What does it really mean to need support?
In a recent episode of AOG Radio, AOG founder James Orman sat down with guest James Humphries, an Autistic psychology student and advocate, for a powerful conversation about why supports aren’t just for a few people — they’re for everyone.
Check out the episode HERE
Both speakers share the experience of being late-diagnosed Autistic adults, discovering their neurodivergence after decades of navigating a world that rarely offered the accommodations they needed. That experience shaped the central theme of the conversation: how society often treats supports as something rare or rationed, rather than something that helps everyone thrive.
Humphries described supports as tools that level the playing field, helping people access education, work, and public spaces in ways that match their individual needs. But he also pointed out something important: when we make society more accessible, we don’t just help individuals — we strengthen the entire community.
One of the most powerful moments in the conversation explored how autistic people often function like “canaries in the coal mine.” Because many autistic people experience stress more intensely, they often notice harmful systems earlier — especially in workplaces and institutions. When those early warning signs are ignored, the problems eventually affect everyone.
The discussion also challenged a common myth: that some people “don’t really need supports.” Humphries shared how having a support worker who helps organize paperwork, appointments, and deadlines dramatically improved his ability to succeed in school and manage daily life. Supports didn’t make him less independent — they made independence possible.
Throughout the conversation, both speakers emphasized a core principle that guides AOG’s work:
Supports are not a sign of weakness.
They are part of how healthy communities function.
In fact, when we design systems that allow people to get the support they need — whether that’s flexible work, communication options, or community assistance — everyone benefits.
And that’s exactly the kind of world AOG is working to build.
