Autistic Licence

Some broad themes in this episode are family lineage, reading and the accessibility of group settings for neurodivergent people. Leo's great uncle has died at the grand age of 102. Siana has taken another week's deep dive into her ancestry.  Leo has been looking into two Buddhist Sanghas and Siana is training in Circle facilitation.   Thank you as ever for listening and for all your support. We'd...

Siana has recently become interested in tracing her ancestry. We reflect on aspects of this from an autistic perspective, such as pattern seeking as a way into a deeper search for belonging and connection. We consider spirituality in a broader sense, touching on personality development and synchronicity.  We open up many more questions than we answer (actually we don't conclude very much at all) b...

In this episode we begin with Halloween as a springboard into superstition and then, somehow, onto Leo's ADHD meds update. Then we move into an exploration around RSD (rejection sensitive dysphoria) and ADA (autistic demand avoidance).  We focus on these two strands within our own relationship dynamic. Leo hopes this might be of use and resonate with people out there, which in turn activates an RS...

This episode traverses the theme of building autistic community. We recognise the dearth of opportunities for autistic people to connect in real time. We share our ideas around how we might like to play a small part in facilitating aspects of this, for example by having guests on the podcast and running groups. We discuss various elements of this from practical, professional and ethical points of...

This episode was recorded on the day when we had planned a pilot "Odd One In" group meeting. We cancelled the group with 24 hours notice because only two people had signed up at that point. We reflect on our relationships to change, flexibility, choice and managing our own ways of being alongside considering others with a variety of needs. Siana rants about the logistics of the booking system for...

In this episode we discuss the concept of Autistic Demand Avoidance.  Siana differentiates ADA from PDA and speaks from her own experience of how it shows up across a range of areas in her life. We also check in on Leo's ADHD clinical diagnosis journey. We notice how classic traits of hyperactivity and inattention feature in our lives.  We then discuss some aspects of privilege and class related t...

This episode is a fairly run-of-the-mill chit chat from a random Thursday in the middle of September. Themes include doing things for the first time, seasonal rhythms, breathing, special interests and the significance of "perspective". We showcase Leo's new drone and Siana would like to apologise for "droning" on a bit about her cough. Bonus SPIN-ny energy at the end 🧡💛 ----more---- LINKS Disabi...

Leo is currently on the NHS pathway towards trying out ADHD medication.  We discuss his experience of the assessment process so far. We then explore Siana's experience as a parent navigating the system. We speak about common obstacles and concerns within the process. We also reflect on whether medication might have changed outcomes for each of us in education and / or the workplace.  We attempt to...

This episode is an excerpt from a follow up conversation we had regarding the gap between season 1 and 2. We reflect on a health situation Leo had to navigate over the summer. We discuss aspects of communication within the health care system and also between us. We also notice our tendency as autistic people to deal with what is in front of us and then to appear to “forget” about it until there is...

This episode contains our reflections around beginning a new podcast season.   We discuss the gap in recording and wonder about some aspects of this. We explore the concepts of autistic burnout and energy cycles. We also speak about inherent neurodivergence as opposed to the signs of neurodivergent distress or trauma. It will be no surprise that we digress lots. We conclude that we will continue t...

Welcome to Season 2 💛 🧡 This episode was recorded just after Leo returned from Autscape. We explore his experience and broaden this out to discuss the hallmarks of wider autistic culture.   We then reflect on some of the perils and pitfalls inherent in making the transition "back" and between autistic land and neurotypical society. 💛🧡 ----more----LINKS Autscape Our YouTube channel Our Facebook...

This episode opens with a discussion of the "Hamilton" theatre production. Leo delights in the complexity of the rapid lyrical genius, enjoying being caught up in the current and looking forward to revisiting it again and again. Siana's experience, in contrast, is one of overwhelm and withdrawal. This is an example of polarities often seen within the autistic community and the significance of cont...

In this episode we discuss Leo's recent experience of attending a training course.   We track many details of this, from the planning to sensory challenges and considerations, to social interactions and disclosure. We notice distinctive aspects of this which we experience differently as autistic people, many of which might not be predictable or discernible to our non autistic peers and training fa...

This episode chronicles some of Siana’s travel experiences on a recent trip to London with her daughter. We speak about navigating public transport systems, accommodation and orientation. We highlight things which we find helpful and comforting as autistic people, such as familiar places and foods and building time buffers into our plans. We also focus on the significance of asking for help – both...

This episode is an exploration of some aspects of empathic communication and connection which may be distinctive for us as autistic people.  We notice the significance of this within the contexts of friendship and therapy. This dialogue also demonstrates some elements of a repair process and how - within a safe relational space - interpersonal dynamics can be discussed without defensiveness. As ev...

In this episode we reflect (broadly!) on the concept of having "spiky profiles".  This relates to us having aptitudes in some areas and limitations in others, usually where the differences are more pronounced than might be expected in the general population. As usual, we record without a plan / topic in mind and so there are lots of tangents.  We think the authenticity of how we speak in addition...

"Echolalia" might seem like mere mimicry to some but, for many autistic individuals, it's a profound way to connect and communicate. In this episode we challenge the often-pathologised views of echolalia, highlighting its role in creating warmth and fostering joint attention. Join us as we celebrate the nuances of language, accents, and sensory experiences in autistic communication. Through person...

The general theme of this episode is gender and sexuality. As usual we blend personal anecdotes with some theory and reflection. We shine some light on asexuality as an orientation which is often invisible and / or invalidated by both heteronormative and queer communities.  We then discuss the concept of neuroqueering and apply this to our own evolving identities markers and practices. We acknowle...

The complexities of food and eating - the latest episode in our occasional mini-series on autistic senses and sensitivities. You'll hear about our experiences of eating in a range of contexts throughout our lives. We notice the degree of shame and misattunement which is often attached to this - so much so that Siana was too uncomfortable to discuss the topic in any detail until we were actually to...

This conversation came out of a few messages we have received around the theme of disclosing our autistic identities. We discuss our experiences and notice there is often a distinction between our professional and personal lives.  We reflect and speculate on why this might be, with particular regard to long standing relationships. We reference the impact of ableism, recognising that unmasking is b...

Ok, so this episode may be a bit niche 😉 Leo has been searching for the perfect socks and he believes he has found them ... (time will tell). Somehow, Siana's autistic brain tendrils manage to link his fervour with evangelical Christian zeal and she goes down and round about that rabbit warren for a while. We speak about our own experiences of religion as autistic people and wind up reaching quit...

Leo (still) has Covid. Through this conversation we wind up exploring a drive he has to be useful, to serve. We notice how this shows up between us and reflect on how it may have developed. We also consider how it might change in the future so that it becomes less of a default and more of a mindful choice.  Along the way you can expect some typical autistic literalism and a discussion about the "D...

Trigger warning for mention of life threatening scenarios and maternal birthing distress. If you have particular sensitivities around your own experiences of healthcare please consider carefully whether and / or when you might listen to this episode.  We speak about a wide range of our experiences related to being unwell and / or navigating our healthcare needs.  This ranges from planned hospital...

Trigger warning This episode deals with the topics of loneliness and suicide. Please take care of yourself and think about the timing and where your support is if you decide to listen. We reflect on our experiences and relationships in the past, which led to loneliness, disconnection and feelings of life not being worth living. We also reflect on the distinctions between company, co-regulation and...

In this episode we talk about sensitivities to physical and sensory stimuli. We focus on challenges around noise, food and physical (dis)comfort. We speak about the significance of autonomy. We also discuss interpersonal misunderstandings related to us not doing "what's good" for us.  We note the important distinction here between things being seen as preferences rather than (in)tolerances. Season...