Let's Talk Autism

The Let's Talk Autism Podcast is back with a bang! Today we are talking to Corinne from Finch of Autism Life Instagram account. Corinne shares her own diagnosis journey as well as debating the recent media article claiming there is a way of reversing autism and a "cure."

This episode is brought to you from autistic voices talking about what advocacy means to them. A lovely chat with Connell, Sez, Jo, Gray and Mason about inclusivity in schools, advocacy and what it means to be an advocate for neurodiversity. @sezfrancis1@conns. 1@autistic_advocate_for_crohns@jospear15@sfvetneph#autism #advocacy #autismawareness #letstalkautismpodcast #neurodiversity #actuallyautistic

Back for 2024 today Meesh n Chrissy speak to Autistic, dyspraxic actor Jordan Winn. Jordan was diagnosed  in his 20s and tells us what that diagnosis process looks like. Jordan also talks about what social anxiety looks like to him as an autistic man. He talks about producing and directing his own film about his experiences! We cannot wait to see more from Jordan in the future! 

On this week's episode Meesh n Chrissy catch up about the awards and have a half term update before looking at what happens when an EHCP gets rejected at panel. EHCPs are more and more being rejected at panel and SEN Support Plans being issued instead. You don't have to accept this! You can appeal and Meesh talks about this from personal experience and how she appealed and had the decision over turned. Please do get in touch if this is happening to you and we will help advise as much as possible

A little tea cup episode with the amazing Bryan Dunne who is a poet and neurodiverse man. Bryan tells us a bit about his journey and what poetry means to him  in his life. @bryan_the_creative@northernpoetssociety

Today we catch up with Let's Talk Autism regular Sez who is an autistic woman who is just so driven and full of positivity! We hear about Sez's YouTube channel and training to be a swim teacher! She never fails to make us smile with her wonderful happy nature! Everyone needs a Sez in their lives! 

Today we catch up with Connell as he tells us all about what hes been up top since we last spoke. Connell is an autistic man who previously spoke to us about life in a specialist school. Today Connell tells us about his new passion for the gym and exercise and the positive impact this has had on his life!

Today we speak to Amy from instagram account @neuro_spide_all_things_nice Amy tells us about her fight for her children's diagnosis and the struggle to get their within a seemingly broken education system. Amy wishes for her son to attend a specialist school and leave mainstream education and tells us what this entails. #autism #parenting # adhd #letstalkautism #autismdiagnosis

Our Teacup episode today is with past guest Ricky who is an autistic man also diagnsoed with PDA. Since we last chatted Ricky has finished uni and has been off travelling the world! Ricky tells us all about his travels and how autism and PDA plays apart within that! @rixk.y#autistic #pda #pathologicaldemandavoidance #autism #travelling #traveltheworld

Today's 5 min teacup episode is a catch up with the wonderful Shane Stoneley. Since we last spoke to autistic Shane he has also been diagnosed ADHD. Shane tells us about the diagnosis and how ADHD and Autism coincide in his life. Shane talks about the struggles he and his family are having with adult social services to help support them. He also tells us the exciting news about his new book School of Slashing! You can follow Shane @shanesautism_adhdjourney#autism #adhd #autistic #writer #autisticwriter #letstalkautismpodcast

The end of the school holidays is looming and many people may be feeling some back to school dread....Maybe 4 weeks into the 6 week break you may be feeling slightly lonely and isolated as many parents and students can feel also. That's why we have created a series of 5 minute "ave a cuppa tea" episodes.  We know how busy life can be in the holidays so each day until the start of school we will bring you a little 5 minute chill out episode to sit and have a cuppa alongside. We will always be so grateful for the community and friends we have found along the way on the Let's Talk Autism Podcast so here's a little chat with us each day with some amazing guests both old and new to see you through until the end of the holidays. Lots of love Meesh and Chrissy 

Past guest Andy is back to talk to Meesh and Chrissy about R.S.D. - Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. Andy was diagnosed in the 80s as a child with "clumsy child syndrome" which is now what we know to be Dyspraxia (thank goodness for the name change!) Andy talks about what life was like as a Dyspraxic child and now as a Dyspraxic adult. Andy not only talks about the physical parts of Dyspraxia but also about the emotional side. Andy, who is also autistic, then tells us about RSD and how debilitating it can be . Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is a condition which can cause overwhelming levels of emotional pain and feelings of failure and rejection. Andy bravely and honestly tells us more about what this looks like in his life. 

This week Meesh and Chrissy speak to BBC presenter and chartered civil engineer Ayo Sokale. Ayo is a remarkable and inspirational young lady who tells us all about her journey as a neurodiverse woman and the challenges she has faced and overcome. Ayo talks about dyslexia, autism and adhd as well as what representation means to her and her hopes abd dreams for the future!Truly inspirational and so much fun throughout! @officiallyayosokale

This week Meesh and Christelle speak to Rachel Barnes who was diagnosed autistic, adhd, dyspraxic, dyslexic as well as having sensory processing disorder 8 years ago. Originally Rachel was misdiagnosed several times and even told she was Bipolar. Rachel discusses her diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Since diagnosis Rachel has created her own business the Big Stim www.bigstim.bigcartel.com which is an online store of sensory items. You can follow rachel at @rachelbarnes2222

This week we're speaking to Faye from instagram account @adhd_menopause_and_me Faye talks to us about her journey with ADHD and her children's. She talks to us about what the menopause is and how it affects her as a neurodiverse woman. Faye talks about the support available and how the menopause needs to be spoken about and discussed rather than be the taboo subject it may have been in the past. Faye talks about the scientific reasons behind hormone changes and how this may affect neurodiverse women not just during the menopause but also puberty and after child birth resulting in post natal depression and how this should be approached differently by medical professionals when treating neurodivergent women. 

Today for a very special episode we meet with just some of the people behind SEND Reform England - a movement to make education inclusive. Kathryn, George and Lisa all join us to talk about the reasons behind the movement and the protest which will be taking part next week at Parliament Square London from 11am and 3pm. The peaceful protest will be held to ask central government for a reform of the SEND educational system. You can find out more here: www.sendreformengland.comInstagram @ sendreformenglandasd_with_a_g_and_T

Today we speak to Steph, who has two neurodiverse girls. Steph's youngest daughter has the pathological demand avoidance profile of autism and she tells us what that looks like for family life. We talk about some crossovers of PDA and ADHD symptoms. Steph tells us how different autism looks between her two girls, and talks about the hurdles they have had to overcome as a family as they navigate the education system. You can find out more about Steph and her family at her Instagram account @stephstwogirls.

Our amazing guest Laura from instagram account @spectrumserafina speaks openly and honestly about her struggles as an autistic woman. Laura tells us more about her dating journey and the thoughts and feelings of dating as well as connections with others. Laura tells us how she finally met her dream husband and the journey they have been together as a neurodivergent and neurotypical couple! 

This week we are joined by Instagram and TikTok sensation Matt Raekelboom. Matt was diagnosed ADHD as a child and shares his incredible story with us. Matt explains so much to us about ADHD medication, diet and dopamine. Matt talks in detail about how he has changed his life and developed ways to get dopamine in holitstic ways rather than medication. Matt shares his past and his battle with addictions, weight and at one point homelessness. He talks about his work as an advocate for adhd and the holistic approaches he has incorporated into his own daily routines. Matt talks in detail about gut health and the different routes he has explored to help understand his body and mind. https://www.facebook.com/MattRaekelboomADHD/https://www.tiktok.com/@mattraekelboomhttps://www.instagram.com/mattraekelboom/https://direct.me/mattraekelboom 

In this week's special episode we are joined by television personality and autism advocate Christine McGuinness. Christine speaks to us about autistic women and the lack of awareness surrounding the diagnosis of autistic women. She talks about misdiagnosis in the autistic community and about her own diagnosis. Christine speaks more about the sensory issues which effect her life daily especially in terms of clothing . She tells us more about how different items of clothing may affect her sensory wise and the campaign she has joined with Vanish to help raise awareness of this. An amazing interview with an amazing woman! 

Today we are joined by Autistic Therapist and advocate Zoe Darazsdi. Zoe tells us about her own personal journey as an autistic woman, about her autism diagnosis and about her early career before becoming a therapist and coach for neurodivergent people. Zoe talks about ABA therapy and the adults she has worked with to help overcome past traumas and effects from the therapy. Zoe tells us about her private practice and the work she does but why being an advocate is her most important role. An amazing chat with an inspirational guest. @zoedarazsdicounseling www.zoedarazsdi.com 

Lots of unique and inventive/hilarious ideas to what this episode was going to be about. Join Christelle and Meesh on a one off spin off episode to hear more....@thecockneybloggirl@chrissybaby_10@letstalkautismpodcast

We are back with our amazing new guest Jewel from instagram account @autisticvintage. Jewel is an actress from New York who tells us about her journey. Jewel talks about her childhood with selective mutism and hers and her twin sisters early misdiagnosis. Jewel talks openly about starting stage school and how theatre helped her find her voice and what acting means to her. An amazing journey story from an inspirational guest. 

An exciting episode as Meesh and Chrissy are joined by TikTok sensations @thestehle.bros Brothers Josh and Zach talk to us about their TikTok success, autism and cyber schooling and most importantly their endearing and unique bond!

In this episode we talk to Blossom from Blossoming Autism Instagram account. Blossom updates us from our last episode about her autism diagnosis as an adult. We talk about her 3 autistic children and how Christmas looks in their family! 

This week we return by welcoming back Carla to talk to us about her Cameron and his journey. Cameron is Autistic and Deafblind as well as having other complex needs.Deafblindness is a loss of sight and hearing which then affects mobility, communication and various other things. Carla tells us about Cameron's diagnosis of autism and how the diagnosis worked with a deafblind child.  She also updates us on the life changing operation Cameron went through to aid his mobility and how they prepared him for the operation and the recovery after. An extraordinary young man with a wonderful family. 

This week's podcast is a chat between Meesh and Chrissy about introducing a new baby to the family. Christelle gave birth to a beautiful baby boy earlier this year. The girls talk about their own experiences of introducing a new baby to their autistic older brothers and all this entailed in their journeys. @thecockneybloggirl@chrissybaby_10

Chrissy and Meesh talk to @sezfrancis1 and @eryberrie_ who are autistic women about Puberty and Menstruation in particular. The girls discuss starting their periods, the support and advice given to them through puberty and what should change to make puberty and menstruation more accessible to every child in the education system. The girls discuss products and sensory issues around these. Such an important topic to talk about and raise awareness around!

ARFID stands for Avoidance, Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Tammiee from instagram account @adhdmum_and_littlemissautistic is back to talk to us about her journey with ARFIDS. She explains more about what ARFIDs means and how it effects her life. Tammiee talks more about her ADHD diagnosis and ADHD in women in particular. We talk about eating disorders, body image and anxiety. A fantastic informative episode. 

This week we welcome back Sez to the show. Sez is here to talk to us about Autism and Epilepsy as this week is National Epilepsy Week. As always Sez brings so much information, kindness and warmth to the episode and explains to us what epilepsy is and her own diagnosis journey with epilepsy. Sez tells us what to do if someone has a seizure and the best ways to identify seizures. We then speak more about what life is like being autistic and epileptic and how Sez dealt with life changing with an epilepsy diagnosis and the support given to her as an autistic woman.An absolute joy as always to speak to Sez. Instagram @sezfrancis1Trigger Warning: medical talk and that of seizures. 

TW - Alcohol addictionThis weeks episode is with the wonderful Rick. Ricky talks so very honestly and openly about his diagnosis of Aspergers and PDA aged 11. Ricky tells us more about what PDA is and how PDA affects his life. Ricky is a university student and tells us how he masks almost constantly and the effects this has on him and his mental well being. He talks about the social aspects of uni life and how he has used alcohol as a coping strategy to mask what Ricky describes as "his authentic self."Ricky is an amazing young man who offers so much advice and information in this episode. An absolute pleasure talking to him. You can find Ricky at instagram account @rixk.y *** SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT *** We have been nominated for a National Diversity Award for the category Community Award for Disability. If you can spare the time please do vote for us at Click this link to vote: https://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/awards-2022/nominations/let-s-talk-autism-podcast/  You will need to enter an email address just for security purposes and the vote will need to be verified by email after - so check your inboxes and what seems to be mostly the spam folder as the vote doesnt count unless email verified. Thanks so much to everyone who has voted for us so far. We are overwhelmed!with love Meesh and Chrissy

This week we have a new guest! Mason reached out to us to talk about autism and his diagnosis of Crohns disease. Mason talks about his journey through mainstream schooling and his move to a specialist school. He talks about why he is such an advocate for Crohns disease and how he has had to adapt his whole lifestyle due to the disease. An inspirational young man! @advocate_for_crohns

Kicking off our ADHD season we have Tammie from instagram accoutn @adhdmum_and_littlemissautisticTammie speaks to us about her ADHD diagnosis as an adult. We speak parenting and her journey with her autistic daughter. Tammie tells us all about her neurodiverse family and the "unschooling" they follow as a family - Tammie has chosen to "unschool" her daughter and explains to us what that means, what that looks like and why it works for them as a family. Fascinating chat with an amazing mum! 

This week our guest speaks to us about life as a self diagnosed autistic man. We talk about what self diagnosis is, why it is so controversial in some circles and what being self diagnosed means to our guest. Our guest also shares his journey, diagnosed aged 5 with "clumsy child syndrome" which we know now to be called Dyspraxia. He explains to us what Dyspraxia looked like in his life and still affects him and the strategies put in place to help him. As a 90s kid we talk about schooling for neurodiverse children in this era and what's next after self diagnosing himself and identifying as an autistic adult. 

Emily is back with us this week for a great chat about the support (or lack of) offered after her autism diagnosis 14 months ago. Emily has spoken to us before about her diagnosis as an adult after years of misdiagnosis.  On this episode Emily shares what happened after she received her diagnosis and where there seems to be serious gaps in support after a diagnosis is given.  You can follow Emily on Instagram at @emily_autism. @thecockneybloggirl@chrissybaby_10 @letstalkautismpodcast

This episode the girls were joined by Sez and Jack to talk Ableism. In particular the episode focuses on benevolent ableism. We discuss what that means and Jack and Sez share some of their experiences and advice as autistic adults. An inciteful, wonderful chat and a must listen! 

Hello and a Happy New Year from us at the Let's Talk Autism Podcast!We are kicking off 2022 with an amazing episode with Lacey and her 11 year old son Casch. Casch was diagnosed with Asperger's aged 5 and wanted to share his story. Casch speaks confidently and openly alongside his mum Lacey about his old school and transferring to his new specialist school. He shares his thoughts and feelings and advice he would give to schools to make them accessible to ALL students.An inspirational young man with a wicked sense of humour and buckets of confidence! You can follow Lacey at @lacey_healthymindbodymum@letstalkautismpodcast@thecockneybloggirl@chrissybaby_10 

Christmas is nearing and from now until the big day we will be gifting you with the joyous love of some amazing episodes with some even more amazing guests!!Kicking off our episodes we are joined by Jack, Connell and Sez who tell us all about their childhood Christmases from their neurodiverse perspective. We cover a whole range of Childhood Christmas scenarios from Christmas decorations, Christmas dinners,  to the famous school nativities! (featuring some extremely funny stories) We talk about Christmas in schools and Jack, Sez and Connell share their tips for Christmas festivities! New guest Jack also shares his journey from his diagnosis as a child. Lots of festive fun with a wonderful group of people! 

Super excited this week to be joined by star of the Great British Bake Off, Lizzie Acker. We were met with an overwhelming amount of requests to have Lizzie on to chat as she was such an inspirational contestant on the Bake Off. Lizzie was diagnosed with ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia in childhood. In this episode she talks about those diagnoses and what ADHD is to her. We talk through her Bake off journey and where her love of baking came from.  We talk about the support Bake Off offered in regards to ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. Lizzie talks openly about ADHD and dyslexia and her hopes for the future in helping other children diagnosed. An episode with so much fun and laughter throughout! An incredible guest with so much love and happiness. @lizzieacker_@thecockneybloggirl@chrissybaby10@letstalkautismpodcast

A bonus episode for you this week! Yes two episodes in one week! Here is Michael Anker talking all things autism and music. Michael was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome aged 7.  Michael talks about his diagnosis journey and how music has helped him in his life. Michael has his own music channel on YouTube and even treated us to a little rendition of Somewhere over the Rainbow. A wonderful chat with an inspirational young man!@michaelankermusic https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCRbkqxGd9b8rgw0M325iRhQ 

This week we speak to @theautiecoach Olivia Wilson. Olivia shares her diagnosis journey, from recognising characteristics similar to her own on a TV show to receiving her diagnosis. Olivia talks about life since being diagnosed autistic, how her workplace has made accommodations and her family's reactions to her news.  We talk about schooling and how now with her diagnosis she can understand more about her life. Olivia is passionate about helping others who have been diagnosed later in life and has created her instagram account @theautiecoach to give support to others and help them unmask with confidence.A wonderful chat with one of the kindest guests we have had the pleasure to talk to. 

This week we are talking to Alice Willians about her schooling journey. Alice was diagnosed with Global Development Delay and Autism at a young age and then attended mainstream school. After battling for a place in a specialist school, Alice moved from mainstream education to start year 7. Alice speaks passionately about her specialist school which she thoroughly enjoyed. We talk about her journey to college to obtain the qualifications she worked so hard for. Alice also spoke about being an autistic woman and how that can sometimes be persevered by the public. She talks about her journey in the Special Olympics for skiing and her love of the sport. An incredible, inspirational young lady who we loved speaking to!@alicewillians88 

Another episode in our Schooling series this week and we were joined by the wonderful Shane Stoneley. Shane spoke to us about his school journey as an undiagnosed autistic boy in a mainstream school. ***Trigger Warning - Suicide references***Shane shares an emotional journey including some upsetting stories of bullying and references to suicidal feelings. Shane speaks openly and honestly about his friendships in school and how much those meant to him, then and now. He was with his friend Steven during the recording who also spoke to us. Shane is an author and volunteers in a specialist school. He talk about what his school life might have been like had he been diagnosed and been able to attend a specialist school like the one he works at. You can follow Shane at @shane_stoneley_autism_author@thecockneybloggirl@chrissybaby_10@letstalkautismpodcast

Back to School with Let's Talk Autism! Our new series of school based episodes is here! Kicking us off today we speak to fellow podcaster Connell from Instagram account @Conns.1Connell tells us of his school journey in a specialist school. Connell was diagnosed aged 2 as autistic and was considered non verbal as a child. He shares his story with us from life as a pre verbal child in a special school to leaving school and beginning college. We talk about bullying and mental health and the gap between secondary education and further education. A fascinating chat with an inspirational young man.TW - suicide reference @Conns.1@letstalkautismpodcast @thecockneybloggirl@chrissybaby_10

This week Chrissy and Meesh speak to Carla from instagram account@cameronssmile. Cameron has a very rare disease called Norrie Disease, he also is Deafblind and autistic with complex needs. Carla talks to us a bout Norrie's disease and about Cameron and the fund raiser they are working on to help provide the therapies Cameron needs. A great chat about a wonderful boy with the most beautiful infectious smile! You can find more a bout Carla and Cameron here: https://www.facebook.com/CamSmile/instagram: @cameronssmilehttps://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dazsrock4cameron?utm_term=Xm84e2rq8

On the 20th September 2021 the BBC published THAT article with the headline "Early baby therapy could reduce autism diagnosis" Following this article were breakout articles from other mainstream media such as the Telegraph. The autistic community and parents of autistic children have been left hurt, upset, and angered by the article. After an overwhelming week on social media which has brought us together in a strength of forces against these types of damaging reports we spoke to Tom, Casey and Sez. Our three guests this week are autistic individuals who speak about the damaging effects of the article and the response Sez received from the Telegraph. An amazing chat with our guests as we discuss the implications of this type of article and the response from the autistic community in regards to it. You can find our guests at:Sez Francis - instagram - @sezfrancis1Tom Watts - instagram @tomwattsdopCasey - @caseys_asd_journeyMeesh - @thecockneybloggirlChrissy - @chrissybaby10@letstalkautismpodcast

We are back this week with an amazing episode with Lauren Hilaire. Lauren has graced the covers of Vogue as well as many TV adverts and campaigns world wide. Lauren talks about her journey, about Downs Syndrome and the groups which have supported her through her life. We speak about "Our Voice" a group for Downs Syndrome adults and children which have helped many. We are joined by Lauren's dad Julian who talks about Lauren's birth and their journey as a family. Lauren is an inspirational young lady with fighting spirit and a determination and ambition to show anybody that they can be whoever they want to be. "I am unique" Lauren tells us and talks about her modelling ambitions and her future plans. We thank Lauren and her family for the wonderful chat and sharing their journey with us! You can follow Lauren at @laurenhilaire_zebedee We would also like to thank everyone for their nominations and votes as we have become finalists in the BAPs awards. There is still time to vote at https://www.myfamilyourneeds.co.uk/baps/best-use-of-media/@thecockneybloggirl@chrissybaby_10@letstalkautismpodcast

Today we are joined by Emma Mcnally and Johnny Davidson MBE.Emma has started a petition for more awareness and funding into Tourettes Syndrome. Her son was diagnosed with Tourettes. Johnny who was diagnosed with tourettes aged 13 also talks about his life with Tourettes, the lack of support available for newly diagnosed children and adults with tourettes and why awareness and more funding and research is needed. An honest and heart felt chat which shows the truths and reality of Tourettes Syndrome.Please help by signing the petition found here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/575370

This is the 100th episode of Let's Talk Autism and Additional Needs Podcast. Join Meesh and Chrissy as they take a little trip down memory lane with lots of laughs and highlights from past shows. We can't thank you enough for the wonderful support we have received from all of our listeners and contributors!Here's to the next 100! @thecockneybloggirl@chrissybaby_10 @letstalkautismpodcast

Hello! We are back at last after a months break while we had a little bit of time out (as well as Meesh losing her voice!) So happy to be back with a new season full of wonderful guests and interesting topics. This week Louise from insta account @neurodivergent_lou is back to talk to us about her experiences in regards to holidays and travel. Lou describes what holidays were like for her as a child and teen and shares with us some top tips for travel and holidays from her point of view as an autistic adult. Fantastic chat as always with Louise!

This week Meesh and Chrissy welcome back Casey from instagram account and small buisness @sensorial_sensoryboxes and @caseys|_asd_journey Casey is back to talk to us about "Burnout" or autistic overload as other autistic guests have said they call it. Casey tells us what happens to her during burnout, what can help and the relationships between herself and her family during a burnout. We also discuss mental health, antidepressants, anxiety and depression. An amazing young lady who speaks honestly and openly about her experiences. Thank you Casey. @letstalkautismpodcast@thecockneybloggirl@chrissybaby_10