Autism Unpacked

Send us Fan Mail Wondering if your child might be autistic? This highlights episode brings together the most powerful conversations from Autism Unpacked on the autism diagnosis journey - from early signs to the benefits and challenges of assessment, and life after diagnosis. For many parents, the road to an autism diagnosis feels overwhelming, emotional and full of questions. From recognising earl...

Send us Fan Mail If you've found yourself Googling "is my child autistic?" at 2am, this episode is for you. We sit down with consultant clinical psychologist, Dr Freya Spicer-White, to get honest, clear answers to the questions that so many parents are asking — but may be too worried to say out loud. In this episode: How to tell the difference between the early signs of autism and a...

Send us Fan Mail This is the second in our two episodes focusing on the reality of being an autistic sibling, featuring Becky Smith and her son, Max. Together, Becky and Max have written two amazing books: I'm An Autism Brother, and I'm A Big Autism Brother. In this episode, we delve into Max's experiences of growing up with two autistic sisters, navigating complex emotions and chal...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we shine a light on a group quitely growing up alongside autism: siblings. Brothers and sisters who love fiercely, adapt instinctively, sometimes worry deeply and often understand more than we realise. We're delighted to be joined by Becky and Max Smith. Becky is mum to three children - Daisy and Georgie-Rose who are autistic - and their brother, Max. Drawing...

Send us Fan Mail In this special recap episode of Autism Unpacked, we look back at some of the standout moments so far from series two, helping parents to better understand the world of their autistic child. We revisit some powerful conversations on emotional based school avoidance, autism and eating disorders, mental health, maths anxiety and not fogetting a dash of myth-busting. Join us as we sh...

Send us Fan Mail Maths is everywhere — but for many young people, it can be one of the biggest sources of stress. In this episode, Rosie explores maths anxiety, why maths can feel so overwhelming for many, and why autistic children in particular may experience heightened stress, avoidance or anxiety around maths.  We're joined by James Birchenough, Educational Quality Advisor for Maths at Opt...

Send us Fan Mail “Everyone’s a little bit autistic.”  “Autistic people don’t feel empathy.” These phrases can be confusing, frustrating and even hurtful, particularly if you're a parent of an autistic child. While they’re often said casually, they can shape how autistic individuals are understood and supported at home, in school and beyond. This episode is all about clearing the air, as we bu...

Send us Fan Mail This episode of Autism Unpacked focuses on a subject that is often overlooked - the impact of autistic trauma and mental health on young people.  We welcome consultant clinical pschologist and Head of Trauma Informed Practice at Options Austism, Dr Leanne Johnson, and together we unpack key mental health challenges like burnout and anxiety.  And importantly, we look at how parents...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the second part of our focus on Emotionally Based School Avoidance, or EBSA. Anxiety works both ways and supporting a child struggling with EBSA can be incredibly challenging for parents also. Here, we pick up this empowering conversation with our experts - Dr Tina Rae and Dr Leanne Johnson - exploring strategies for parents to help their young person and to also help c...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the first of two episodes on Emotionally Based School Avoidance - or EBSA - a subject that many families find challenging. We find out why EBSA is so often misunderstood as truancy or refusal, when in fact it's about anxiety and emotional distress, making school feel overwhelming or even impossible for so many young people. We're joined by two amazing experts:...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Rosie is joined by Natalie Raven Morris, CEO fo the Feeding Trust, as they talk about paediatric feeding and eating disorders.  Together they uncover more about the feeding differencies and difficulties that some young people may experience, and discuss in detail how to get a diagnosis and different support strategies to help parents and families with this challen...

Send us Fan Mail We open series two with a topic that comes up a lot, but which is still so often misunderstood - feeding and eating disorders in chilren, particularly autistic young people.  This isn't just about 'fussy eating'.   In this episode, we're delighted to be joined by Natalie Raven Morris, co-founder and CEO of The Feeding Trust. Natalie brings a wealth of experienc...

Send us Fan Mail Autism Unpacked is a refreshingly real podcast that dives into what it really means to be autistic in today’s world. In series 1, we unpacked everything from relationships and parenting to diagnosis, myths, sleep, and so much more.  And the good news? We're back for more with a brand-new series, launching in September, shining a light on eating and feeding disorders, school a...

Send us Fan Mail In this bonus clip, we talk about what it's really like taking a child with complex autism on holiday. Hear Karen, mum to Lois who has complex needs, talking about the planning, the pressure and the moments that make it all worth it. And you can hear more from Karen about their journey as a family, in episode 6.  For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk or follow us...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to our second compilation episode from Series 1 of Autism Unpacked. This time round we’re focusing on what helps and what’s hype. We’ll hear from autism experts with advice, strategies which could benefit us all – and even a bit of myth busting to tackle those common misconceptions. Amongst our guests are senior clinicians and respected experts from Options Autism, includi...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to this very special compilation edition of Autism Unpacked, featuring highlights from across Series 1. We are privileged to be able to listen to the voices of those with lived experience of autism – reflections on the impact it has had on them and their families, as well as uplifting insight and advice.  We’ll hear from TV personality and professional dancer Tom Malone Jr...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to part 2 of episode 8, as we continue to unpack the subject of autism in girls. Here, we rejoin the conversation with our expert guests, Professor Francesca Happé, a professor in congnitive neuroscience, and Dr Freya Spicer-White, a consultant psychologist and chief clinical officer at Options Autism. Join us as we explore: Autism and puberty Advocating for your chil...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore an often misunderstood subject - autism in girls. Autism can often present very differently in girls, leading to misdiagnosis, late diagnosis or even a lack of diagnosis. We're joined by two expert voices - Professor Francesca Happé, a professor in congnitive neuroscience, and Dr Freya Spicer-White, a consultant psychologist and chief clinical offi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Autism Unpacked, we explore sleep and why this can be a challenge for neurodiverse individuals. Rosie is joined by Dr Nicky Greaves, a consultant clinical psychologist, whose career includes time running a sleep clinical as well as extensive experience working with neurodiverse young people. Hear Nicky and Rosie delve into why sleep can be particularly challengi...

Send us Fan Mail This episode welcomes to the pod Karen Broomhead, a lecturer in special educational needs and a mother of two. Karen’s daughter, Lois, is nine years old and has complex autism. Karen shares the trials, tribulations and celebrations of their journey as a family, and what it really means to be a part of Lois’ world. For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk or follow us on...

Send us Fan Mail This two-part episode welcomes to the pod Kelly Guthery and Oli Masters, both from The Futures Team at Options Autism. This team is dedicated to supporting students across the UK as they prepare to leave school. The team's holistic approach goes beyond just career guidance; they focus on hobbies, independent skills, and personal interests to inspire students in planning their...

Send us Fan Mail This two-part episode welcomes to the pod Kelly Guthery and Oli Masters, both from The Futures Team at Options Autism. This team is dedicated to supporting students across the UK as they prepare to leave school. The team's holistic approach goes beyond just career guidance; they focus on hobbies, independent skills, and personal interests to inspire students in planning their...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to part 2 of our conversation about Demand Avoidance, as we continue to explore the impact that it can have on young people and their families. In this part of the episode, we’ll be talking advice for parents, family dynamics and encouraging understanding in others. For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk or follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Linkedin or Y...

Send us Fan Mail This episode tackles the topic of Demand Avoidance. You may have heard of PDA or Pathological Demand Avoidance, but how much do you really know? In part 1 of this episode, we’ll discover its impact on young people and their families, share insights into their experiences and challenges and share strategies that might help. For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk or foll...

Send us Fan Mail Joining this episode of Autism Upacked is Tom Malone Jr. Tom is probably best known for his appearances on the show Gogglebox. He's also a professional dancer whose talent has taken him all around the world, and he's autistic.  Since his diagnosis at 28, Tom has openly shared his experience with his many social media followers, earning respect for his honesty and inspiri...