An Interview with Calial McCarty

Calial McCarty is an AuDHD writer, parent, advocate, and private practice clinician. She is an LMHC in Washington state and holds a board certification as an Autism Specialist through IBCCES. This is her first publication, as she brings a first-of-its-kind resource to the community.

She graduated from NYU with her master’s in mental health and wellness, with a focus on neurodivergence and its impact on students’ mental health as they navigate the current education system. Her bachelor’s degree is from Purdue University in behavioral psychology, focusing on applied behavior analysis, with a minor in co-occurring disorders.

Calial has worked in multiple fields that have contributed to her development of this resource. Some of those include schools, wraparound services, and social work.

Currently, she is available for therapy services, academic collaboration, and providing specialized training.

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What inspired you to start writing this book?

To bring more affirmative equity to others like myself and to help those hard-working advocates out there.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title brings attention to the fact that divergence is biologically normal and should no longer be seen as unusual.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

I don’t know if I can choose!

The Real Slim Shady – Eminem.

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

Currently reading: Under the Radar by Dr Emilia Misheva.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I am a licensed therapist, professor, and assessor.

Fun fact: I love Batman!

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I wanted to write this due to all of the non-affirming situations that children, teens, and adults have to face every day. It felt like it was someone else’s time to learn about how interactions can change for a person’s needs.

Where is your favorite place to write?

I love writing curled up with a huge fluffy blanket, hot coffee in hand, and a cuddle puddle of cats in my lap.

What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?

I would say to do it, because you have no idea how many people you will help.

What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?

I hope people take away that societal expectations are not a good enough reason to have someone else change who they are or how they should feel. People need to take away that there is so much more to learn about neurodiversity than what is fed through mainstream culture.

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Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.