Podcast appearances and mentions of Clayton Oliver

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:

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.

What can Ferris Bueller teach us about letting go of the plan and actually enjoying the moment we're in?In the first episode of The Still Growing Up Film Club, Cece Fanning revisits the 1986 coming-of-age classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off and the lessons hidden inside one unforgettable day of playing hooky.Through Ferris, Cameron and Sloane's adventure across Chicago, Cece explores spontaneity, friendship, anxiety, masking and the pressure we can put on ourselves to make everything go according to plan. From Ferris's determination to make the day count to Cameron learning to confront his fear, the film offers a reminder that growing up sometimes means taking a chance, finding your people and accepting that life can still be meaningful when it goes off script.For a neurodivergent brain that loves schedules and certainty, perhaps Ferris has something particularly useful to teach us: leave a little room for the unexpected.Follow Cece:

We please. We rescue. We perform. We hold everything together - until sometimes we disappear or reach for escape.But what if these familiar responses are not fixed identities? What if they are intelligent adaptations: ways we learned to secure safety, belonging, continuity or relief?Following last week's introduction to From Mask to Map, Ashley explores the Nine Adaptation Patterns at the heart of this developing body of work: the Pleaser, Rescuer, Performer, Chameleon, Strong One, Perfectionist, Controller, Vanisher and Escaper.Moving through the different ways we reach towards belonging, attempt to hold ourselves and the world together, or create distance from overwhelming intensity, Ashley considers the protective purpose, genuine strengths and present-day costs carried within each pattern.These are not diagnoses, personality types or nine new boxes in which to place ourselves. With careful attention to Neurodivergent Nuance, Ashley explores why the behaviour alone cannot reveal the whole pattern. Structure may be an essential accommodation rather than control. Solitude may be restoration rather than disappearance. Social fluency may be joyful expression rather than compulsory performance. What matters is the job the behaviour is performing, the freedom we have around it and the price we may now be paying.Ashley also returns to the work of Jungian analyst Dr James Hollis and his question of what, beyond survival, may be seeking expression through us as meaning and purpose.Through recollection, Shakespeare's “ravelled sleave of care” and the image of the Weaver, the episode becomes an invitation to gather every thread of our experience without mistaking any single pattern for the whole design.The episode closes with a brief guided practice, The Weaver and the Thread.The complete guided exploration of the Nine Adaptation Patterns - including discovering your own configuration and mapping the way forward - will be exclusive to the founding From Mask to Map group coaching and hypnotherapy cohort beginning on 15 September. The programme is fully online, limited to ten people and available worldwide, with replays provided for those unable to attend live.Spaces are still available. Visit integrativeiom.co.uk/from-mask-to-map for full details.Our Sponsors:

Dr Lillian Hearn joins Hannah Brockway for a fascinating introduction to the world of microtonal music, exploring the sounds, scales and tuning systems that exist beyond the notes most of us hear every day.Together they discuss how microtonal music is written and performed, why musicians are drawn to these alternative ways of thinking about sound, and the surprising connections between music, mathematics and synaesthesia. They also explore why so many neurodivergent people are part of the microtonal community, making this an episode about curiosity and creativity as much as music itself.Find out more:

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:

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:

In this episode of Two Mics, No Masking, Katie Scott and Jenna Goldstein are joined by Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman, founder of the PDA Safe Circle, to explore what happens when we stop trying to fit ourselves into systems that were never designed for us.Together they discuss nervous system literacy, questioning the default blueprints we've inherited, and what it means to build a life that is sustainable, authentic, and aligned with who we are. Rather than asking how we can adapt to existing expectations, Katie, Jenna, and Shoshana explore how we can create lives that genuinely work for us.

Sometimes the stories families tell about what is "normal" look very different after a diagnosis.Chelsey Flood is joined by her mum, Caroline Dale, for a conversation about family, misunderstanding, drinking, and late diagnosis. Together they reflect on the assumptions families make, the experiences that go unnoticed, and how understanding neurodivergence can change the way we view the past.In this episode:Family relationships and understandingDrinking culture and expectationsLate diagnosisLooking back with new perspectiveNeurodivergence within familiesContent Note: This episode includes discussion of family relationships, alcohol use, and late diagnosis.

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:

In this episode, Ashley explores the ideas that gave rise to From Mask to Map: her developing body of work, book and coaching cohort for late-discovered neurodivergent adults.Drawing on Dr Andrew Huberman's conversation with Jungian analyst Dr James Hollis, she considers meaning, purpose and the deeper intelligence within us that may be continually trying to bring us back into relationship with ourselves. She also returns to the question of State or Trait? - and asks what changes when we stop assuming that every familiar response reveals something fixed about who we are.Ashley revisits the Transactional Analysis Drivers, a framework that remains immensely valuable within her work, while explaining why something more was needed to reflect the Neurodivergent Nuance of lived experience. Through six years of research, client work and personal exploration, the Nine Adaptation Patterns began to emerge - not as diagnoses, labels or another set of boxes, but as a compassionate way of recognising the protective roles we may have mistaken for identity.This episode introduces the patterns and tells the story of how they came into being. Next week, we will meet all nine more fully.The episode closes with a short guided practice, The Part That Learned the Way - an invitation to approach one of your adaptations with curiosity rather than judgement, honour the intelligence within it and begin reading the survival directions written for earlier terrain.Ashley's eight-week From Mask to Map group coaching programme begins on 15 September 2026 and is limited to ten people. Find out more at integrativeiom.co.uk.Our Sponsors:

What can coming-of-age movies teach us about growing up - even when we're already adults?In this trailer, discover The Still Growing Up Film Club, a podcast exploring the lessons hidden within coming-of-age films and what their characters, choices and experiences can teach us about our own lives.With a special appreciation for the late-diagnosed autistic community and all who love them, each episode takes the form of a stand-alone essay focused on a different film, exploring identity, relationships, belonging, personal growth and what it really means to grow up.Follow Cece:

Content warning: This episode contains discussions of eating disorders and recovery.Author and eating disorder recovery coach Livia Sara joins Hannah Brockway to explore her passion for writing and the role it has played throughout her life. From discovering her voice to publishing books and helping others through storytelling, Livia reflects on the creative process and the power of sharing lived experience.Along the way, the conversation explores the intersection of autism and eating disorders, Livia's own recovery journey, and why neurodivergent people often need different approaches to treatment and support. Together, Hannah and Livia discuss how writing can become a tool for self-understanding, connection and hope.Find Livia Sara:

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.

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.

In this week's Reddit Stories episode, Jordan and Simon discuss four neurodivergent dilemmas shared by the online community.They begin with a mother who admits she hates her eight-year-old son with ADHD and ODD, sparking a conversation about parenting, challenging behaviour, boundaries, meltdowns, and the impact of growing up feeling like you're always doing something wrong.They then unpack a post describing ADHD as a "living fucking nightmare", exploring the disabling reality of ADHD, depression, addiction, medication, and whether portraying neurodivergence as quirky or desirable risks minimising the people who genuinely struggle with it.Next, a holidaymaker becomes uncomfortable with a disabled child's behaviour and hygiene at an all-inclusive hotel. Jordan and Simon discuss disability, parenting, accommodations, personal boundaries, and the difference between explaining someone's behaviour and excusing it.Finally, an autistic woman's carefully planned day at a Disney theme park falls apart, resulting in a meltdown and her friend leaving her behind. They explore autistic planning, sensory overload, friendship, personal responsibility, and whether someone should ever be left alone during a meltdown.*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.• I hate my ADHD son.• ADHD is a living fucking nightmare and most people think it's only a silly mental disorder for kids• AITAH - kid with special needs keeps bothering me. I've spoken to the mum and she won't do anything about it.• AITAH for Leaving my Autistic Friend at Disney during a Meltdown?Our Sponsors:

In this episode of Autism Help, Heather McKay is joined by PhD researcher Helen Johnston to explore the relationship between autism and fibromyalgia, a condition that affects many autistic people but remains under-recognised.Together, they discuss what fibromyalgia is, how it develops, the challenges of diagnosis, and the latest research into the condition. The conversation offers valuable insight into an area of health that deserves greater awareness within the autistic community.Helen Johnston welcomes enquiries about her research and can be contacted at Helen.johnston-4@postgrad.plymouth.ac.uk.DisclaimerAutism Help is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. The views expressed are based on the host's knowledge and lived experience. If you have questions about your health, treatment, or legal circumstances, please seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.

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:

In this episode of Two Mics, No Masking, Katie Scott and Jenna Goldstein question the way resilience is often celebrated, asking whether what's praised as adaptability is sometimes simply chronic self-abandonment.Together they explore the hidden cost of constantly overriding your own needs, how burnout can become normalised, and why enduring difficult circumstances isn't the same as thriving. Through personal reflection and honest conversation, Katie and Jenna discuss what it means to move away from survival mode and towards a life built on regulation, self-awareness, and genuine wellbeing.

In this episode, Helen and Elizabeth explore the bittersweet subject of endings. Whether it's the final episode of a favourite TV show, the end of a relationship, or deciding whether to continue a project that no longer brings you joy, letting go can be difficult.Together they discuss why endings can feel so challenging, how periods of transition can create opportunities for growth, and the importance of embracing change as part of the creative process. Through personal reflections and creative examples, they explore how one chapter ending can become the beginning of another.In this episode:Understanding the sunk cost fallacyNavigating change with Bridges' Transitional ModelCreative becoming through life's transitionsHow artists and collaborators approached endingsCollecting, curiosity, and autistic cultureFinal reflections, lessons, and creative tipsResources and LinksHelen's graphic diary archive: https://arted.online/blog/diaries/Graphic diary template: https://arted.online/toolbox/resource-diary-template/The 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture: https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/p/the-10-pillars-revisited-episodeBridges' Transitional Model overview: https://www.changequest.co.uk/resources/bridges-transition-model/Understanding the sunk cost fallacy: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_the_sunk_cost_fallacy_can_drive_bad_decisionsContact: creativebecomingpod@gmail.comSupportIf you are experiencing distress, please contact your GP or a relevant support service in your area.DisclaimerCreative Becoming is connected to Helen Shaddock's practice-based PhD, "Welcome to My Messy World": A practice-based, messy auto-ethnographic artistic exploration into multimedia storytelling as an integral method towards creative becoming.

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:

The Phantom, Dossy, and Five Names are back in the Lair to discuss a massive week of AFL news that extended far beyond our SuperCoach teams. However, with SuperCoach Grand Final week approaching and the $50,000 major prize on the line, we do our best to look ahead at what we know so far on the injury front, potential trades (for those with one left), and all the Wildcard related resting implications. Plus, The Phantom’s Top Targets, Five Names reveals his final POD of the season, Dossy breaks some news, and our best and worst trades of the season! Latest SuperCoach news and trade advice: linktr.ee/supercoachafl Watch on the CODE Sports YouTube channel! Drop your Lare Mare voicemail via SpeakPipe. SuperCoach Plus: supercoach.com.au/sc-plus CHAPTERS:Round recap (00:00)Heroes and Villains (04:45)Bum of the Week/Year (06:30)SC Finals League (08:30)2027 DPP preview (10:00)Rankings: race to $50k! (11:45)SC Cup GF preview (14:00)Trades remaining (16:15)News and Notes (17:30)Mass resting? (21:00)The Phantom’s Top Targets (27:10)Unique Names with Five Names (30:30)State League Saviours (32:00)Best/Worst trades this season (35:30) Hosts:The Phantom: @ThePhantomSC /X | @ThePhantomSC /IGDos: @HKDos /X | @dossySC /IGSimeon Thomas-Wilson: @Simeon_TW /X | @FiveNamesFantasy /IG Produced by Haydn Kenny. Recorded on Tuesday August 18, 2026. Follow SuperCoach AFL on Instagram. Follow SuperCoach AFL on TikTok. Follow SuperCoach AFL on X. Like SuperCoach AFL on Facebook. Subscribe on CODE Sports YouTube Channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seeing your life clearly doesn't mean seeing it harshly.In this episode of Mindful Mondays, we explore how mindset and reframing shape not just how we think - but how our nervous system experiences the world.Many neurodivergent and highly sensitive people live with a loud inner commentary. Thoughts can feel convincing, critical, and fixed - yet thoughts are not facts.Together, we explore:* Growth mindset through a neurodivergent lens* Why reframing supports nervous system safety (not toxic positivity)* How meaning - not circumstances - shapes our experience* Why challenges often deepen, rather than diminish, a meaningful lifeDrawing on wisdom from thinkers and creatives including William James, Hugh Mackay, Tina Turner, Joan Rivers, Kurt Vonnegut, and Michael Jordan, this episode invites a gentler, truer way of seeing yourself.You'll also be guided through a reflective visualisation - The Gallery of Your Life - offering a new relationship with past moments, old judgments, and the stories you live inside.This is not about fixing yourself.It's about learning to see yourself in a way that supports you.Our Sponsors:

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.

Tess joins Hannah Brockway to share her lifelong passion for musical theatre, from discovering it as a child to performing on stage and becoming part of a close-knit theatre community.Together they discuss favourite productions, the creativity behind costumes and performance, the friendships formed through theatre, and the hard work that goes into bringing a show to life. Tess also reflects on navigating rehearsals and performances as a neurodivergent performer, and why musical theatre continues to be such an important part of her life.Find Tess and her work:

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.

No Hot Topic Today!Hi everyone!Just a very quick update to let you know that unfortunately there won't be a Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience today. Sorry to anyone who was expecting one in their feed this morning.We'll be back with a new episode of The Neurodivergent Experience next Thursday, and I'll also have a little update for you about the show next week.Thanks, as always, for listening and supporting us, and we'll speak to you soon.

In the season finale of Under the Lights, Turrell Burgess counts down the greatest Super Bowl games he's ever watched. From unforgettable finishes and championship-defining performances to dramatic comebacks and iconic moments, these are the games that showcase why the Super Bowl remains one of the biggest spectacles in world sport.Choosing just ten wasn't easy, but every game on this countdown has earned its place through unforgettable drama, incredible performances, and lasting memories. Whether you're a lifelong NFL fan or discovering American football for the first time, Turrell revisits the moments that made these Super Bowls truly unforgettable.

In this week's Reddit Stories episode, Jordan and Simon discuss four neurodivergent dilemmas shared by the online community.They begin with a man who accuses his sister-in-law of lying after discovering the "Jeep" she promised him isn't technically a Jeep, sparking a conversation about autistic pedantry, the need to be correct, and why being technically right doesn't always mean you're in the right.They then unpack a story about an autistic man struggling with dating after his sister tells him that his behaviour towards women can come across as demeaning and sexist. Jordan and Simon discuss autism, honesty, accountability, parenting, and why neurodivergence shouldn't be used as an excuse to treat other people badly.Next, a husband wants his wife's autistic friend to stop visiting their home so often. They explore friendship, accommodations, autistic social differences, judgement, and why his wife's willingness to understand and support her friend might actually be the most heart warming part of the story.Finally, a brother hides a month's worth of ADHD medication as a prank—only to lose it. From medication stigma and family dynamics to revenge, responsibility and Reddit's more suspicious theories about where the missing pills went, Jordan and Simon ask: who's actually the arsehole?*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 Calling My Sister-in-Law a Liar?• AITA for Telling My Autistic Brother the Truth?• AITA for Asking My Wife to Stop Bringing Her Autistic Friend Over?• AITA for Not Giving My Brother a Ride to Work?Our Sponsors:

In this episode of Autism Help, Heather McKay explores why some autistic children with co-occurring disabilities face additional barriers to learning to read, and why traditional teaching approaches may not always meet their needs.Heather discusses the disabilities that commonly occur alongside autism, how they can affect literacy development, and practical ways to overcome some of the challenges they create. This episode offers insight for parents, carers, and educators looking to better support autistic children on their reading journey.DisclaimerAutism Help is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. The views expressed are based on the host's knowledge and lived experience. If you have questions about your health, treatment, or legal circumstances, please seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.

In this episode of Two Mics, No Masking, Katie Scott and Jenna Goldstein are joined by dual-certified general and special education educator Katie Deehan to explore what true inclusion really means—and why it often looks very different from the versions many of us have experienced.Together they challenge compliance-based approaches to inclusion and discuss how classrooms can move beyond expecting children to conform. Instead, they explore what becomes possible when education is built around dignity, accessibility, and a genuine sense of belonging for every student.

What is DIRFloortime® and why do so many families and practitioners find it transformative?In this first episode of Rethinking Autism Therapy, Daria Brown is joined by DIRFloortime® Expert Training Leader, licensed professional counsellor, and ADHD adult parent Mike Fields to explore the foundations of the DIR® Model and the practice of Floortime. Together, they unpack the developmental, individual-differences, and relationship-based principles that make DIRFloortime® unique, while challenging traditional compliance-based approaches to autism support.Listeners will learn how Dr. Stanley Greenspan's model grew from his observations of human development, why affect and relationships are central to learning and growth, and how curiosity about the "why" behind behaviour can help us better understand autistic and neurodivergent experiences. Daria and Mike discuss the Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs), the importance of co-regulation, intrinsic motivation, play, emotional connection, and how development unfolds differently for every individual.Whether you are a parent, practitioner, educator, autistic adult, or simply curious about developmental approaches, this conversation offers an accessible introduction to DIRFloortime® as more than a therapy—it is a way of understanding human development, relationships, communication, and growth across the lifespan.Learn more:

In this episode of Regulation Station, Becca Engle is joined by psychologist, speaker, author, and neurodiversity advocate Dr Matt Zakreski for a wide-ranging conversation about giftedness, ADHD, neurodivergence, education, and what true regulation actually looks like.Together, Becca and Dr Matt explore why so many neurodivergent people grow up feeling like "weird horses" before discovering they're actually zebras, how environments shape success more than most people realise, and why many of the systems designed to support neurodivergent people still miss the mark. From gifted education and twice-exceptionality to school accommodations, therapy, and burnout, this episode challenges assumptions about what support should look like. In this episode: What it means to be twice-exceptional (2e) Why giftedness is a form of neurodivergence The connection between justice, advocacy, and neurodivergent identity Common misconceptions about ADHD and neurodivergence What regulation really looks like beyond social media advice Why environment plays a critical role in wellbeing and success The limitations of traditional educational and therapeutic systems Universal design and creating neurodivergent-affirming environments Supporting gifted, disabled, and twice-exceptional learners The importance of self-compassion and understanding your own needs Guest:Dr Matt Zakreski is a clinical psychologist, professional speaker, author, podcaster, and leading advocate for gifted and neurodivergent individuals. His work focuses on helping neurodivergent people better understand themselves, develop practical strategies, and thrive in environments that often weren't designed with them in mind.

What happens when autism, ADHD, and menopause collide?In this trailer, discover Autistic Menopause a podcast exploring the realities of neurodivergent menopause through lived experience, emerging research, and honest conversation. Hosted by Sam Galloway, the series examines the cognitive changes, sensory overwhelm, burnout, and shifting support needs that can accompany this often-overlooked stage of life, while reminding listeners that they are not alone.Produced for the Autistic Culture Podcast Network.

Why can alcohol feel so useful for autistic and neurodivergent people?Chelsey Flood speaks with Associate Professor Dr Felicity Sedgewick about friendship, belonging, and the social challenges that can make alcohol feel helpful, necessary, or even protective. Together they explore loneliness, connection, and the pressures that shape social experiences for many neurodivergent people.In this episode:Friendship and belongingSocial challenges and connectionAlcohol as a social toolLoneliness and isolationNeurodivergent experiences of communityContent Note: This episode includes discussion of mental health and loneliness.

Inspired by the extraordinary way a young swallow drops from its nest into flight, Ashley explores what it means to meet the present moment before certainty arrives.Through a childhood trust fall that ended on the kitchen floor, her struggle to surrender to the flow of dancing, Ram Dass's invitation to Be Here Now and Alan Watts's unforgettable falling cat, this episode asks whether trust is really about knowing we will be caught - or remaining soft enough to respond when we don't yet know what will hold us.For neurodivergent minds accustomed to analysing the past, rehearsing the future and consciously predicting the next move, presence can feel far less peaceful than wellness culture often suggests. But perhaps presence is not the absence of uncertainty. Perhaps it is the moment uncertainty becomes usable.This week's Microdosing Meaning practice invites you to walk in on yourself worrying, ruminating or simply wandering through the ongoing stream of thought - and then walk in on the moment itself. What might become available when you meet it through awe, curiosity and play?The episode closes with a gentle Yoga Nidra for cultivating trust: a loving homage to one of Ashley's favourite Yoga Nidra teachers, Ally Boothroyd. Settle into the support beneath you, follow the swallow into open air and take a trust fall into the medicine of presence itself.Ashley's eight-week From Mask to Map group coaching programme begins on 15 September 2026 and is limited to ten people. Find out more at integrativeiom.co.uk.Our Sponsors:

In the final episode of this series of Theatrically Authentic, Sarah Atherton-Knight and Simon Scott explore one of the most emotionally complex parts of working in theatre as a neurodivergent person: closing night.Together, they unpack why ending a show can feel less like simple nostalgia and more like genuine grief — especially for neurodivergent theatre makers whose routines, relationships, identities, and nervous systems often become deeply intertwined with a production.Part love letter to theatre and part conversation about grief, identity, and transition, this episode closes the series with a reminder that once theatre becomes part of you, it never really leaves.

Welcome to another edition of This Week in Autistic Culture, our Sunday magazine that brings together the stories, conversations, and ideas shaping Autistic culture each week.This week begins with a conversation that many autistic people will recognise. As summer temperatures continue to climb, Simon and Angela reflect on the hidden social cost of sensory overwhelm, the impossible balance between accommodating yourself and meeting other people's expectations, and why something as simple as leaving a family barbecue can carry so much guilt. They also explore new research on how Autistic people process faces, leading to a fascinating discussion about everything from face blindness to super-recognisers.Across the Autistic Culture Podcast Network, another packed week follows those themes of understanding and acceptance. We celebrate Autistic special interests through the latest episode of Info Dump, explore the emotional reality of closing night in theatre, launch an important new series examining alternatives to ABA, and hear conversations about alcohol and masking, inclusive education, reading, regulation, American football, and much more.Whether you're discovering a new favourite podcast, catching up with the Autistic community, or simply spending your Sunday immersed in Autistic Culture, we're delighted you've joined us.This Week's TopicsThe Social Tax of AutismNew Research Reveals Autistic Brains Process Faces DifferentlyBooks & researchAutistically Me: How to understand and celebrate our unique minds by Bradley RichesEventsAutistic Mental Health Conference - NeuroHub Community Ltd - Friday, August 14th to Sunday 16th - From £50Across three inspiring days, the NeuroHub Mental Health Conference explores the theme “Ecosystemic Causes of Mental Health Issues”—examining how environments, systems, and societal structures shape neurodivergent wellbeing.Creator updatesAutistic Lives, Unmasked is an interview series that looks at what it means to live as an autistic person once the “dust” of diagnosis settles. This month is Devon Price Hosted by Motherness author, Julie M Green, each monthly installment features an in-depth conversation with a prominent autistic voice, including Devon Price, Eliza Fricker, Eric Garcia, Megan Anna Neff, Lyric Rivera (NeuroDivergent Rebel), and others. Subscribe to The Autistic Mom Substack.

Kelly joins Hannah Brockway to share three of her biggest passions: Star Wars, LEGO and cosplay, exploring how each has become an important part of her life and identity.Together they discuss favourite characters, collecting and building LEGO sets, creating cosplay costumes, and the welcoming communities that can grow around shared interests. Along the way, Kelly reflects on creativity, belonging, and the joy of finding people who understand why the things you love matter so much.Follow Kelly:

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP explore why Pokémon resonates so deeply with the Autistic community.

In this episode of Under the Lights, Turrell Burgess counts down the greatest World Series games he's ever watched. Growing up in a baseball-loving family, these are the unforgettable nights that defined October baseball—from dramatic comebacks and extra-inning thrillers to legendary performances on the sport's biggest stage.Choosing the best World Series games is no easy task, and narrowing the list down was tougher than ever. Turrell revisits the moments that made baseball history, explains why they still stand out today, and reveals the games that earned a place in his personal top 10.⚾ Subscribe now to hear future episodes.

Could Long COVID be making ADHD symptoms worse? In this Hot Topic, Jordan and Simon explore emerging research into the link between Long COVID, brain fog and ADHD medication. As they discuss the science, Jordan begins connecting it to his own experiences with burnout, chronic pain and executive dysfunction after the pandemic.A fascinating conversation about an area of research that's raising more questions than answers.Our Sponsors:

In this week's Reddit Stories episode, Jordan and Simon discuss three thought-provoking neurodivergent dilemmas shared by the online community.They begin with a discussion around whether it's wrong to hope your future children aren't neurodivergent, exploring disability, parenting, acceptance, and whether it's society—not neurodivergence itself—that creates many of the challenges autistic and ADHD people face. They then unpack a story about a young man who refuses to eat in front of other people, leading to a wider conversation about ARFID, sensory differences, eating disorders, and why curiosity is often more helpful than judgement. Finally, they discuss a chaotic birthday party where an autistic guest delivers a 45-minute presentation about Five Nights at Freddy's, exploring masking, alcohol, family dynamics, special interests, and the importance of understanding behaviour before jumping to conclusions.*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.• I Don't Want My Kids to Be Neurodivergent• AITA for Asking My Daughter's Boyfriend to Stop Having Dinner With Us?• AITA for Walking Out of an Autistic Man's 45-Minute Five Nights at Freddy's Presentation?Our Sponsors:

In this episode of Autism Help, Heather McKay explores the often-overlooked connection between autism and incontinence, and the challenges many autistic people face in accessing understanding and appropriate support.Heather discusses the discrimination experienced by autistic people with co-occurring incontinence, why these difficulties can occur, and what individuals, families, and carers can do to better support those affected. This episode shines a light on a topic that is rarely talked about but has a significant impact on quality of life.Content NoteThis episode includes discussion of incontinence, toileting, and discrimination experienced by autistic people.DisclaimerAutism Help is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. The views expressed are based on the host's knowledge and lived experience. If you have questions about your health, treatment, or legal circumstances, please seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.

What if autism therapy started with connection instead of compliance?Welcome to Rethinking Autism Therapy, a new four-part mini-series exploring DIRFloortime®, a developmental, relationship-based approach that supports autistic people through connection, play, and understanding.Hosted by Daria Brown, this series brings together autistic people, parents, caregivers, and professionals to explore what DIRFloortime® is, how it works in practice, and why many families and practitioners are choosing a different approach to autism support.Produced for the Autistic Culture Podcast Network.Daria Brown: affectautism.comInstagram: @affectautismX: @affectautismFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/affectautismThe "We Chose Play" podcast from Affect Autism:On Apple Podcasts & On SpotifyDaria is the author of We Chose Play: Raising an Autistic Child to Thrive and Feel Understood

In this episode of Two Mics, No Masking, Katie Scott and Jenna Goldstein are joined by Megara Bell, Director of Partners in Sex Education, to explore the intersection of queerness and neurodivergence, and what happens when the labels we're given don't reflect who we really are.Together they discuss identity, belonging, and the ways schools and society often reinforce narrow ideas of what is "normal." Through an honest conversation about authenticity, acceptance, and self-discovery, they ask what it takes to create spaces where people no longer have to shrink themselves to belong.

In this episode, Vicki sits down with Marissa Mosunich — neuro complex career coach, founder of Operate Well Consulting and Brave Zebra Work Coaching, and someone who is living the same questions on a slightly different timeline.Marissa was diagnosed AuDHD at 34, just last year. She's taken her background in organizational management and her own lived experience and built a coaching practice that helps neurocomplex people navigate career pivots, workplace challenges, and the slow, practical work of building a professional life that actually fits.They talk about why high-achieving women are so chronically late-diagnosed, what high masking costs over a lifetime, and what it looks like to start recognizing your own needs after decades of performing competence. Marissa also reads a poem she wrote called Outcomes — about the experience of unmasking, layer by layer, the spine finally understanding what it carries.ABOUT MARISSAMarissa Mosunich is a neuro affirming work coach and organizational consultant based on California's Central Coast. She founded Operate Well Consulting and Brave Zebra Work Coaching to support neurocomplex professionals in building sustainable careers that honor how their brains actually work.Operate Well Consulting: https://operate-well.ghost.io/Brave Zebra Work Coaching: https://operate-well.ghost.io/brave-zebra-work-coaching/Instagram: @brave.zebraMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODELindsey Mackereth — therapist, researcher, and founder of the neurocomplexity framework.Lindsey's Substack: https://lindseymackereth.substack.com/SUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need it.Hat on a Hat on a Hat (Substack): https://ahatonahatonahat.substack.com/Donations are gratefully accepted and help keep this show going at whatever pace is sustainable.Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/vickipeterson✍️ Subscribe now to hear future episodes.

In the second half of their exploration of disruption, Helen and Elizabeth dive into the tricky world of social friction, authenticity, and the ethics of sharing creative work. Helen reflects on her commitment to honesty in her graphic diaries and the responsibilities that come with featuring real people in personal storytelling.Together they explore how changes to routine can spark new creative possibilities, the challenges of navigating boundaries when art involves others, and how autistic values such as justice and honesty can shape the creative process. The conversation also examines rejection sensitive dysphoria, people-pleasing behaviours, and practical strategies for building healthier boundaries.In this episode:Finding creative opportunities through disruptionThe ethics of sharing stories that involve other peopleJustice, honesty, and autistic cultureUnderstanding rejection sensitive dysphoriaPeople-pleasing and the fawn responseStrategies for recognising and reducing harmful people-pleasing behavioursResources and LinksHelen's graphic diary archive: https://arted.online/blog/diaries/Graphic diary template: https://arted.online/toolbox/resource-diary-template/The 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture: https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/p/the-10-pillars-revisited-episodeInformation about the fawn response: https://ndconnection.co.uk/blog/fawn-the-trauma-response-that-is-easiest-to-missContact: creativebecomingpod@gmail.comSupportIf you are experiencing distress, please contact your GP or a relevant support service in your area.DisclaimerCreative Becoming is connected to Helen Shaddock's practice-based PhD, "Welcome to My Messy World": A practice-based, messy auto-ethnographic artistic exploration into multimedia storytelling as an integral method towards creative becoming.

In this episode of Regulation Station, Becca Engle is joined by writer, speaker, photographer, and paraeducator Michelle Steiner to discuss invisible disabilities, self-advocacy, and challenging the limits other people place on us.Michelle shares her journey growing up with a learning disability and the many times she was told she would never attend university, become a published writer, or achieve her goals. Together, Becca and Michelle explore disability stigma, accommodations, education, and the importance of believing in yourself when others doubt your potential. In this episode: Living with an invisible disability Overcoming low expectations and stigma Self-advocacy in education and adulthood Disability accommodations and accessibility Finding confidence through writing and storytelling Supporting students with disabilities The importance of representation Redefining success on your own terms Guest:Michelle Steiner is a writer, speaker, photographer, paraeducator, and creator of Michelle's Mission, a blog where she shares her experiences living with a learning disability while advocating for disability awareness and inclusion.