NeuroSec

Designing Technology for Neurodivergent Minds: Insights from Dr. Julie Eshleman

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 11:45:00 -0700

Discover how to create technology that supports neurodivergent individuals. Dr. Julie Eshleman shares insights on disability inclusion and assistive tech.

In a world where technology increasingly shapes our daily lives, how can we ensure it serves everyone, particularly those with neurodivergent conditions? This question is at the heart of Dr. Julie Eshleman's research and experience. In this episode, we'll explore her insights on designing technology that truly supports neurodivergent individuals, examining the intersection of lived experience and academic research.

About Dr. Julie Eshleman

Dr. Julie Eshleman is a postdoctoral research fellow at Georgia Tech’s Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation and a Georgia LEND fellow at Georgia State University. With over 20 years of experience in education, behavior analysis, and organizational psychology. Her PhD work at the University of Stirling focused on how disabled adults utilize technology to foster independence in care settings, and she has presented her findings at prestigious forums like the United Nations.

www.drjuliedisabilityinclusion.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieeshlemanatresearcher/

AI Empowering Neurodivergent Lives

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the NeuroSec podcast, host Nathan Chung speaks with Kathy Long, CEO of Nixit AI, about the intersection of artificial intelligence and neurodiversity. Kathy shares her personal journey as a neurodivergent individual and a mother of neurodivergent children, highlighting the challenges faced by this community. Nixit AI aims to create tools that empower neurodivergent individuals by focusing on their strengths rather than deficits. The conversation delves into the ethical considerations of AI, the importance of user autonomy, and the need for supportive environments in education and parenting. Kathy emphasizes the significance of building technology with neurodivergent users and offers practical advice for both individuals and educators.

January 12, 2026

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:45:00 -0700

Summary

In this episode of the NeuroSec podcast, host Nathan Chung discusses the current challenges faced by the disability and neurodiversity communities in the U.S from 2025. He honors influential figures who have shaped the community and expresses hope for the future.

Takeaways

The disability community is facing significant challenges in 2026.
Support and accommodations for disabled individuals are diminishing.
Many organizations have reduced their diversity initiatives.
The economy's struggles have led to increased layoffs.
AI advancements are contributing to job losses in the community.
Honoring influential figures is crucial for community resilience.
Accessibility is gaining attention in major tech events.
NeuroSec aims to create actionable change in the community.
Upcoming events like the Davos Neurodiversity Summit are promising.
Hope is essential for the future of disability advocacy.

Saman Fatima

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 21:30:00 -0700

Second episode of the new season where I talk with Saman Fatima about working in cyber and her story of success.

Aastha Sahni

Sat, 11 Jun 2022 15:00:00 -0700

First episode of the new season where I talk with Aastha Sahni about working in cyber and her story of success.

Neurodiversity Art Show - Amanda Hebert

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 11:00:00 -0700

Join us with special guest Amanda Hebert Hughes. We discussed her amazing artwork and her life as an Autistic artist. She is a native New Yorker, is an emergent artist located in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Highly attentive to her surroundings, she paints her impressions and feelings in a thought-provoking and dynamic way. Amanda Hebert Hughes is open about being an adult on the Autism Spectrum and raises awareness to de-stigmatize Autism through her art.

Session is also available on YouTube with captions: https://youtu.be/rxXe8H02H5s

Coming Back From Failure - Shawn Smith

Sun, 08 Aug 2021 10:30:00 -0700

Special guest Shawn Smith. We discuss his journey as an entrepreneur, whether or not it is a good career for people who are Neurodivergent, and his incredible story coming back from failure.

Fearless - Sreenidhi Vedartham

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 13:45:00 -0700

Special guest, Sreenidhi Vedartham. We discuss coping with Neurodiverse conditions, how Neurodiversity is viewed in India, Embark Women, Echo Space, and thoughts on returning to the office.

A Tourettes Journey - Peter Zhao

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 13:45:00 -0700

A Tourettes Journey with Peter Zhao. We discuss Tourette's Syndrome, the impact of Asian culture on mental health, talking about Neurodiversity on podcasts, and rap music.

Impact of Asian Culture on Neurodiversity

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 08:15:00 -0700

In this episode, we discussed Autism in Asian culture, parenting a child with Autism, Asian mental health, and the documentary Laundromat.

My Journey to Autism Diagnosis - Nathan Chung

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 16:00:00 -0700

Kicking off the first episode of the second season of the NeuroSec podcast.

Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity - Rachel Harpley

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 17:30:00 -0700

One difficult topic that is not often discussed but affect many people with Neurodiverse conditions is domestic violence. Nathan Chung interviews Rachel Harpley, Technical Recruiter and Founder of Recruit Bit Security. She shares her incredible stories about surviving domestic violence, living with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), and recruiting cybersecurity talent. Very emotional and very powerful. Listen and be inspired.

List of resources discussed:

Dr. Temple Grandin, author "Emergence: Labeled Autistic

https://www.templegrandin.com/

CommunicationFIRST

https://communicationfirst.org/

LISTEN Movie

https://communicationfirst.org/LISTEN/

Autistic Life

https://www.theautistic.life/

https://www.instagram.com/theautisticlife

Autisticats

https://theautisticats.weebly.com/

https://twitter.com/autisticats

https://www.instagram.com/the.autisticats

The Autistic Life

https://www.instagram.com/theautisticlifepodcast

Marta Rose - Neuroemergent Insurgent

https://www.martarose.com/martasblog

https://www.instagram.com/neuroemergent_insurgent

Broken Dolly TV - Living with ASD (Asperger's)

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrrEvMf0Db8y5Ws3Doia31A337AtXrFcq

Yo Samdy Sam - Neurodiversity & Autism

https://www.youtube.com/user/AtheistRockstar

Aspergers on the Inside

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-FpBZR7DbpvNj5UrFN8qUA

https://aspergersfromtheinside.com/

Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity - Sandra Eriksson

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 14:45:00 -0700

People who are Neurodiverse often struggle to be accepted in today's world. Nathan Chung interviews Sandra Eriksson, SOC Analyst. She shares her incredible stories about her life, her struggles, and finding success. Very emotional and very powerful. Listen and be inspired.

Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity - NFAR

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 15:30:00 -0700

Training programs are critical today to address the Cybersecurity skills gap and the high unemployment rate for people with Neurodiverse conditions. Nathan Chung interviews Chelsea Asaro and Lisa Easterly about their new NFAR Cyber Program. Listen and be inspired.

Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity - Cat Contillo

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 17:45:00 -0700

People who are Neurodiverse often struggle to be accepted in today's world. Nathan Chung interviews Cat Contillo, Threat Operations Analyst at Huntress. She shares her incredible stories about her life, her struggles, and finding success. Very emotional and very powerful. Listen and be inspired.

Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity – Amy Root

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 18:00:00 -0700

People who are Neurodiverse often struggle in the job hunt, in interviews, and working at organizations that are not always friendly. Nathan Chung interviews Amy Root, director and neurodiversity leader at UnitedHealth Group. She shares amazing insights into hiring practices, accommodations, and recruitment. Listen and be inspired.

Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity - Dr. Stacy Thayer

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 18:30:00 -0700

People who are Neurodiverse often struggle to be accepted in today's world. Nathan Chung interviews Dr. Stacy Thayer, Organizational Development Consultant and Professor of CyberPsychology at the California Lutheran University. At Black Hat 2018 she led an amazing talk titled: How can Someone with Autism Specifically Enhance the Cyber Security Workforce? She shares how things having changed in Cybersecurity since then, along with her personal stories, and incredible insights into Neurodiversity and challenges faced today. Listen and be inspired.

Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity – Tiffany Jameson

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 12:15:00 -0700

People who are Neurodiverse often struggle working at organizations that are not always friendly and often need to wear masks to fit in. Nathan Chung interviews Tiffany Jameson, Managing partner at Grit & Flow, Co-Founder at the NDGiFTS Movement, and Managing Partner at Cognitive Diversity. She shares her personal stories, insights on Neurodiversity at companies and society, and her initiatives to fight for change. Listen and be inspired.

"What's gonna feel better is you hired me because of everything I have in me and what I've been through."

Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity – Oliver Betts-Richards

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 11:00:00 -0700

Neurodiversity is often a hard topic to discuss due to its negative stigma and people often suffer alone in life and not getting the help they need. Nathan Chung interviews Oliver Betts-Richards, Apprentice Cybersecurity Analyst and student at the University of Derby. We talk about his amazing life, getting diagnosed with Autism, and his struggles and success studying and working in Cybersecurity. If you work in IT or Cybersecurity, listen and be inspired.

Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity - Caleb Pifer

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Neurodiverse workers can help to reduce the Cybersecurity skills gap, which is currently around 3.5 million unfilled jobs. Nathan Chung interviews Caleb Pifer, Vice President at Mercyhurst University where they have created the new Cyber-Autism Pilot Program, the first program of its kind in the country. He provides an overview of this amazing innovative program and how it will help to educate Neurodiverse students to transition them into Cybersecurity jobs.

Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity - Doug Blecher

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 16:45:00 -0700

Neurodiversity is often associated with children, but adults with the same condition are often left out and ignored. Nathan Chung interviews Doug Blecher, founder of the Autism Personal Coach. We discuss difficult issues facing Neurodiverse people today and explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people. Doug also shares tips to help cope and weather this storm. If you work in IT or Cybersecurity, listen and be inspired.

Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity – Stephanie Ranno

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 18:45:00 -0700

People who are Neurodiverse often struggle in the job hunt, in interviews, and working at organizations that are not always friendly. Nathan Chung interviews Stephanie Ranno, Vice president at TorchLight Hire. She shares her personal stories and expert advice to help in the job hunt, interview process, and helping companies to hire Neurodiverse workers. Listen and be inspired.

Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity – Tia Hopkins

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 14:30:00 -0700

Neurodiversity is often associated with children, but adults with the same condition are often left out and ignored, especially African-Americans. Nathan Chung interviews Tia Hopkins, Vice President of Global Solutions Engineering at eSentire, founder of Empow(H)er Cybersecurity, and Professor at Yeshiva University. She won the SC Media Reboot Leadership Award in 2019 in the Outstanding Educator category. In 2020, she was named among the Top 25 Women Leaders in Cybersecurity by Software Report, and named among the Top 100 Women in Cybersecurity by Cyber Defense Magazine. She is also passionate about getting more women into cybersecurity while driving awareness of gender disparities in the industry with organizations such as Leading Cyber Ladies, the International Consortium of Minority Cybersecurity Professionals (ICMCP), and the Women's Society of Cyberjutsu. Recently, she was inducted into the American Football Events 2021 Hall of Fame. If you work in IT or Cybersecurity, listen and be inspired.

Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity – Lisa Ventura

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 10:45:00 -0700

Neurodiversity is often associated with children, but adults with the same condition are often left out and ignored. Nathan Chung interviews the world famous Lisa Ventura, advocate of all things related to neurodiversity and winner of countless awards for her tireless devotion to cybersecurity, women, and the industry where she shares her personal stories of triumph and success working in Cybersecurity while being Neurodiverse. If you work in IT or Cybersecurity, listen and be inspired.

Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity - Female Hacker

Sat, 28 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0700

People who are Neurodiverse often struggle to be accepted in today's world. Nathan Chung interviews an amazing Neurodiverse female hacker who is graduating from school. She shares her personal stories of triumph and success in Cybersecurity while being Neurodiverse. If you work in IT or Cybersecurity, listen and be inspired.

Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity – Devin Nakano

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 14:15:00 -0700

People who are Neurodiverse often do not receive the help they need to survive and thrive. Nathan Chung interviews Devin Nakano, Co-Founder and CISO of Authentikid, and he is also Founder, President and Executive Director of Y STEM and Chess. He shares his personal stories of triumph and success working in Cybersecurity while being Neurodiverse. If you work in IT or Cybersecurity, listen and be inspired.

Neurodiversity in Cybersecurity - Kim Crawley

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 23:30:00 -0700

Neurodiversity is often associated with children, but adults with the same condition are often left out and ignored. Nathan Chung interviews world renowned cybersecurity writer, blogger, speaker, security researcher, and Neurodiversity champion Kim Crawley where she shares her personal stories of triumph and success working in Cybersecurity while being Neurodiverse. If you work in IT or Cybersecurity, listen and be inspired.