Allow me to introduce you to Heather Florio, CEO of Desert Harvest, a health and wellness brand designed to help those with urological, women’s and sexual health issues, and radiation oncology therapy. Recently making the list of “Top 50 Women in Wellness” by Authority Mag, Heather has grown the business while continuing philanthropic efforts, including traveling abroad to educate on pelvic health. While she seems to have everything figured out, Heather was struggling internally and began therapy, which led to discovering she is autistic at age 41.
In this interview, we talk about her journey and how she hopes to help others by sharing her experiences.
Disclosure: This sponsored post sheds light on late diagnoses of autism as told from the experience of a Heather Florio, an amazing woman CEO.
Interview with Heather Florio, CEO of Desert Harvest
Heather’s story is one of self-discovery, and empowerment. Let’s get to the conversation!
Did you wonder if you had autism before receiving the diagnosis? Was that something that had crossed your mind?
Growing up, I always sensed that there was something different about me. It seemed like I constantly said the wrong things at the wrong time, struggled to connect with my peers, and endured relentless bullying for being different.
My brain operated in a distinct way — analytical rather than emotional. However, in over 40 years, the thought of autism never crossed my mind. It was not until my diagnosis that all the puzzle pieces fell into place for me.
In what ways has the diagnosis helped you, personally and professionally?
The diagnosis acted as a key, connecting scattered dots, and dispelling the confusion that had clouded my understanding of self. With this newfound clarity, my life suddenly made a lot of sense, allowing me to perceive myself in a deeper light. As I embraced my understanding, I found myself fostering stronger connections both within my business and personal life.
As a child, what challenges did you face that you now understand related back to being autistic?
The scars of childhood bullying and abuse from those who were supposed to love me most reinforced my belief that I was inherently flawed. To hide my true identity and any perceived flaws, I would spend hours in the library reading books and studying social cues: understanding sarcasm, deciphering humor, empathizing with others, and why my peers love to gossip — books that helped me make sense of the perplexing behaviors of my classmates during my school years.
What have you found out about late diagnoses, particularly among women?
Research indicates that women are three times less likely to be diagnosed as autistic than men, often receiving their diagnosis later in life, like me.
Why do you think there is this delayed recognition in women?
Many women with autism are more likely to practice masking and can contribute to the gender gap in diagnosis. Masking is a conscious and unconscious form of socializing that involves constant mental gymnastics to fit into societal norms.
How do you hope to empower other autistic women in leadership roles?
In sharing my journey, my hope is that it serves as a beacon of understanding and acceptance for those women who may find themselves in similar positions. Embracing my neurodivergence has brought me an unparalleled sense of peace, both in my personal life and as the CEO of Desert Harvest.
By shedding light on my experiences, I aspire to contribute to a broader awareness of neurodiversity, fostering compassion and breaking down societal misconceptions. My story is a testament to the transformative power of self-discovery, and I believe that by encouraging open conversations and promoting understanding, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive world for neurodivergent women.
Moving forward, how do you plan to balance helping women with your CEO role?
My role as CEO of Desert Harvest is unique in that it already speaks to a wide and marginalized women population about educating and advocating for their sexual, pelvic, and urinary health. As someone who is afflicted with Interstitial Cystitis and Endometriosis myself, I have a personal investment and devotion to our mission, and this has only deepened with my Autism diagnosis to ensure that women’s voices are heard inside and outside the medical and workforce arenas.
How can companies better support neurodivergent individuals in the workplace, in your opinion?
Companies can better support their neurodivergent employees by creating a safe environment for them to exist in. Open communication between leadership and employees can allow companies to support their neurodivergent employees with tools for success, such as sensory accommodations, clear communication, and educating other employees about autism.
We’d love to hear more about your fundraising campaign for AANE.
AANE helps Autistic and similarly Neurodivergent people build meaningful, connected lives. They provide individuals, families, and professionals with education, community, and support in an inclusive atmosphere of validation and respect. We are excited to continue to partner with them to provide educational support in sexual health for the neurodivergent population.
Wonderful! What advice would you give other autistic adults struggling with self-acceptance or navigating the workplace?
To those neurodivergent adults struggling to find their place in this world, know that autism is not a hindrance. It’s an understanding of yourself and feeling okay with yourself and your place in this society. Sharing your diagnosis with people you interact with in your daily life can deepen relationships and understanding that being neurodiverse is not a flaw but a different way of thinking.
In sharing my diagnosis, my relationships with family and colleagues have deepened. It has helped them understand me better, and in turn, changed how I interact with people.
Thank you for being here, Heather Florio
Heather’s story is a powerful one on many levels. Firstly, it shows that even when you think someone has it all figured out, they’re likely still facing challenges. It also reveals that a major self-discovery can happen at any age.
Thirdly, sharing experiences and insights, as Heather does with us in this interview after her austism diagnosis in her 40’s, can impact and help someone else who is struggling. Finally, through her advocacy and leadership, Heather Florio is encouraging compassion and inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals.
Learn more about the science behind Desert Harvest‘s products, as well as reviews from those who have used them at the brand’s website. Desert Harvest was the first to discover how Super-Strength Freeze-Drived Aloe Vera can relieve symptoms, originally created to help a family member with a bladder condition. Today, the all-natural supplements in the lineup are made for those who have urological issues, women’s health issues, sexual health problems, and more.
Please consider donating to AANE (Association for Autism and Neurodiversity) to support understanding of autistic individuals and their families, through Heather’s fundraising page.
What aspects of Heather Florio’s journey resonated most with you, and why?