This Is Autism

What is monotropism, and how does it shape the way many autistic and ADHD people experience the world? In this episode of This is Autism , Kerry Highcock, Family Development Manager at the North East Autism Society, is joined by autistic teacher, writer and advocate Helen Edgars, the voice behind Autistic Realms . Together, they explore the theory of monotropism – an autistic-led, neurodiversity-a...

Despite growing awareness of autism, around 70–80% of autistic people remain unemployed or underemployed. Why is this still happening, and what needs to change? In this episode of This Is Autism , host Kerry Heickock is joined by author and autism advocate Charlotte Aldred to discuss the barriers autistic people face when seeking and maintaining employment. Charlotte shares insights from her forth...

In this episode, for Autism Acceptance Week Kerrie is joined by NEAS CEO John Phillipson, who has led the organisation for more than 20 years. John has played a central role in shaping the charity’s values, expanding its services, and championing the shift from autism awareness to true autism acceptance. Together, Kerrie and John discuss: What autism acceptance means  - John reflects on why a...

In this episode of This Is Autism , host Kerrie Highcock sits down with experienced occupational therapist and MoodLifter founder Sarah Meharg to explore the world of sensory processing and why it matters for autistic people. For more than 20 years, Sarah has supported individuals with their mental health and wellbeing, helping people understand how their sensory experiences shape the way they mov...

Our host Kerry Highcock sits down with Charlie Hamilton, a neuroinclusion specialist and coach supporting late-diagnosed neurodivergent women, to talk openly about the realities of receiving an autism diagnosis later in life. Together, they unpack: Why so many autistic women and girls are missed or misdiagnosed The emotional impact of masking, burnout and years of feeling “different” The grief — a...

This World Menopause Awareness Day, This is Autism explores a topic that’s rarely discussed but deeply important, menopause through an autistic lens . Our host Kerrie Highcock sits down with Rose Matthews , an autistic researcher and advocate, to talk openly about the realities of menopause and perimenopause for autistic women and gender-diverse people. Together, they unpack: Why menopause remains...

In this episode of This Is Autism , we sit down with Bea, a passionate young autistic advocate, to talk about her experiences navigating the education system. From early school years through to sixth form, Bea reflects honestly on the challenges she faced — friendship struggles, masking, anxiety and burnout. Bea shares how a lack of early understanding and support affected her mental health and sc...

In this episode of This is Autism , host Kerrie Highcock , Family Development Manager at the North East Autism Society, sits down with Dr Amy Pearson , a late-identified autistic researcher and assistant professor in psychology at Durham University. Amy’s work focuses on the lived experiences of autistic adults, with a particular emphasis on relationships, masking, and victimisation. Kerrie and Am...

In this episode, North East Autism Society’s Family Development Manager, Kerrie Highcock , speaks with Lauren Osbourne — a talented illustrator and author who has been self-employed since graduating with an MA in Design in 2022. Lauren shares her journey as an autistic creative, from illustrating six published books to writing her own, It’s Ok to Be Me . Together, they explore the highs and lows o...

In this episode, Kerrie Highcock, Family Development Manager at the North East Autism Society, is joined by Nic King—an autistic trainer, consultant, and founder of PANDAS Online . Nic is also a parent to two neurodivergent children and brings both lived and professional experience to today’s conversation. Together, they explore what it means for autistic young people to understand and embrace the...

James Henderson, 33, from Sunderland, opens up on our ‘This is Autism’ podcast about life before and after receiving his autism and ADHD diagnosis at 32.    Struggling with anxiety, frustration, and mental health challenges, it was a single Instagram post that sparked James’s journey to understanding himself. “It described this rage that starts in your stomach and spreads through your wh...

Just 1 in 5 autistic people are in employment - the worst rate of any disability group.  Ashley Jones, Business Analyst for the North East Autism Society shares his experience of being diagnosed autistic, finding employment, supporting employers and helping others find their dream jobs.  Episode breakdown:  1:50      Diagnosis 3.55     &n...

Research shows that getting the right support early on can make a big difference to a child’s experiences at school and their mental health further down the line. However, hundreds of thousands of children are currently on the waiting lists for an autism diagnosis, with their families often having to cope by themselves while they wait. In conversation with Kerrie Highcock, Family Development Manag...

Katie Toner shares her journey of self-discovery, explaining how, before her diagnosis, she often felt anxious and out of place. After receiving her diagnosis, Katie realised she wasn’t broken, just different, and began to understand how to thrive in her unique way. Using her personal experiences, Katie now helps neurodivergent children and young people embrace their individuality and learn to com...

In this episode Kerrie Highcock, family development manager at NEAS chats to Amy Burgess, who was diagnosed with ADHD at 15 and as autistic at the age of 20. Amy is a psychology graduate who is passionate about sharing her experiences with others about what it is to be neurodivergent. Amy says she didn’t really understand who she was or how she experienced life until she lived away from home at un...

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is “Moving more for our mental health”. Dr Patrick Jachyra  is someone who knows all about this. Patrick is assistant professor in sport and exercise sciences at Durham University and he researches how to support the physical activity and mental health of autistic people. This is all the more important since statistics show neurodivergent people expe...

Join us for our Autism Acceptance special featuring two of our Autism Activists, Ed and Lucie and NEAS Family Development Manager, Kerrie Highcock.  Ed, 18, and Lucie, 15, talk about Autism Acceptance and what it means to them. Music: Aukestra

Anecdotally, we've known for a while that autistic people are more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+ than non-autistic people, and research is now beginning to support this. This episode will explore the intersection between autistic and LGBTQIA+ identities, looking at the issues facing autistic people as they explore their sexuality and gender identity. Erin Ekins talks to our Family Development Man...

This Christmas we're focusing on what the festive season means to autistic people and their families, and how to make the big day more inclusive. So, welcome to a Christmas takeover by pupils and teachers at our  Mackenzie Thorpe Centre school in South Bank, Middlesbrough, as they explain what Christmas means to them .. from sinister Santa to stress-free nativity shows. Music: Aukestra

Sex and relationship coach Ness Cooper - herself autistic - talks about sex education for autistic adolescents and how parents can broach the topic with young people. She also dispels the myths around sex and autistic people in her discussion with our Family Development Kerrie Highcock. Music: Aukestra Editing: Niall Hegarty

Every child and young person is different, but it is possible to spot the signs of autistic masking.  Our guests say families should trust their instincts and be prepared to advocate for their child if professionals do not recognise their masking.  They also discuss autistic burnout and stereotypes around masking. Guests: Kieran Rose ( The Autistic Advocate ), Dr Amy Pearson , Jodie Smit...

Masking is something we all do to project an "acceptable" version of ourselves - but for those of us who are autistic, it can feel like something we do to survive. It's hard for families and friends to spot, let alone educational and medical professions, yet masking can lead to misdiagnosis and burnout so it's vital we all understand it. Our autistic guests Kieran Rose , Dr Amy Pearson and Jodie S...

This Is Autism explores the subjects that really matter to autistic people and those who care for them, including masking, sex and relationships, puberty and wellbeing. Hosted by the North East Autism Society , the podcast hears from autistic people about how they experience the world, and offers practical advice and information along the way. If you are autistic or love someone who is, join us as...