interests to guide them toward fulfilling careers. She also advised autistic individuals to invest in self-knowledge through autistic-led resources and define work conditions that suit their needs. For businesses, Maisie challenges ableist stereotypes, encouraging employers to value neurodivergent strengths. Learn more about her advocacy through Autism Career Pathways’ Resources or follow their community updates on Facebook.

Join the Movement

Maisie Soetantyo and Autism Career Pathways are breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for neurodivergent individuals to thrive. Her work transforms the narrative around autism, celebrating neurodiversity as a strength. To support or benefit from their mission, visit www.autismcareerpathways.org, and stay connected via Instagram and Facebook. For deeper insights, explore Maisie’s interviews on YouTube or her feature on Different Brains at DifferentBrains.org.

Maisie’s story is a powerful call to action. Whether you’re an autistic individual seeking a career, a parent supporting your child, or an employer building an inclusive workplace, Autism Career Pathways offers a roadmap to equity and empowerment. Join the movement by following Autism Career Pathways on Instagram and exploring their resources.

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