Podcasts about autistic

My guest Heather is frustrated with her autistic son because he keeps asking the same question.  She can't answer, and his insistence drives her crazy. As we sit in this powerful Mother/Son Work, Heather opens her mind and finds the cause of her suffering.  Join Heather and me for this powerful self-inquiry.  The podcast is recorded during "At Home with Byron Katie"—join me live on Zoom on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, starting at 9 a.m. Pacific Time. Register: athomewithbyronkatie.com

A child who is screaming, crying, or falling apart is clearly struggling. But what happens when an autistic child's response to overwhelm becomes quiet?Autistic shutdowns can look like ignoring, refusing, withdrawing, or simply choosing not to participate. Your child may stop speaking, become unusually still, retreat to their room, stare into space, or temporarily lose access to skills they normally have. Because shutdowns don't always disrupt the room, they are much easier to miss—and often misunderstood.In this episode, Shannon explains:What an autistic shutdown may look likeWhy a verbal child may temporarily be unable to answerHow overload can build throughout the dayWhat parents may mistake for attitude, stubbornness, or defianceWhy asking more questions can add pressureHow to reduce demands and support communication without speechWhat recovery may look like afterwardWhen a change in your child's behavior deserves medical attentionShannon also shares what she learned from the questions she used to ask Jordan immediately after school—and why the connection she wanted sometimes had to wait until he had time to recover.Your child does not have to fall apart loudly to be overwhelmed. Sometimes their struggle fills the room, and sometimes it disappears inside them. Both deserve attention, understanding, and support.If everything has been feeling like too much in your home, register for Shannon's FREE live training, happening September 24 at 7:30 pm Eastern: Helping Your Autistic Child When Everything Feels Like Too Much —save your spot here.And whenever you're ready for more:Explore all the ways we can support you by visiting   www.notyouraverageautismmom.com .  Join our FREE FB Group, The Not Your Average Autism Mom MOVEMENT (NOTE: You must answer the questions or you won't be let in) Click HERE   

Transitions are often the first part of the preschool day to fall apart for autistic children, especially when routines change, activities end, or expectations shift quickly. Every. Single. Year. In this episode, Tara is talking less about transition tricks and more about why transitions are genuinely so hard for many autistic preschoolers. A transition can involve much more than moving from one activity to another. A child may need to shift their attention, leave a deeply engaging activity, process new sensory input, understand what is happening next, and regulate the emotions that come with an unexpected or unwanted change. Because once we understand the why, the strategies finally have a better chance of sticking. Why Are Transitions So Hard for Autistic Children? Transitions can be difficult for autistic children because they often require several demanding shifts at the same time. A child may need to stop an activity, redirect their attention, enter a different sensory environment, process new language, and manage uncertainty about what is coming next. What looks like refusal or noncompliance may actually reflect overwhelm, difficulty shifting attention, sensory stress, or a need for more time and information. How Does Predictability Affect Transitions? Predictability helps an autistic child understand what is happening now and what will happen next. When a routine changes unexpectedly or a child does not have enough information about what is coming, that uncertainty can make the transition much harder. Consistent routines, visual information, and advance notice can make the day feel more understandable and manageable. This does not mean every part of the day has to happen exactly the same way. It means we give children clear information when something is about to change. Can Sensory Changes Make Transitions More Difficult? Yes. A transition often involves much more than physically moving from one activity or location to another. A child may be moving from a quiet space into a noisy classroom, from dim lighting into bright lighting, or from a familiar activity into an environment filled with different sounds, smells, people, and movement. Even when the next activity looks simple to an adult, the sensory shift may feel significant to the child. Looking at what changes between the two environments can help us understand why a specific transition is difficult. What Does Executive Functioning Have to Do With Transitions? Executive functioning helps us shift attention, organize our next steps, remember what we are supposed to do, and move from one task to another. These mental shifts can require significant effort for autistic preschoolers. A child may understand that circle time is over but still need extra time to disengage, process the next direction, organize their body, and move toward the next activity. Instead of assuming the child is refusing to transition, consider how many separate steps their brain is being asked to manage all at once. What Is Monotropism? Monotropism is a way of understanding the deep, focused attention many autistic people experience. An autistic child may become intensely engaged in one interest, activity, or sensory experience at a time. That deep attention can support learning, creativity, regulation, and connection. It can also make abruptly shifting away from an activity especially difficult. When a child is deeply engaged, leaving that activity may not feel like a simple request to clean up. The child may need time, information, and support to shift their attention. Respecting that deep engagement does not mean transitions never happen. It means we recognize that the transition may require more effort than it appears to from the outside. How Can We Make Transitions Easier for Autistic Preschoolers? Making transitions easier begins with understanding what is making the transition hard for that particular child. Once we understand the underlying need, we can choose a support that gives the child more predictability, processing time, and access. A visual schedule may help a child who does not know what is coming next. A predictable warning may help a child who needs more time to shift their attention. A video model may help a child understand an unfamiliar routine. Sensory support may help when the next environment feels overwhelming. There is not one transition strategy that works for every autistic child. The most effective support is the one that matches the reason the transition is difficult. Transition Supports Mentioned in This Episode • Use a visual schedule so the child can see what is happening now and what will happen next • Give clear, predictable warnings before an activity ends • Use consistent words or visual cues during familiar transitions • Allow additional processing time before repeating a direction • Validate that stopping a preferred or deeply engaging activity can be difficult • Consider the sensory differences between the current activity and the next one • Use video modeling to preview unfamiliar routines or environments • Create predictable transition routines that children can learn over time • Reduce unnecessary verbal language during stressful moments • Watch for early signs of overwhelm instead of waiting for the transition to fall apart In This Episode, You'll Learn • Why transitions can create genuine stress for autistic preschoolers • How routine and predictability support smoother transitions • Why sensory changes can make a seemingly simple transition overwhelming • How executive functioning affects a child's ability to stop, shift, and begin something new • What monotropism can teach us about deep attention and engagement • Why difficult transitions should not automatically be labeled as noncompliance • How visual schedules can make upcoming changes easier to understand • Why processing time matters when a child is shifting their attention • How validation and empathy support children during difficult transitions • Why understanding the cause should come before choosing a strategy Key Takeaways • Difficult transitions are not automatically refusal or noncompliance • Transitions may involve changes in attention, sensory input, language, environment, and expectations • Predictability can reduce uncertainty and anxiety • Sensory differences are an important part of the transition experience • Deep engagement is meaningful and should be respected • Autistic children may need more time to shift their attention • Visual information can make transitions more concrete and understandable • Validation belongs alongside practical transition supports • Strategies are more effective when they respond to the actual reason the transition is hard • Support should make transitions more accessible, not simply make children move faster Try This Choose one transition that tends to fall apart first. Before adding another timer, song, reward, or verbal reminder, pause and look at the transition from the child's perspective. What are they being asked to stop? What sensory changes happen next? Do they know where they are going and what will happen when they get there? Are they deeply engaged in the activity they are leaving? How much time are they being given to shift their attention? How much spoken language are they being asked to process during the transition? Once you understand what may be making the transition genuinely difficult, choose one support that responds to that need. Maybe it is a visual schedule. Maybe it is a predictable warning. Maybe it is a short video showing what will happen. Maybe it is changing the way the next environment feels. Or maybe the biggest shift is simply giving the child more time. The most effective transition strategy is not always the newest trick. It is the one that matches the reason the transition is hard. Related Resources & Links

TODAY ON THE ROBERT SCOTT BELL SHOW: Ohio School Unvacated Expulsions, ADHD Gut Connection, Plastic Autism Link, Autistic Early Mortality, CDC mRNA Vaccine Rejection, Censorship Evolution, Public Health Obsession, Kennedy Blasts Dem Party, and MORE! https://robertscottbell.com/ohio-schools-unvacated-expulsions-adhd-gut-connection-plastic-autism-link-autism-early-mortality-moderna-cdc-mrna-flu-vaccine-rejection-censorship-evolution-public-health-non-obsession-kenned/ Purpose and Character The use of copyrighted material on the website is for non-commercial, educational purposes, and is intended to provide benefit to the public through information, critique, teaching, scholarship, or research. Nature of Copyrighted Material Weensure that the copyrighted material used is for supplementary and illustrative purposes and that it contributes significantly to the user's understanding of the content in a non-detrimental way to the commercial value of the original content. Amount and Substantiality Our website uses only the necessary amount of copyrighted material to achieve the intended purpose and does not substitute for the original market of the copyrighted works. Effect on Market Value The use of copyrighted material on our website does not in any way diminish or affect the market value of the original work. We believe that our use constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law. If you believe that any content on the website violates your copyright, please contact us providing the necessary information, and we will take appropriate action to address your concern.

Eating disorder recovery often requires developing a relationship with food, hunger, movement, and body size that differs sharply from what society considers “normal.” In this conversation, Dr. Marianne welcomes back psychotherapist Shira Collings, LPC, to discuss a powerful question: Can eating disorder recovery become its own form of neurodivergence? Shira describes neurodivergence as a way of thinking, processing information, or living that diverges from dominant social expectations. From this perspective, rejecting diet culture, anti-fat bias, intentional weight loss, and rigid rules about “healthy eating” can place someone outside the cultural norm. Recovery may change how a person understands nourishment, pleasure, rest, exercise, body acceptance, and the right to eat without trying to control their body size. Eating Disorder Recovery in the Ozempic and GLP-1 Era Dr. Marianne and Shira discuss why eating disorder recovery can feel especially isolating in the Ozempic and GLP-1 era. As weight loss becomes culturally celebrated again, people in recovery may experience grief, loneliness, body-image distress, or renewed pressure to shrink themselves. They also examine the growing tendency to call hunger, cravings, and thoughts about food “food noise.” For many people recovering from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, chronic dieting, or other eating disorders, noticing hunger and responding to food cravings represent meaningful signs of healing. Treating these experiences as problems that should disappear can undermine body trust and reinforce disordered eating beliefs. Hunger Cues, Neurodivergence, and Body Trust Hunger does not feel the same for everyone. Autistic people, ADHDers, highly sensitive people, and others with neurodivergent eating experiences may not notice traditional hunger cues such as a growling stomach. Hunger might appear as lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, thoughts about food, emotional changes, or a desire for sensory regulation through eating. Dr. Marianne shares how ADHD hyperfocus can interfere with recognizing when she needs food and why mechanical eating helps her nourish herself consistently. Shira explains that eating without experiencing a specific type of physical hunger does not mean someone is eating incorrectly. Rebuilding body trust can include recognizing your individual hunger signals and releasing the fear of eating “too much.” Diet Culture, Anti-Fat Bias, and the Fear of Eating Too Much The conversation also addresses how anti-fat bias, purity culture, healthmaxxing, and moral judgments about food teach people to distrust hunger and reject pleasure. Larger-bodied people often face added pressure to become the “good fatty” by pursuing weight loss, exercising frequently, or proving that they eat according to society's definition of health. Sustainable eating disorder recovery may mean letting go of the belief that you must control your weight to deserve nourishment, rest, pleasure, care, or belonging. Dr. Marianne and Shira acknowledge how difficult this work can feel when friends, family members, healthcare providers, therapists, treatment programs, and social media continue to reinforce diet culture. About Shira Collings, LPC Shira Collings is a feminist, neurodiversity-affirming, LGBTQIA+-affirming, fat-affirming, and disability justice-aligned psychotherapist. Their specialties include eating disorders, body image, reproductive mental health, trauma, grief, and loss. Shira supports clients in healing from external and internalized oppression and creating lives aligned with their values. Learn more about Shira at threadandthreshold.com or follow them on Instagram at @threadandthreshold.therapy. In This Eating Disorder Recovery Episode Dr. Marianne and Shira discuss eating disorder recovery as neurodivergence, hunger cues in autism and ADHD, mechanical eating, body trust, food noise, Ozempic and GLP-1 medications, anti-fat bias, diet culture, body acceptance, fear of eating too much, weight-neutral recovery, and the loneliness of rejecting cultural expectations around food and body size.  Related Episodes What If You're Not Broken? Neurodivergence, Sanism, Eating Disorders, & Radical Acceptance With Shira Collings, LPC on Apple & Spotify. About Dr. Marianne Miller Dr. Marianne Miller is an eating disorder therapist with nearly 30 years of mental health experience. She specializes in ARFID, binge eating, anorexia, and bulimia through a neurodivergent-affirming, sensory-attuned, trauma-informed, and weight-neutral approach. Dr. Marianne provides therapy in California and Washington, D.C., as well as coaching for clients worldwide. Learn more about working with her, her self-paced ARFID course, and her Binge Eating Recovery Membership at drmariannemiller.com.

Most parents know their kid plays video games. Far fewer could name the game. Andrew Fishman, LCSW, says that gap is where the nightly fights start. Andrew is a licensed clinical social worker who works with teens and emerging adults, writes about video games and mental health for Psychology Today, and is the author of Parenting A Gamer: Help Your Child Build Healthy Habits, Make Positive Choices, and Find Balance in Virtual Worlds. He has led social groups for autistic teens and adults, and he is a lifelong gamer himself. In this conversation with host Jeff Skibitsky, Andrew explains why gaming works as social scaffolding for autistic players. No eye contact to manage, no body language to decode, and everyone in the lobby already shares the interest. Autistic people play roughly twice as many hours per week as neurotypical people, and Andrew makes the case that there is a good reason for that. What we cover: Why gaming rarely becomes a clinical problem, and the specific signs that say otherwise Transitions and the "five more minutes" fight, plus why changing when a kid stops beats fighting over that they stop Turning off public chat, and the parental controls most families never find Skills that come out of play: social practice, reading, math, and real world interests Why playing badly alongside your kid is a gift, not an embarrassment What Andrew wants gamers, parents, and providers each to take away Resources Andrew Fishman, LCSW Book: Parenting a Gamer: Help Your Child Build Healthy Habits, Make Positive Choices, and Find Balance in Virtual Worlds, available wherever books are sold Website: videogamehealth.com Psychology Today column, Video Game Health: psychologytoday.com/us/blog/video-game-health Practice: The Juniper Center, Park Ridge, Illinois The Juniper Center Social: Video Game Health on Facebook and Bluesky Mentioned in the episode Parental controls and chat settings: look for communication or privacy settings inside each game and switch public chat off. Console-level guides are at the PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo family settings pages. ESRB Family Gaming Guide for ratings and platform control walkthroughs: esrb.org/tools-for-parents Roblox parental controls: corp.roblox.com/parents ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.  

Autism and eating disorders can create a complicated relationship with food rigidity, routines, sensory needs, and predictability. For autistic people recovering from anorexia, ARFID, bulimia, or other eating disorders, repetitive eating patterns aren't always symptoms that need to be challenged. Sometimes autistic food routines and preferred foods make consistent nourishment more accessible. In this solo episode, Dr. Marianne explores the difference between autistic food rigidity and eating disorder rigidity, including why they can be difficult to separate. Sensory processing differences, executive functioning challenges, autistic inertia, interoceptive differences, and a strong preference for sameness can all shape autistic eating and eating disorder recovery. Autism, Food Rigidity & Eating Disorder Recovery A familiar breakfast, preferred brand, predictable meal schedule, or small rotation of foods may look rigid from the outside. For an autistic person, however, these routines can reduce sensory overwhelm, decision fatigue, and the executive functioning demands involved in eating. Dr. Marianne explains why autism and eating disorder recovery may require a different definition of flexibility. Mechanical eating and predictable meal routines can be particularly helpful for autistic people who experience inconsistent hunger cues or difficulty interpreting internal body signals. You'll also learn how the same autistic traits can sometimes complicate recovery. Changes to meal timing, unfamiliar foods, unexpected sensory experiences, and disruptions to established routines can create significant distress. What appears to be eating disorder resistance may actually involve autistic sensory needs, difficulty with transitions, interoceptive differences, or a need for predictability. Autism, ARFID, Anorexia & Sensory Issues With Food Food variety is another area where neurodivergent eating disorder treatment requires nuance. Expanding someone's range of foods can be important when limited intake creates nutritional or medical concerns, particularly with autism and ARFID. But eating more variety isn't automatically the same as eating disorder recovery. Dr. Marianne discusses how sensory sensitivities can overlap with ARFID, anorexia, and other restrictive eating disorders, and why clinicians need to understand what a food behavior is doing before trying to change it. Avoiding a food because of texture, smell, temperature, or unpredictability isn't necessarily the same as avoiding it because of eating disorder fears about calories, weight, or body shape. Sometimes both are present. Related Episodes   Neurodivergent-Affirming Eating Disorder Treatment Successful autistic eating disorder recovery doesn't require making someone's eating look neurotypical. An autistic person may continue to plan meals, repeat breakfasts, rely on preferred foods, check restaurant menus ahead of time, use sensory accommodations, and maintain predictable eating routines after the eating disorder has significantly improved. Dr. Marianne also explains how autistic traits can become recovery strengths. A preference for routine can support regular meals and snacks, pattern recognition can help identify situations where nourishment breaks down, and understanding sensory needs can make eating more sustainable. Rather than automatically trying to eliminate food rigidity in autism, neurodivergent-affirming eating disorder treatment asks a more useful question: Does this pattern strengthen the eating disorder, or does it help this person stay nourished? Dr. Marianne specializes in autism, ADHD, ARFID, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and neurodivergent eating disorder recovery. Learn more about working with Dr. Marianne and her eating disorder therapy services at drmariannemiller.com. You can also explore her self-paced ARFID & Selective Eating course for adults with ARFID, parents and caregivers, and eating disorder providers.

Go to todaysautisticmoment.com for the transcript. Dr. Angela Kingdon is the host of The Autistic Culture Podcast.  Angela joins Philip to talk about how the Autistic Culture thrives by bottom up processing, justice sensitivity and themany contributions Autistic individuals have made in history, and how many are contributing to our society today.

If you're looking for the best visual supports for autistic preschoolers, these five foundational tools can make classroom routines, transitions, communication, and everyday expectations easier to understand. In this episode, Tara is going back to the basics and sharing five of her favorite visual supports for young autistic children. These are the supports she returns to again and again because they are practical, flexible, and easy to use in preschool classrooms, therapy spaces, and at home. Visual supports can make routines more predictable and reduce the amount of spoken language a child has to process. But with so many different types of visual supports available, it can be hard to know where to begin. That's exactly what we're breaking down today. What Are the Best Visual Supports for Autistic Preschoolers? The best visual supports are the ones that give a child clear, meaningful information about what is happening now, what is coming next, and what they can expect. Tara's five go-to supports are a first-then board, visual schedule, All Done Bucket, Wait Mat, and visual countdown or star chart. What Is a First-Then Board? A first-then board is a simple visual support that shows an autistic child what is happening first and what will happen next. It can make routines and transitions easier to understand without requiring the child to process a long series of verbal directions. A first-then board can be especially helpful when a child is learning a new routine, preparing for a transition, or moving between activities. How Does a Visual Schedule Help Autistic Preschoolers? A visual schedule helps autistic preschoolers see and understand the sequence of activities within their day or routine. This added predictability can support transitions, communication, regulation, and independence. For some children, starting with only two or three pictures is more supportive than displaying a full-day schedule. The schedule can grow as the child becomes familiar with checking it and moving through the routine. What Is an All Done Bucket? An All Done Bucket is a visual and concrete way to show a child that an activity or object is finished. Instead of relying only on spoken directions like "clean up" or "all done," the child has a predictable action that represents the ending. When this system is modeled consistently, it can make difficult transitions easier to understand. What Is a Wait Mat? A Wait Mat is a visual support that gives a child a clear place to temporarily put a preferred or regulating object while participating in another activity. Unlike an All Done Bucket, the object is not finished or being taken away—it is waiting nearby. That distinction can be especially important for autistic children who carry familiar objects for comfort, connection, or regulation. How Can a Visual Countdown Help With Transitions? A visual countdown shows a child that an activity will continue for a little longer and then end. Stars or other symbols can be added or removed so the child can visually see the transition getting closer. The countdown isn't something the child has to earn. It provides information about what is going to happen next. In This Episode, You'll Learn • Why visual supports can be so helpful for autistic preschoolers • How visuals can support routines, transitions, communication, and independence • How to use a first-then board to make what's happening now and next more concrete • Why visual schedules don't have to show an entire day • How an All Done Bucket creates a clear ending to an activity • The difference between an All Done Bucket and a Wait Mat • How visual countdowns can prepare children for upcoming transitions • Why consistency matters when introducing a new visual support Key Takeaways • Visual supports can make spoken information more concrete and easier to process • Predictability can support regulation and reduce uncertainty • Start with the amount of visual information the child can understand right now • Visuals work best when they are modeled consistently • A visual support should provide information, not become another demand • Different children may need different types or amounts of visual support • Simple visuals used consistently can make a big difference throughout the preschool day Try This You don't need to introduce all five visual supports at once. Choose one routine or transition that feels tricky right now. Think about what information might be unclear to the child: Do they know what is happening? What comes next? When something will be finished? Where a favorite object will go? Then choose one visual that could make that information more concrete. Start there. Model it consistently, give the child time to learn what it means, and pay attention to whether it is actually making the routine easier to understand. Related Resources & Links

Caroline Nield was 48 when she discovered she was autistic.Until then, she had spent years wondering why certain parts of life seemed harder for her than they appeared to be for other people. She rehearsed conversations before they happened. Phone calls needed preparation. Friendships could be difficult to maintain. Changes to familiar routines could feel disproportionately unsettling.And, like many women who receive an autism diagnosis later in life, she had become very good at adapting and masking.Caroline's route to diagnosis began when her son was diagnosed as autistic. As she learned more about autism – including sensory differences, social communication and repetitive behaviours – she began recognising herself.When her own diagnosis eventually came, her overwhelming feeling was relief.Rather than giving her another label, Caroline says it helped her begin stripping away some of the labels she had already given herself, like shy, stubborn, difficult.We talk about what autism can look like in women, why so many women reach midlife without recognising that they are neurodivergent, and the difference that self-understanding can make.Caroline also shares some wonderfully relatable examples from everyday life – from supermarket layouts and favourite sandwiches to friendship drift, phone calls and the need for routine.We also explore:• Why autism in girls and women has historically been overlooked• Masking and learning to copy other people socially• The relief – and sometimes grief – that can accompany a late diagnosis• Sensory differences and the need for routine• Friendship and the feeling of never quite fitting in• Executive functioning, overwhelm and the “too many tabs open” brain• Perfectionism and the freeze response• Finding ways of working that suit your own brain• Caroline's decision to pursue acting in her 40s• Leaving a 20-year HR career and retraining as a coach• Why understanding yourself can be the beginning of treating yourself more kindlyWhat struck me most about our conversation was that this isn't really a story about acquiring a label.It's about finally having an explanation, and, perhaps, being able to look back at yourself with a little more self-compassion.FIND CAROLINEInstagram: @caroline_nieldFacebook: Caroline NieldLinkedIn: Caroline NieldCaroline also mentions her free two-minute quiz exploring patterns including cognitive overload, perfectionism, overgiving and the freeze response. AGEING WONDERFULLY WELLMy book, Ageing Wonderfully Well: The Good News about Midlife and Growing Older, is now available worldwide:https://geni.us/AgeingWonderfullyWell Get full access to Midlife & Beyond with Jo Blackwell at joblackwellmidlifeandbeyond.substack.com/subscribe

OA1294 - Haley Moss was the first openly autistic woman to practice law in Florida, and she is now an advocate for disability, autism, and neurodiversity in the workplace. She joins Matt and Thomas to discuss what law firm hiring managers need to know about autistic lawyers, why people in a profession which attracts neurodiversity are still so reluctant to disclose it, and the kinds of simple accommodations which can help lawyers on the spectrum thrive.  Haley Moss's website Great Minds Think Differently: Neurodiversity for Lawyers and Other Professionals, Haley Moss (2021) Talking the Talk About Autism: How to Share & Tell Your Story, Haley Moss (2024) Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do!

A 10-year-old autistic boy who brought a replica butterfly knife into school has had his permanent exclusion quashed by the High Court. The object was passed to another pupil during a playground altercation but caused no significant injury. The judge questioned whether the school's decision was proportionate and emphasised that permanent exclusion should be used only as a last resort. Was permanent exclusion justified in this case and what does “last resort” really mean? How should autism, SEND or unmet needs affect the consequences for serious behaviour? Should the response depend on the nature of the object, the child's intentions or the potential risk? When inclusion conflicts with the safety and education of other pupils, whose rights should take priority? The Points of View panel debates whether the ruling provides essential protection for vulnerable children or risks school leaders being second-guessed when making difficult safeguarding decisions. Are mainstream schools properly equipped to support children with complex needs and could making permanent exclusion harder lead to more suspensions, managed moves or informal exclusions instead? On the panel: Tom Rogers, Rae Whitehouse, JP and guest Andrew Old. 

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP dive into the timeless world of chess—a game woven deeply into Autistic culture. Through the story of legendary chess player Bobby Fischer and the Netflix hit The Queen's Gambit, the hosts explore why this game resonates so strongly with the Autistic community.

Autistic child Saylor Hayes was found in a lake. Her parents, John Herb Hayes III and Geordyn Nichole Hayes, have been arrested.https://www.wjhl.com/news/crime/live-saylor-hayes-parents-appear-in-court-for-extradition-hearing/ https://wpde.com/news/local/timeline-saylor-hayes-case-from-disappearance-to-parents-arrestshttps://wcyb.com/news/local/documents-show-mother-of-saylor-hayes-was-charged-with-child-abuse-earlier-this-year-geordyn-john-south-carolina-carter-county-washington-virginia-tennesseeLindsay Clancy: Defense Tries to Remove Juror Day 6 of deliberations brought major courtroom drama as Lindsay Clancy's defense sought to remove a juror amid concerns over reasonable doubt. Judge Sullivan declined and sent the jury back to deliberate as the deadlock continued. Join our squad! Kristi and Katie share true crime stories and give you actionable things you can do to help, all with a wicked sense of humor.Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/q8d35JBvCFollow our True Crime Trials Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TrueCrimeSquadTrialsFollow our True Crime Shorts Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@truecrimesquadshorts-t6iWant to Support our work and get perks like extra content and The Watch Party?www.truecrimesquad.com*Social Media Links*Facebook: www.facebook.com/truecrimesquadFacebook Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/215774426330767Website: https://www.truecrimesquad.comTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@truecrimesquadBlueSky- https://bsky.app/profile/truecrimesquad.bsky.social True Crime Squad on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/5gIPqBHJLftbXdRgs1Bqm1

Episode 94: What's it like to navigate work and adulthood as an autistic person? In this remixed episode, host Debra Sloss is joined by psychotherapists and autistic self-advocates Lou Ursa and Jasmeen Miah to challenge stereotypes about autism and explore identity, work, support, and inclusion. Plus, in a new In Your Voice story, Paul Bondonno shares how, as an autistic adult, he worked through challenges on the job—and why he wishes he had asked for help sooner.

Rethinking Autism Therapy is a four-part mini-series for parents, caregivers, professionals, and Autistic individuals who want to learn about DIRFloortime®, a strength-based, developmental, relationship-driven approach to growth and connection.Can DIRFloortime® help autistic adults, too?In this final episode of the Rethinking Autism Therapy mini-series, Daria Brown is joined by clinical developmental psychologist and DIRFloortime® Expert and Training Leader Dr. Kathy Platzman to explore how the DIR® model can support autistic adults, late-diagnosed individuals, and anyone seeking greater self-understanding, self-advocacy, and emotional growth. Together, they discuss how DIRFloortime® extends far beyond childhood intervention. Rather than focusing on deficits, the model emphasizes relationships, individual differences, strengths, and human development across the lifespan. Dr. Platzman explains how DIR's developmental framework can help adults better understand their sensory profiles, emotional regulation needs, personal strengths, and patterns of connection with others. They explore topics such as masking, self-advocacy, trauma, neurodiversity, sensory differences, self-regulation, and the importance of discovering what brings joy and meaning to life. Through personal stories and reflections, Daria and Kathy demonstrate how DIRFloortime® can provide a roadmap for understanding ourselves with greater compassion and helping others do the same. Learn more:Dr. Kathy Platzman https://floortimeatlanta.com/kathy-platzman/The Autistic Self Advocacy Network https://autisticadvocacy.org/Daria Brown: https://affectautism.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affectautismX: https://x.com/affectautismFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/affectautismDaria is the author of "We Chose Play: Raising an Autistic Child to Thrive and Feel Understood"

Practical strategies for supporting autistic communicators.Guest: Farwa Husain, MS, CCC-SLPEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YouTubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Farwa Husain, MA, CCC-SLP, bilingual speech-language pathologist, for a thoughtful conversation about supporting autistic individuals through relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming care. Together, they discuss how echolalia can be understood as meaningful communication rather than a behavior to eliminate. Farwa shares practical strategies for supporting autistic communicators who use echolalia, emphasizing how caregiver coaching and everyday interactions can create rich opportunities for connection, language, and participation.About the Guest: Farwa Husain, bilingual SLP, is the Founder of First Phrases and Owner of One-on-One Speech Therapy. She specializes in relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming care, with a clinical and educational focus on supporting echolalia. Farwa is an international presenter who provides professional development training for schools and organizations worldwide.Show Notes:Contact Farwa:IG: @firstphrasesofficialLinkedInwww.firstphrases.comRelated Course: Autism Conference: Embracing Joy Through Practical InterventionFamily Guided Routines Based InterventionsMorris County Speech and Hearing Association

Menopause affects far more than mood and cognition.In this episode, Sam Galloway (she/her) examines the profound physical impact of menopause on the neurodivergent body. From severe dry eye syndrome, sensory hypersensitivity and chronic pain to sleep disruption, premenstrual dysphoria disorder (PMDD), temperature dysregulation, bladder changes, fatigue and mobility challenges, she explores how hormonal changes can transform everyday life.Drawing on her own experiences, Sam discusses the complex relationship between menopause symptoms, sensory processing, trauma, chronic stress and autistic wellbeing. She also reflects on how physical changes can contribute to shrinking worlds, increased support needs and loss of identity.This episode highlights the importance of recognising physical symptoms that are often dismissed, minimised or incorrectly attributed to ageing alone.Content Warning: This episode includes frank discussion of mental health crisis and suicidal thoughts, alongside experiences of autistic burnout, medical care, and menopause. Please take care while listening and skip any sections that may be difficult for you.Resources mentioned or relevant:

Supporting regulation in the classroom starts with understanding what an autistic child's nervous system needs before we focus on expectations, participation, or learning. That's why regulation is the focus of Week 3 of our Back to School Foundations series. By early September, you've probably moved past those first days of school when everyone is learning names, exploring the classroom, and figuring each other out. Your routines are starting to take shape, expectations are increasing, and you may also be seeing more dysregulation show up. This is often when we start wondering, What can I do to help this child participate? How do I make circle time easier? Why are transitions suddenly so hard? What changed? Before we add another expectation, I want us to look at regulation. For six weeks, I'm revisiting some of the most important conversations from the Autism Little Learners Podcast and bringing them back when you may need them most. This week's conversation originally aired in early 2025, and it focuses on practical ways we can support emotional and sensory regulation throughout the classroom day. We'll talk about the classroom environment, sensory needs, calming spaces, visual supports, sensory tools, and the important role we play in co-regulation. Most importantly, we'll talk about why regulation isn't something we work on only after a child becomes overwhelmed. When we understand an individual child's sensory needs and build supportive strategies throughout their day, we're creating an environment where they have greater access to communication, participation, connection, and learning. In This Episode, You'll Learn Why the classroom environment can have such a big impact on regulation How reducing sensory overload can support autistic children throughout their day Why calming corners can offer a supportive place for children to manage sensory input and emotions How visual supports can provide information, support communication, and reduce uncertainty Ways sensory tools can help children get the sensory input their bodies need Why co-regulation with a trusted adult is so important for young children How sensory needs can look very different from one child to another Why regulation supports should be woven throughout the day rather than saved for moments of dysregulation How heavy work activities can support children who are seeking more sensory input Why helping young autistic children develop regulation skills has benefits that extend far beyond the classroom Key Takeaways Regulation comes before expectation. Before asking how to get a child to participate, sit, transition, or complete an activity, consider what their nervous system may be communicating. The environment matters. Noise, lighting, movement, visual clutter, proximity to other people, and other sensory input can all affect how accessible a classroom feels to an individual child. Regulation looks different for every child. There isn't one sensory tool, calming strategy, or classroom setup that will work for everyone. Understanding the individual child is essential. Co-regulation comes before self-regulation. Young children develop regulation skills with support from calm, responsive adults. Our job isn't simply to tell a child to calm down. We can help them feel safe and supported as they move through those moments. Calming spaces aren't punishment spaces. A calming corner can provide access to sensory tools and a quieter environment when a child needs less input or a place to regulate. Sensory supports shouldn't only appear during a hard moment. Movement, heavy work, sensory tools, visual supports, and regulation opportunities can be intentionally incorporated throughout the day. The goal isn't a perfectly calm child. We're supporting children in understanding and responding to what their bodies need, not teaching them to hide signs of discomfort or dysregulation. Try This Choose one part of your classroom day when dysregulation seems to happen more often and look at the environment before changing the child's behavior. Notice the sensory input around the child. What are they hearing, seeing, touching, or being asked to tolerate? Watch for what an individual child naturally does to regulate. Do they seek movement, pressure, quiet, repetition, or less sensory input? Think about one regulation support you could make available before the difficult part of the day rather than waiting until the child is overwhelmed. During a hard moment, try shifting from "How do I get them to do this?" to "What might their body need from me right now?" Resources & Links Calming Kit Visuals — Visual supports and tools you can use to create a calming space and support regulation in your classroom. Calming Kit Visuals Visual Support Starter Set — Get started with simple visual supports you can use with young autistic children. Visual Support Starter Set Back to School Foundations Series — This is Week 3 of our six-part series. Start with Episode #188 and follow along as we move through the foundations, connection, regulation, visual supports, transitions, and understanding behavior as communication. New to neurodiversity-affirming language? Read Why We Say "Autistic Child": A Simple Guide to Neurodiversity-Affirming Language.   

School is a job.School is just pre-training for working for the Man.School is a job.Kids clock in at 3. They never clock out.Not even on social security.The Man reminds you who's boss.Monthly check by monthly check.And like any check… Ya gotta work to keep it.Retirement's a fucking job, too.#ActuallyAutistic* If this excerpt grabbed you… more here: The Book: Frag by Frag.This is Fragment 11 of my upcoming autobiography, Autistic Noir, arriving Fall 2026.I'm building a book out loud. Frag by frag. Just like I lived it.The Next ActDon't trust a corporate algorithm's decision about whether you get to see the next excerpt or not.Join my Substack for free… and the next fragment comes straight to your inbox. And you get a free digital download of my complete poetry chapbook.* I'm writing an autobiography… out loud. Frag by frag. Just like I lived it. Unlock the next act for free.Why I Write My AutobiographyI'm only an expert on my own life. Born 1953, diagnosed at 63. Your mileage will vary.Individual marginalized voices speaking truth out loud? They build bridges to mainstream readers. Think Malcolm X. Think Maya Angelou. Think Janet Mock's Redefining Realness.This Fall, I hope to deliver that kind of impact, that power with Autistic Noir: My Autistic Life is My Art. For our neurodivergent community.Since 2019 I've published a quarter of a million words. Over half the size of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.Gotta be a pony somewhere in that shit.Click to get the next frag in your inbox… free. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnyprofaneknapp.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to another edition of This Week in Autistic Culture, our Sunday magazine podcast that brings together the stories, conversations and ideas shaping Autistic culture each week.This week, Angela and Simon turn their attention to Channel 4 documentary The Great ADHD Myth and the backlash it has received from the ADHD community. They discuss its claims around diagnosis and medication, the decision to centre the experiences of a ten-year-old boy, and what happens when mainstream media tells stories about neurodivergent people without meaningfully including the communities at the centre of them.Simon also reflects on his own experience of ADHD medication, from finding the right dose to the difference it has made to his life, as Angela and Simon explore the wider narratives around overdiagnosis, masking and the idea that people must be visibly struggling for their neurodivergence to be considered legitimate.As always, we'll also take you through everything coming up across the Autistic Culture Podcast Network this week, including the launch of The Still Growing Up Film Club, a new Mindful Mondays, Autistic Menopause and plenty more from across the network.Plus, we head to the Community Notice Board for books, events and opportunities from across the wider Autistic community.

Dr Judith Mohring is an award winning Cambridge-educated psychiatrist and psychotherapist specialising in ADHD, autism and mental health. In this episode, she explores why understanding yourself doesn't always lead to healing, how overthinking can become a form of emotional avoidance, and what it really takes to reconnect with yourself after years of masking. Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 02:13 “I don't know who I really am” 03:54 Why understanding yourself doesn't always lead to healing 08:09 Why you can understand your brain and still feel trapped 10:15 When analysing yourself stops you feeling 12:06 Analysing emotions vs processing them 16:34 Why ADHD can make therapy harder 19:26 Why ADHD brains analyse themselves so deeply 23:07 When hyperfocus turns inward 24:32 How masking disconnects you from yourself 28:21 Tiimo advert  29:49 Why years of therapy can leave you feeling the same 31:17 When therapy becomes another intellectual exercise 35:41 Where does healing actually begin? 36:33 Interoception: learning to feel what's happening inside 38:59 How a therapist helps you feel safe 40:25 How ADHD and autistic people begin to heal 46:01 How to stop analysing and start feeling 47:18 How do you know if you're healing? 49:09 The Washing Machine of Woes 49:52 Finding yourself after decades of masking 51:02 Do you find your true self — or create it? 53:00 Is overthinking a form of emotional avoidance? 54:05 A letter to my younger self Visit Judith's website

AUTISTIC Viewpoints⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a podcast hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Turrell Burgess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Daria Brown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. On Episode 14, Turrell and Daria interview Jacob Raphael on the occasion of the release of "Miracle of the Heart" co-written with his father. Jacob shares his experience growing up autistic, his struggles with his identity, plans for his future writing projects, and more.Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/autistic-viewpoints/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps:00:14 Introductions01:00 "A Miracle of the Heart" book and what inspired Jacob to be a part of it02:29 Daria's response including how autistic development is different05:09 Daria's question to Jacob of what he's learned from the experience and his response05:52 One critique Jacob received about his writing in the book06:18 Jacob's story about the suggestion of coming out as autistic in high school06:38 Jacob's writing practices06:57 Jacob's writing question for Turrell and Turrell's response08:05 Turrell asks Jacob about his memories of Dr. Stanley Greenspan09:12 Daria asks about finding Jacob's interest in creative writing and his response10:38 How his interest continued into the college years11:14 Turrell's emotional experience in switching schools and moving through college12:13 Turrell asks Jacob about his passionate interests and Jacob's response13:20 Turrell's internal experience with storytelling 13:45 The surprising reactions Daria received to her vulnerable writing14:58 Daria asks Jacob about his career aspirations15:17 Break: Rethinking Autism Therapy mini-series on DIRFloortime® on the Autistic Culture Podcast Network16:37 Jacob's response to Daria's question from before the break18:27 Jacob's awareness around his potential19:29 The Autistic Culture Podcast Network meetings writing prompts, "Neurodivergent Narratives," and shared interests 20:34 Daria asks Jacob about his autistic identity21:48 Jacob's struggle with disclosing his autistic identity23:23 Turrell's encouraging words about embracing his autistic identity24:27 Daria's reflections on Jacob's language about his identity25:23 How autistic individuals actually want to be treated26:05 Daria's neurodivergent friends and the value of community and a strength of Turrell's27:03 Jacob discussing untangling his identity and lack of close friendships in school27:45 Turrell talking about the value of a support system28:37 Turrell's experience finding his identity and the truth that he lives by as an autistic adult29:12 Break: 2026 International DIRFloortime Conference including the presentation by Jacob's father, David30:11 What Jacob is excited about and his strengths31:15 What Jacob finds joy in32:44 Jacob's plug for his co-authored book, substack, and recommended readings34:39 Wrap-UpResources:A Miracle of the Heart book ⁠https://www.narrowbridge.us/⁠Dr. Emile Gouw's story ⁠https://affectautism.com/2021/02/06/inspiration/⁠Daria's "Rethinking Autism Therapy" mini-series on DIRFloortime® on the Autistic Culture Podcast Network ⁠https://affectautism.com/2026/08/12/acpn-01/⁠The 2026 International DIRFloortime Conference ⁠https://www.icdl.com/conferences⁠What we Do in the Shadows ⁠https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_We_Do_in_the_Shadows_(TV_series)⁠Pratchett comic fantasy novels ⁠https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Pratchett⁠Jacob's substack ⁠https://jacoblatter.substack.com/⁠Nobody Nowhere by Donna Williams ⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Nobody-Nowhere-Extraordinary-Autobiography-Autistic/dp/0812920422⁠John Elder Robison ⁠https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Elder_Robison⁠* Thank you to Hungarian recording artist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Post Analog Disorder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for the intro/outro music permission: ⁠⁠https://postanalogdisorder.bandcamp.com/album/still-i-rise

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Question: I recently received an autism diagnosis in my mid-30s. I have relatively low support needs and am working with my therapist to identify the best ways to manage my energy. I think I could still be a good foster parent, but will it be an issue for an agency?Resources:Adult Autism Diagnosis Tool Kit – from Autism SpeaksAutistic Self Advocacy NetworkSo You Want to Be a Foster ParentSupport the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

*Buy a EZ "DEFECTOR" hoodieNote: "Act 2" will be a separate published audio podcast.*Check out EZ's morning radio show "The InZane Asylum Q100 Michigan with Eric Zane" Click here*Get a FREE 7 day trial to Patreon to "try it out."*Watch the show live, daily at 8AM EST on Twitch! Please click here to follow the page.Email the show on the Shoreliners Striping inbox: eric@ericzaneshow.comTopics*Steevigh's Patreon show and tell.*Electric Forest porta-potty baby update.*Grill scraper recall!*Autistic kid at ballgame annoys everyone.*Gladys Knight is still "performing" and people are concerned.*Dude is killing it with his Luke Combs roasting.*Twitch streamer's Mom beats his ass on livestream.*Dude scams various women out of millions impersonating a member of the San Francisco 49ers.*Bitch ass robot fails at weightlifting.*Asshole of the day brought to you by Uncle John's Gravel Road RaceSponsors:West Michigan Whitecaps, Uncle John's Gravel Road Race, Main Street Exchange Pawn Shop in Madison, Tennessee,Kuiper Tree Care, Frank Fuss / My Policy Shop Insurance, Kings Room Barbershop, Shoreliners,  Ervines Auto Repair Grand Rapids Hybrid & EV,Interested in advertising? Email eric@ericzaneshow.com and let me design a marketing plan for you.Contact: Shoreliners Striping inbox eric@ericzaneshow.comDiscord LinkEZSP TikTokSubscribe to my YouTube channelHire me on Cameo!Tshirts available herePlease subscribe, rate & write a review on Apple Podcastspatreon.com/ericzaneInstagram: ericzaneshowTwitterAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

*Buy a EZ "DEFECTOR" hoodieNote: "Act 1" was a separate published audio podcast.*Check out EZ's morning radio show "The InZane Asylum Q100 Michigan with Eric Zane" Click here*Get a FREE 7 day trial to Patreon to "try it out."*Watch the show live, daily at 8AM EST on Twitch! Please click here to follow the page.Email the show on the Shoreliners Striping inbox: eric@ericzaneshow.comTopics*Steevigh's Patreon show and tell.*Electric Forest porta-potty baby update.*Grill scraper recall!*Autistic kid at ballgame annoys everyone.*Gladys Knight is still "performing" and people are concerned.*Dude is killing it with his Luke Combs roasting.*Twitch streamer's Mom beats his ass on livestream.*Dude scams various women out of millions impersonating a member of the San Francisco 49ers.*Bitch ass robot fails at weightlifting.*Asshole of the day brought to you by Uncle John's Gravel Road RaceSponsors:West Michigan Whitecaps, Uncle John's Gravel Road Race, Main Street Exchange Pawn Shop in Madison, Tennessee,Kuiper Tree Care, Frank Fuss / My Policy Shop Insurance, Kings Room Barbershop, Shoreliners,  Ervines Auto Repair Grand Rapids Hybrid & EV,Interested in advertising? Email eric@ericzaneshow.com and let me design a marketing plan for you.Contact: Shoreliners Striping inbox eric@ericzaneshow.comDiscord LinkEZSP TikTokSubscribe to my YouTube channelHire me on Cameo!Tshirts available herePlease subscribe, rate & write a review on Apple Podcastspatreon.com/ericzaneInstagram: ericzaneshowTwitterAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP, dig into the rich world of Autistic food culture—exploring safe foods, same foods, and the deep comfort Autistic people find in ritualized eating.

In this week's Reddit Stories episode, Jordan and Simon unpack another selection of dilemmas involving autism, ADHD, relationships and the realities of being neurodivergent.They begin with a parent who invites an entire class to her son's birthday party — except for one autistic child. Jordan and Simon discuss exclusion, ableism, reasonable accommodations and the lasting impact of being the child who is always left out.Next, they explore another neurodivergent dilemma and the assumptions people make about behaviour, asking where personal responsibility ends and understanding someone's disability begins.The conversation then turns to the complicated ways neurodivergent traits can be interpreted by the people around us, including executive dysfunction, forgetfulness and behaviours that can easily be mistaken for laziness or a lack of care.Finally, a woman takes to Reddit to describe her husband as stupid, prompting a discussion about ADHD, dyslexia, executive dysfunction, relationships, resentment and what happens when the person you love doesn't understand the way your brain works.*The stories discussed in this episode are public Reddit posts. Titles may be shortened for readability, and all opinions expressed are those of the original posters.• AITA for inviting my sons entire class except for one child because of his autism?• AITA for disagreeing with my daughter's ADHD diagnosis?• My speech disability has ruined my life and I think I will never amount to anything.• My husband is so dumb and I think I need to leave him because of itOur Sponsors:

In a world of labels being placed on people, one father and one son were determined to break that tag, even if it was one of autism. This is their story. In a world quick to label, judge, and box in people, one father and son stood firm and refused to be defined by an autism diagnosis. If you're channel surfing and happen upon Leland Vittert during his nightly national cable show on NewsNation, he comes off as a poised journalist prying nuggets from guests. If you watched him for years as an anchor at Fox News Channel, you saw him on the battlefields of the Middle East, the anchor desk, and the White House North Lawn. No one, including friends and co-workers, has ever known his full life story and how miraculous it was to get to that point.Leland was a socially awkward boy who didn't speak for years, and when he finally did, teachers and leaders declared him "weird." His unique behavior and inability to connect with his peers made him a frequent target for bullying and exclusion. In one particularly harsh moment, a school principal bluntly told his parents, "The people here think Leland is pretty weird. I guess I do, too." Those words felt like being shot with an arrow, as his parents sat in stunned silence, grappling with their own fears and uncertainties for their son's future. From a young age, Leland showed signs of being Autistic, a term rarely used at the time, struggling with social cues, communication, and behavioral norms that came naturally to other kids. The diagnosis didn't deter his father, Mark. He knew the world wouldn't change for Leland, so he quit his job and began changing Leland for the world. He became a full-time parent-coach, training Leland and teaching him the skills he needed to navigate in society. Simple concepts like eye contact, understanding humor, and instilling motivations had to be taught painstakingly. From hundreds of pushups at age 7 to toughen him against bullies, to coaching him through complex social interactions, Mark's relentless dedication changed the trajectory of Leland's life. Born Lucky offers an intimate look into their inspiring journey. Leland lays bare his experiences of the crushing bullying during middle and high school, the sting of rejection continuing into college, and his ultimate transformation into an esteemed journalist. But above all, this book is a love letter from a grateful son, who despite his diagnosis, trusted his father and defied all odds. It offers hope to every parent and every child who is grappling with their own unique challenges, to be inspired to break labels, tear down the walls that society builds, and create a better future.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

Wow, this is a sensitive topic. And remember that every person with autism has a different experience. But Claire O'Neill is a teacher and she's telling her story of school. Claire can see the roof of her old primary school from her classroom window. She remembers walking up to the school door with that gnawing, upset feeling in her stomach and the itchy, scratchy uniform that made her so uncomfortable. She says the room was either too hot or too cold. It was almost always too loud, and she says it was smelly. Claire got in trouble a lot. Now, that she's studied autism, she understands better why. Claire has spent more than twenty years teaching autistic students and is a PhD researcher at University College Cork (Ireland) studying what school is actually like for autistic teachers. Claire shares her story from an educational perspective. A full-circle moment of a PhD expert teacher reflecting upon the girl she used to be and advocating to help us all understand how to help children like her. My Mom was one of the most compassionate, intuitive teachers I've ever known. She always said when I had a student who learned differently and I would accommodate for the whole class, everyone in the classroom learned better. Claire says the same thing. She also talks about the importance of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). She also encourages us to listen to our learners. Believe them when they tell you how they experience your room. And to act upon what they tell us. Claire is an expert, but I'm not. While I've taught some precious students with autism and most of them thrived in my classroom (one early in my career, I wish I could go back and use strategies I know now.) I share this story with sensitivity and the knowledge that I don't know what I don't know but I know it is important to listen. And isn't that what Claire tells us in the show? I hope this show makes us all more empathetic on this Wonderful Classroom Wednesday because not every child actually thinks our classroom is wonderful and we need to listen and learn to make it better. Show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e977 

How does DIRFloortime® meet autistic needs in a neurodiversity-affirming way?In this third episode of the Rethinking Autism Therapy mini-series, Daria Brown is joined by autistic self-advocate, researcher, and ICDL Board President Dr. Emile Gouws to explore how the DIR® model aligns with autistic lived experience and why relationships, respect, and understanding are essential for meaningful development.Drawing on his own experiences growing up as a nonspeaking autistic child, Emile shares the challenges of being viewed through a medical-model lens, the trauma of compliance-based interventions, and the profound impact of finally being seen, understood, and supported through a relationship-based approach. Together, Daria and Emile discuss how DIRFloortime® differs from approaches focused on normalization by emphasizing individual differences, emotional development, authentic communication, and connection.The conversation highlights how autistic development may look different from neurotypical development, why practitioners must be mindful of ableist assumptions, and how play, co-regulation, and meaningful relationships create the conditions for growth. They also explore the role of neurodiversity, self-advocacy, sensory differences, and the Double Empathy Problem in shaping a more affirming understanding of autism.Learn more:

Rethinking Autism Therapy is a four-part mini-series for parents, caregivers, professionals, and Autistic individuals who want to learn about DIRFloortime®, a strength-based, developmental, relationship-driven approach to growth and connection.How does DIRFloortime® meet autistic needs in a neurodiversity-affirming way?In this third episode of the Rethinking Autism Therapy mini-series, Daria Brown is joined by autistic self-advocate, researcher, and ICDL Board President Dr. Emile Gouws to explore how the DIR® model aligns with autistic lived experience and why relationships, respect, and understanding are essential for meaningful development. Drawing on his own experiences growing up as a nonspeaking autistic child, Emile shares the challenges of being viewed through a medical-model lens, the trauma of compliance-based interventions, and the profound impact of finally being seen, understood, and supported through a relationship-based approach. Together, Daria and Emile discuss how DIRFloortime® differs from approaches focused on normalization by emphasizing individual differences, emotional development, authentic communication, and connection. They discuss how autistic development may look different from neurotypical development, why practitioners must be mindful of ableist assumptions, and how play, co-regulation, and meaningful relationships create the conditions for growth. They also explore the role of neurodiversity, self-advocacy, sensory differences, and the Double Empathy Problem in shaping a more affirming understanding of autism. Learn more:Dr. Emile Gouws https://emilegouws.org/The International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL) Board of Directors https://www.icdl.com/about/boardDaria Brown: https://affectautism.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affectautismX: https://x.com/affectautismFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/affectautismDaria is the author of "We Chose Play: Raising an Autistic Child to Thrive and Feel Understood"

In this week's Reddit Stories episode, Jordan and Simon unpack another selection of dilemmas involving autism, ADHD, relationships and the realities of being neurodivergent.They begin with a parent who invites an entire class to her son's birthday party — except for one autistic child. Jordan and Simon discuss exclusion, ableism, reasonable accommodations and the lasting impact of being the child who is always left out. Next, they explore another neurodivergent dilemma and the assumptions people make about behaviour, asking where personal responsibility ends and understanding someone's disability begins.The conversation then turns to the complicated ways neurodivergent traits can be interpreted by the people around us, including executive dysfunction, forgetfulness and behaviours that can easily be mistaken for laziness or a lack of care.Finally, a woman takes to Reddit to describe her husband as stupid, prompting a discussion about ADHD, dyslexia, executive dysfunction, relationships, resentment and what happens when the person you love doesn't understand the way your brain works.*The stories discussed in this episode are public Reddit posts. Titles may be shortened for readability, and all opinions expressed are those of the original posters.• AITA for inviting my sons entire class except for one child because of his autism?• AITA for disagreeing with my daughter's ADHD diagnosis?• My speech disability has ruined my life and I think I will never amount to anything.• My husband is so dumb and I think I need to leave him because of itOur Sponsors:

What happens when the cognitive strengths you've relied upon your entire life suddenly stop working?In this episode, Sam Galloway (she/her) explores the neurological impact of menopause on the autistic brain. Through personal examples of memory loss, executive dysfunction, shutdowns, meltdowns, speech difficulties and skill regression, she examines how hormonal changes can amplify existing neurodivergent traits and create challenges that extend far beyond typical descriptions of brain fog.Sam discusses autistic burnout, involuntary unmasking, sensory overwhelm, loss of independence, and the fear that accompanies sudden changes in cognition and identity. She also shares some of the strategies, accommodations and treatments that have helped her navigate this difficult period.For many listeners, this episode may provide language for experiences that have previously felt impossible to explain.Content Warning: This episode includes frank discussion of mental health crisis and suicidal thoughts, alongside experiences of autistic burnout, medical care, and menopause. Please take care while listening and skip any sections that may be difficult for you.Resources mentioned or relevant:

Most creators chase downloads and still wonder why the money stays out of reach. April Ratchford started Adulting with Autism after she could not find a single podcast to help her autistic son through life after high school. Within a year it passed 2.7 million downloads and reached the top 2% of shows worldwide.In this episode of Podcasting Secrets with host Nathan Gwilliam, April reveals how she grew that fast by paying for reach and learning to vet who she paid, why booking one credible guest opened the door to the next, the niche lesson most new hosts get wrong, and the plan to turn a large, loyal audience into a real business.Want to build a show people seek out? Start with a clear niche, keep a pace you can hold, and treat your audience as the foundation for products worth paying for. Subscribe and follow Podcasting Secrets on Apple, Spotify and YouTube for weekly strategies from creators building shows that grow and last.Follow, Like & Subscribe:Podcasting Secrets: Website: https://podcastingsecrets.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcasting-secrets Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastingsecrets/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/poduppodcasting/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcasting-secrets/id1726056241 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0edA45tyPxFRfiUmDxYSUjNathan Gwilliam: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathangwilliam/April Ratchford: Website: https://adultingwithautism.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1x1PVtvXZ9vVZnqqahiaTw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adulting_autism/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adulting-with-autism/id1726252789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3x5XAhD6vUr9vyxwo7PUrn

In this episode, I sit down with award-winning psychiatrist Dr Asif Bachlani to explore what it really feels like to live with both ADHD and autism. We uncover 5 hidden signs of masking AuDHD, the contradictions that can make life feel exhausting, the loneliness of feeling different, and the emotional impact of receiving a diagnosis later in life. Dr Asif also shares the assessment he'll never forget, and the true cost of spending years hiding who you really are. Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 01:56 Why Dr Asif Bachlani Dedicated His Life to ADHD & Autism 04:22 The Patient Who Changed Everything for Dr Asif 07:02 What Neurodivergent People Can Teach Us About Being Human 08:39 The Sentence Dr Asif Hears After Almost Every Diagnosis 12:58 The Hidden Grief of a Late ADHD or Autism Diagnosis 16:47 The Contradictions of Living With AuDHD 21:04 What People With AuDHD Fear Being Judged For 24:52 Is Masking a Choice — or Does It Happen Automatically? 27:05 The AuDHD Assessment Dr Asif Will Never Forget 36:43 Why AuDHD Can Feel So Incredibly Lonely 41:21 Tiimo advert 43:05 Sign #1 You're Masking AuDHD 45:40 Sign #2 You're Masking AuDHD 48:19 Sign #3 You're Masking AuDHD 50:25 Sign #4 You're Masking AuDHD 53:29 The True Cost of Never Unmasking 01:02:11 Sign #5 You're Masking AuDHD 01:02:54 Washing Machine of Woes: Your Questions Answered 01:05:24 A Letter to My Younger Self Get 30% off an annual Tiimo subscription

Welcome to another edition of This Week in Autistic Culture, our Sunday magazine podcast that brings together the stories, conversations and ideas shaping Autistic culture each week.Content note: This episode contains discussion of suicide, suicidal ideation and public harassment.This week, Angela and Simon reflect on the death of Professor Jason Arday and the pressures that can come with being a highly visible Autistic person. They discuss public scrutiny, the way successful Autistic people can be placed on impossible pedestals, and what happens when institutions fail to protect people during periods of intense vulnerability.They also turn to Robbie Williams following his recent comments about being Autistic, asking why autism is so often used to explain someone's struggles or differences, but rarely recognised as part of the creativity, innovation and perspective behind their success.Later, Angela takes us inside the 2026 Neurodiversity Index Report, including the striking gap between the number of employers who believe their workplaces are neuroinclusive and the neurodivergent employees who actually feel supported.As always, we'll also take you through everything happening across the Autistic Culture Podcast Network this week, with new episodes exploring writing, drinking and masking, Autistic menopause, autism therapy, PDA, Reddit and more.Plus, we head to the Community Notice Board for books, events and opportunities from across the wider Autistic community.

Listen to all my reddit storytime episodes in the background in this easy playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_wX8l9EBnOM303JyilY8TTSrLz2e2kRGThis is the Redditor podcast! Here you will find all of Redditor's best Reddit stories from his YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP dive into the fascinating world of musician, producer, historian, and DJ Questlove (Amir Khalib Thompson)—who briefly revealed his childhood autism diagnosis in his 2013 memoir.

I now have a tight deadline to hunt to rare colour variant creatures, to avoid enduring physically painful uncertainty about a decade long collection quest. That said, I double checked the numbers. Only 29 to go...

Could One Page Change Your Child's School Year? A Free Tool to Help the Adults in Their World Truly Understand Them If you're the parent of an autistic or ADHD child, you know how exhausting it can be to explain your child to every new teacher, therapist, physician, coach, tutor, or camp counselor. You hope they'll understand your child's strengths, communication style, sensory needs, executive functioning challenges, and what helps them thrive—but those conversations don't always happen the way you'd hoped. In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I'm introducing a brand-new FREE resource designed to make those conversations easier. The Get to Know My Child Snapshot is a one-page, fillable tool that helps the adults in your child's world understand who they are before assumptions, misunderstandings, or unnecessary struggles begin. Whether your child is autistic, ADHD, or both, this practical resource can help create stronger relationships, reduce anxiety, and support better outcomes at school, in therapy, at medical appointments, during extracurricular activities, and beyond. As a psychologist who has spent nearly three decades supporting neurodivergent children, teens, and their families, I've seen firsthand how understanding changes everything. When adults understand why a child communicates differently, struggles with executive functioning, experiences sensory overload, or responds in unexpected ways, they're far more likely to respond with compassion, support, and effective accommodations instead of frustration or correction. In this episode, you'll learn: Why autistic and ADHD children often begin the school day already feeling anxious or overwhelmed. How misunderstandings can increase anxiety, self-esteem challenges, and school avoidance. Why communication differences are often mistaken for defiance, disrespect, or lack of motivation. How sensory differences and executive functioning challenges affect learning, participation, and emotional regulation. Why understanding a child's strengths is just as important as understanding their challenges. How therapists can use the Get to Know My Child Snapshot to support self-awareness, self-advocacy, and collaboration with families. How one simple tool can help teachers, therapists, physicians, coaches, tutors, camp counselors, and other caregivers better support autistic and ADHD children. What's Included in the FREE Get to Know My Child Snapshot? Your download includes: Three one-page fillable PDF formats. Completed examples to make completing the Snapshot simple. Sections for strengths and interests. Communication preferences. Executive functioning. Sensory needs. Emotional regulation. Social interaction. Helpful supports and accommodations. Behavior as communication. It takes about five minutes to complete and can be updated as your child grows and their needs change. This Episode Is Perfect For: Parents of autistic and ADHD children and teens. Mental health therapists, psychologists, counselors, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. Teachers, school counselors, and other educators. Pediatricians and medical professionals. Coaches, tutors, camp counselors, caregivers, and anyone who supports neurodivergent children. Download Your FREE Get to Know My Child Snapshot Parents Click Here If you're getting ready for a new school year, beginning therapy, meeting a new physician, starting a new activity, or simply want the important adults in your child's life to better understand them, download your FREE Get to Know My Child Snapshot today. Therapists, are you ready for real, neurodiversity-affirming continuing education trainings? If you thought, "YESS!" CLICK HERE. About The Autism ADHD Podcast The Autism ADHD Podcast provides neurodiversity-affirming information for parents, therapists, educators, and other professionals supporting autistic and ADHD children and teens. Each episode combines practical strategies, current research, and lived experience to help adults better understand neurodivergent children while supporting their mental health, emotional well-being, relationships, and long-term success. If This Episode Helped You... Please follow The Autism ADHD Podcast, leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and share this episode with another parent, therapist, educator, physician, or coach. Every review and share helps more families discover neurodiversity-affirming support and resources. And if you know someone who's preparing for a new school year, starting therapy, or meeting new providers, please send them this episode—and don't forget to download your FREE Get to Know My Child Snapshot.

Rethinking Autism Therapy is a four-part mini-series for parents, caregivers, professionals, and Autistic individuals who want to learn about DIRFloortime®, a strength-based, developmental, relationship-driven approach to growth and connection.What does DIRFloortime® actually feel like from the perspective of an autistic person?In this second episode of Rethinking Autism Therapy, Daria Brown is joined by autistic musician Cheyenne Erikson to explore what it was like growing up with situational mutism, anxiety, and an undiagnosed autistic neurotype, and how a relationship-based, developmental approach helped her feel understood and supported. Cheyenne shares her personal journey from an early diagnosis of situational mutism to discovering her autistic identity as a young adult. Together, she and Daria discuss how DIRFloortime's emphasis on relationships, individual differences, play, and emotional connection contrasts with more directive or compliance-based approaches. Through stories from childhood, teaching, parenting, and clinical practice, they illustrate how following a child's lead, presuming competence, and supporting regulation can foster authentic communication and growth. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the world through a neurodivergent lens, recognizing the many ways children communicate, and creating safe opportunities for exploration, play, and emotional expression. Listeners will gain insight into how DIRFloortime® supports not only autistic children, but meaningful relationships across the lifespan. Learn more:Cheyenne Erikson's website: https://www.cheyennepaige.comCheyenne's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheyennepaigemusic/Situational Mutism: https://reframingautism.org.au/all-about-situational-mutism-a-guide-for-allies/Cheyenne's SLP mother's Situational Mutism cards: https://www.bjoremspeech.com/products/dir%C2%AE-sm-a-developmental-approach-to-selective-mutism-interventionDaria Brown: ⁠https://affectautism.com⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/affectautism⁠X: ⁠https://x.com/affectautism⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/affectautismDaria is the author of "⁠We Chose Play: Raising an Autistic Child to Thrive and Feel Understood⁠"

Today I'm talking with James Guttman, author of Hi World, I'm Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation. James is the father of a nonspeaking autistic son and a neurotypical daughter, and through his writing and podcast he shares an honest, deeply personal perspective on fatherhood, autism, and the journey toward acceptance. One of the reasons I wanted to have James on the show is because we so rarely hear fathers' voices in conversations about raising neurodivergent kids. Like all of us, James's understanding has evolved over time, and I appreciated the opportunity to talk with him about that evolution, what he's learned from his children, and why acceptance has become such a central part of his story. In our conversation, we talk about fatherhood, acceptance, community, and the unexpected ways our neurodivergent kids can change us for the better. About James Guttman  James Guttman is the author of Hi World, I'm Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation. As a father to a nonverbal son and a neurotypical daughter, he shares a message rooted in autism appreciation and the belief that our kids' differences hold their own beauty. His writing reached national attention when his HuffPost Personal essay drew more than 750,000 readers in a single day and became one of the most-clicked stories on Apple News. Through his long-running blog, Hi Blog! I'm Dad, James tells honest, heartfelt stories about parenting, connection, and the shared humanity between his children. James is also the author of the Amazon-bestselling Expectant Father's Activity Book, and his work has been featured by Love What Matters, The Mighty, the Organization for Autism Research, Yahoo Lifestyle, and more. A survivor of a quintuple bypass at 35 and host of the Hi Pod! I'm Dad podcast, James brings humor, vulnerability, and perspective to conversations about parenting, mental health, and raising kids in a world that doesn't always understand them. Things you'll learn from this episode  How James's journey raising neurodivergent children reshaped his understanding of parenting, autism, and himself How surviving a heart attack transformed James's perspective on fatherhood, presence, and what truly matters Why fathers need more inclusive spaces, community, and support as they navigate parenting neurodivergent kids How authenticity, vulnerability, and redefining masculinity can strengthen relationships with children and challenge outdated assumptions How James's evolving relationship with his children, and his son's example, helped him become a more authentic version of himself Resources mentioned  James Guttman's blog, Hi Blog, I'm Dad Hi World, I'm Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation by James Guttman James Guttman on Facebook James on TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The opening episode of Autistic Menopause introduces the concept of autistic menopause. It explores why so many neurodivergent people may struggle to recognise the transition until they are already in crisis.In this episode, Sam Galloway (she/her) shares the profoundly personal story of how perimenopause slowly dismantled the coping strategies she had relied upon her entire life.From unexplained anxiety, insomnia, rage and cognitive changes to late diagnoses of autism and ADHD, Sam traces the path that eventually led her to understand what was really happening. She reflects on hormonal sensitivity throughout her life, the challenges of parenting while neurodivergent, and how recognising her autism ultimately helped her make sense of an experience that nearly broke her.Content Warning: This episode includes frank discussion of mental health crisis and suicidal thoughts, alongside experiences of autistic burnout, medical care, and menopause. Please take care while listening and skip any sections that may be difficult for you.Resources mentioned or relevant:

When does investing in your growth stop serving you — and start draining your finances?In this coaching conversation, Linzy sits down with Money Skills for Therapists graduate Katie Grant to explore how the constant drive to become a "better" therapist has turned professional development into a financial leak in their business.Together, they uncover the deeper story behind Katie's need to accumulate education and chase achievement, and they find a grounded path forward — one that supports Katie's continued learning and financial wellbeing.If you're a high achiever, perfectionist, or therapist who always feels like you should know more, this episode is for you.Timestamps:04:25 - How Profit First Made the Debt Visible09:45 - Professional Development as a Financial Leak13:15 - The Childhood Roots of Needing to Be the Best17:47 - When Achieving Becomes the Downfall24:41 - The 12-Year-Old with the Checkbook26:58 - Bringing an Adult Money Part into Purchase Decisions28:01 - Turning Caregiving Energy Toward Herself30:51 - A Separate Profit First Account for Professional Development38:26 - Running the Numbers Before Making a Drastic MoveRelated episode: Episode 155FF - Making Better Decisions About Professional DevelopmentWant to feel more calm and confident about your money? Join one of Linzy's online workshops for private practice owners to shift your money mindset, transform your relationship with money, and gain practical tools and strategies to manage your business finances with greater clarity and ease. Explore upcoming workshops and sign up to save your spot or register to receive the replay.You can also join the private WhatsApp community to connect with other therapists, health practitioners, and listeners of Money Skills for Therapists: The Podcast. Submit your request to join the community today.If you want dedicated coaching and support with your solo practice finances, join the Money Skills for Therapists waitlist to hear when enrollment opens.Meet Katie Grant:Katie Grant, MS, LCPC, LMHC, LPC, is a queer and neurodivergent trauma therapist with 20 years of experience and postgraduate training, with concentrations in EMDR Therapy, complex trauma, and dissociation. Katie is an EMDRIA Approved EMDR Therapist and Approved Consultant. She is passionate about providing affirming therapy to LGBTQIAP+ and neurodivergent clients, including those who are Autistic or ADH.Katie was diagnosed with ADHD at age 37, when she was also thrilled to find that she no longer qualified for a PTSD diagnosis. Early in their career, Katie realized that she would not function optimally in agency settings that normalized overscheduling and underserving. She opened a solo private practice in 2013 and currently operates out of Davenport, Iowa.Katie is licensed as a counselor in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. They believe the very best therapists are those who also attend therapy and continually work on improving their own awareness and wellbeing.Connect with Katie:Counseling websiteFacebookInstagramJust Another Fucking Growth OpportunityJAFGO InstagramAbout Linzy Bonham:Linzy Bonham is a therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm, confident, and in control of their finances through her podcast, free workshops, and comprehensive programs: Money Skills for Therapists and Money Skills for Group Practice Owners. You can learn more about Linzy here.Connect with Linzy:LinkedInInstagramFacebook

I still remember what it felt like to walk into a therapy session and have no idea how to move forward.Early in my career, I was working with autistic learners with complex communication and behavioral needs, and I quickly realized graduate school had not prepared me for everything I was seeing. I wanted to help, but I didn't always have practical strategies I could use when a learner struggled to attend, engage, or communicate. That experience sent me searching for better answers and ultimately shaped the way I practice today.More than 20 years later, I want clinicians to have something I desperately needed back then: support, practical education, and a community that helps you feel confident about what to do next.That's why I created the ABA Speech Connection. It brings speech therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs together to learn evidence-based strategies, earn CEUs, collaborate, and immediately apply what they're learning with autistic students. From AAC and functional communication to clinical roundtables and live learning, everything is designed to make professional development practical and useful.You don't have to spend hours searching for your next CEU or wonder whether you're doing enough. You can have a place to learn, ask questions, and keep growing alongside professionals who care about helping every student communicate with the world.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Why my early clinical experiences shaped the ABA Speech ConnectionHow ongoing education can build confidence and strengthen clinical practicePractical learning around AAC, communication, and evidence-based interventionHow the Connection supports individuals and professional teamsMentioned In This Episode:Say It With Me by Rose GriffinAAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAsEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

Dr Martin Brunet has 25 years experience as a NHS GP. He has a special interest in Autism and ADHD and is the author of the best selling book entitled ‘Make Your Worry Make Sense'. In this episode, Dr Martin Brunet explores the hidden reality of autistic masking, why it starts, what it feels like, and the long-term impact it can have on identity, relationships and wellbeing. We discuss the subtle signs of masking, why so many autistic people go undiagnosed, and what it can look like to safely rediscover who you are beneath the mask. Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 01:08 What Masking Actually Feels Like 06:32 How Early Does Masking Start? 07:48 What Teaches a Child to Start Masking? 09:26 Can One Cruel Comment Change You for Decades? 11:22 What Are Autistic People Protecting Themselves From? 14:03 Is Masking a Choice — or Completely Automatic? 16:29 The Autistic Mirror 19:54 When Masking Becomes a Survival Mechanism 21:43 The Subtle Signs Someone Is Masking 24:38 Inside the Mind of an Autistic Person Who's Masking 26:19 The Aeroplane Analogy That Explains Masking 28:57 What Years of Masking Does to a Person 31:08 Tiimo 32:38 The Biggest Cost of Masking: Losing Who You Are 34:39 Why Masking Can Make Autistic People So Lonely 36:18 Why So Many Autistic Women Are Missed 38:58 Can You Look Successful While Falling Apart Privately? 41:21 Code-Switching: What It Is and Why Autistic People Do It 43:39 Why an Autism Diagnosis Can Be So Emotional 46:24 How Do You Find Yourself After Years of Masking? 49:05 Why Unmasking Isn't Right for Everyone 52:42 How to Start Unmasking Safely 54:30 The “Washing Machine of Woes” 59:16 What I'd Tell My Younger Autistic Self Visit Dr Brunet's website

Welcome to another edition of This Week in Autistic Culture, our Sunday magazine podcast that brings together the stories, conversations and ideas shaping Autistic culture each week.This week, Angela and Simon unpack the ongoing conversation around autism and overdiagnosis following recent comments from Uta Frith, asking why outdated ideas about autism can remain so powerful even when they conflict with the lived experiences of Autistic people.That leads to a much bigger conversation about who gets to define autism, why greater recognition can be treated as a threat, and the role representation can play in changing how Autistic people are understood.We also introduce Autistic Menopause, a brand-new ACPN podcast from Sam Galloway, before looking ahead to another packed week across the network, with conversations about musical theatre, fibromyalgia, situational mutism, resilience, safe foods, creativity and much more.Plus, we head to the Community Notice Board for books, events and opportunities from across the wider Autistic community.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, hosts Matt Lowry, LPP and Dr. Angela Kingdon explore Eminem's potential place in Autistic culture—sparked by a viral meme suggesting the rapper is Autistic.

Good mother with anger? Best friend’s baby name. Extra shrimp? 30+ bar. TV anchor mom sleeps. Kaiser misdiagnosis. OnlyFans model “guilty.” Dine-and-dash. SUV shot up.