VS Roshan is a neurodivergent technologist, educator, and founder of YoctoAble. A late- self diagnosed autistic, he turned isolation into innovation, creating inclusive tech and advocacy.In this talk, I challenge the misconceptions and stereotypes around autism by sharing my own story as a late self-diagnosed autistic individual. From being underestimated as a quiet kid to navigating burnout, masking, and misdiagnosis, I bring to light the hidden struggles neurodivergent people face—struggles often overlooked or misunderstood.

I’ll also speak about the importance of special interests—how they are too often dismissed as quirks or obsessions, when in reality they can become powerful sources of learning, resilience, and even employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. Drawing from my own love of nature, I’ll explore what it has taught me about difference, balance, and thriving in a world that doesn’t always accommodate us.

This talk isn’t just my journey—it’s a call to reimagine how we treat neurodivergent people in education, workplaces, and society. By supporting our passions, by valuing our ways of thinking, we can create a culture where every individual has the chance to succeed.