Wired Differently -Part 3
Health/Wellness | Registration opens 1/5/2026 12:00 AM MST (Arizona)
This final session centers on autism and on the diverse ways that all human brains regulate emotion, energy, and compulsion. Kate explains how discovering she was autistic informed her understanding of both her addiction and her recovery. Being diagnosed with autism as an adult provides a new understanding of past choices, behaviors and feelings. By exploring neurodivergence as an asset rather than a deficit, this session celebrates difference, promotes self-acceptance, and shows how self-awareness leads to agency—living well by accommodating for your weaknesses and harnessing your strengths.
Kate Mohler
Mohler, Kate - has taught English at Mesa Community College since 1995. She has served in various capacities over the years, including sustainability committee chair and Book Club Coordinator. Currently, she serves as President of Ability Maricopa, the District's advocacy group for employees and students with disabilities. Kate was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2016 at the age of 48; she has been reading about and studying all types of mental illness since then to help educate herself and to create informative presentations for others. Kate believes that the stigma associated with mental illness can be reduced through candid conversation, education about major symptoms, and the sharing of personal experiences. In addition to studying and speaking on neurodiversity, Kate loves to travel, cook, and write. She grew up in Minnesota but has lived in Wisconsin, UP Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington State, and Alaska.