(REC) Rejection, The Autistic Person’s Life Story

In this deeply personal and insightful session, William Keeley shares his lived experiences as an autistic individual navigating rejection in education, employment, and social interactions. Despite being highly qualified and educated, William faced repeated barriers to accessing meaningful work, highlighting systemic issues in how society perceives and values neurodivergent individuals. Through perseverance, resourcefulness, and self-advocacy, William ultimately carved out his own path to success, building a career in electronics and computer repair.

This presentation will explore the challenges autistic individuals face in the workforce, the impact of rejection, and the importance of resilience and creativity in overcoming systemic barriers. Attendees will gain practical insights into how to support autistic individuals in professional and educational settings and learn strategies for fostering inclusivity, opportunity, and acceptance.

Participants will be able to:

• describe the systemic barriers autistic individuals face in the workforce and their impact on career opportunities.
• identify strategies for supporting autistic individuals in overcoming rejection and building self-advocacy skills.
• explain the importance of fostering inclusive environments that value neurodivergent perspectives and talents.
• recognize the role of creativity and persistence in overcoming societal barriers to employment and education

PRESENTERS: William Keeley with Megan Miller, BCBA-D

William’s bio coming soon.

Megan Miller, BCBA-D

Global Behavior Analyst | Neurodiversity-Affirming Advocate | Author & Innovator | Resource Queen Expertise in Autism & Behavior Analysis: Over 20 years of experience in autism and behavior analysis, focusing on translating research into practical, individualized, and person-centered interventions. Published Author & Contributor: Author of 2 book chapters, several peer-reviewed articles, and a widely recognized expert in advancing compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming practices. Extensive Global Presentation Experience: Invited speaker at conferences across the globe, with over 116 conference presentations and a reputation for bringing innovative, research-informed perspectives to the field. Leader in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Training: Global trainer and coach for behavior analysts, parents, and service providers, specializing in neurodiversity- affirming, person-centered approaches that promote autonomy and social communication. Founder of the Do Better Collective: Creator of an international community empowering behavior analysts and related service providers to deliver more compassionate and effective interventions, combining evidence-based practice with humanity.