From Diagnosis to Dialogue: A New Perspective on Neurodiversity with Dr. Li-Rong Cheng
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RSS Feed Today, Mai Ling welcomes renowned educator, researcher, and disability advocate Dr. Li-Rong “Lilly” Cheng back to the show for a thought-provoking conversation about neurodiversity, twice-exceptionality, and the ways culture shapes our understanding of disability. Drawing on her decades of international experience, Dr. Cheng discusses the importance of recognizing individual strengths, looking beyond diagnostic labels, and listening to the personal stories of those we serve. She and Mai Ling explore how cultural perspectives influence our perceptions of autism and other differences, why dialogue can be more valuable than diagnosis alone, and how professionals in the disability space can better understand and support the people they work with. Dr. Cheng also shares insights on embracing our own unique abilities, challenging long-held beliefs, and creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Contact Mai Ling: MLC at mailingchan.com
Contact James: James at slptransitions.com
PhD
Dr. Li-Rong "Lilly" Cheng is the Director of the Chinese Cultural Center at San Diego State University. She served as Professor in the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Executive Director of Chinese Studies Institute at SDSU. Professor Cheng served as a member of the board of trustees of the Campanile Foundation of SDSU. She is the past chair of the Multicultural Issues Board for the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and the chair of the Education Committee for the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP). She is a Fellow of ASHA and received the Honors of ASHA. She served as the past president of IALP (International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics). She was the founder of the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus of ASHA.
Dr. Cheng served as the Chair of the Medical Assurance Board of the State of California and Board Member of the California Health Foundation. She served as the Chair of the International Affairs Board of the City of San Diego and the Chair of the Asian Pacific Historical Thematic District.
Professor Cheng was the past President of the Phi Beta Delta Chapter at SDSU. She has received many awards from SDSU and professional organizations. She was selected as the outstanding alumnus of Michigan State University. She is also a Fellow of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Dr. Cheng is the recipient of the 1997 ASHA Award for special contributions to Multicultural Affairs and the recipient of the 2002 Diversity Award from the California Speech & Hearin… Read More
Dr.
Dr. Li-Rong Lilly Cheng is the Director of the Chinese Cultural Center at San Diego State University. She served as Professor in
the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Executive Director of Chinese Studies Institute at SDSU. Professor
Cheng served as a member of the board of trustees of the Campanile Foundation of SDSU. She is the past chair of the
Multicultural Issues Board for the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and the past chair of the
Education Committee for the International Association of Communication Sciences and Disorders(International Association of
Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP). She is a Fellow of ASHA and received the Honors of ASHA. She served as the past
president of IALP. She was the founder of the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus of ASHA. She has dedicated her life to education
with a focus on the children, women,underserved and unserved. She has provided professional and humanitarian assistance
and resources to individuals, schools, clinics and groups with special needs including deafness, autism, speech and language
disorders and disability across the lifespan across the globe.
Dr. Cheng served as the Chair of the Medical Assurance Board of the State of California and Board Member of the California
Health Foundation. She served as the Chair of the International Affairs Board of the City of San Diego and the Chair of the
Asian Pacific Historical Thematic District. She serves on the Board of Jewish Family Service of San Diego and the Historical
Resource Board of the … Read More
