🎧What Autism Really Means – with Chris Niklasson

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📝Episode Summary

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Chris Niklasson shares what it means to live at the intersection of neurodivergence, poverty, racism, and bureaucratic neglect.

Diagnosed informally by several professionals but unable to afford an official autism assessment, Chris speaks openly about how this lack of recognition has affected every part of his life.

We discuss the toll of masking, not just emotionally but physically and materially — how survival often requires hiding one’s identity to be employable, accepted, or even safe. Chris explains the gift of autism in his life — including photographic memory and strong empathy — as well as the struggles with unsaid social expectations and interviews that prioritise “vibes” over competence.

We also touch on racism in the job market, the cruelty of Sweden’s unemployment system, and what it means to be job-seeking while homeless for over a year. Yet, even in the midst of all this, Chris is building something meaningful: a business that values inclusion and humanity from the ground up — The Ash Impact.

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🎧 Why You Should Listen to This Episode

This conversation is for you if:

• If you or someone you love is autistic and you want to understand the real-life impact.
• If you’re curious about the strengths of autism and how they’re often overlooked.
• If you’ve experienced the burnout that comes from masking — or felt the emotional, professional, and even legal risks of not masking.
• If you’ve struggled to find a job because traditional recruitment processes are biased against neurodivergent thinkers.
• If you’ve faced racism or xenophobia in hiring, or noticed you get better responses when you hide parts of your identity.
• If you’ve ever felt the pain of not being believed without a diagnosis — or not being able to afford one.
• If you’ve experienced housing insecurity or homelessness, and want to hear from someone navigating that while still dreaming bigger.
• If you’re looking for hope, resilience, and real talk about building inclusive futures — from someone who’s living it every day.

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👤 Guest Bio

Chris Niklasson is a neurodivergent creative, entrepreneur, and social critic with a rich background in marketing, psychology, and cultural studies. Ethnically Georgian, with roots in Spain and Italy, Chris grew up in Estonia before moving to Sweden — an experience that shaped his ability to navigate across cultures and speak six languages fluently.

Today, Chris is channelling his resilience into The Ash Impact, his own marketing company designed to centre inclusion, creativity, and kindness in a world that too often overlooks people like him. Alongside this project, he continues his job hunt efforts.

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🔗Resources

The Ash Impact: THE ASH IMPACT: Overview | LinkedIn

LinkedIn: Chris Niklasson | LinkedIn

Instagram: Chris Niklasson | Instagram

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