Episode 50: Autism, OCD, and the Joy of Being Way Too Interested in Everything w/ Jonathan Katz-Ouziel
- Sarah Russell
- Feb 11
- 1 min read
Featuring:
Jonathan Katz-Ouziel, autistic accessibility consultant and founder of Opossum House Accessibility
What happens when autism is diagnosed early, supported well, and allowed to stay joyful — and how OCD complicates (and sometimes sharpens) everything that comes after
In this episode, we explore:
- Early Diagnosis Moment: what it was like being diagnosed autistic at age three in the 1990s, and how access, parental belief, and early support shape sense of self
- The Identity Shift: From masking in a conformist school system to reclaiming autism as something fun, social, and deeply human — while naming the privilege baked into his journey
- Creating Workarounds & Framework: How OCD-driven rituals around time, sleep, and lists evolved into autistic-friendly executive function systems that actually support his work
- Calming Sensory Needs: Why unmet sensory needs can amplify OCD, how light and heat regulation matter, and what it means to design life around nervous system safety
- Random moments: Eggplants are botanically berries, opossums are the ultimate autistic mascot, and leaning into “cringe” is a survival strategy
Key Questions Answered in the Audio:
1. How do autism and OCD interact — and when does one help or hinder the other?
2. What does accessibility actually look like beyond ramps and compliance checklists?
3. Is starting a business as a neurodivergent person empowering or a fast track to burnout?
Resources Mentioned:
Opossum House Accessibility (Jonathan’s consulting practice) https://www.opossumhouseaccessibility.com/
Jonathan Katz-Ouziel on LinkedIn
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