It’s Valentine’s Day, which got us thinking about relationships – whether that be romantic relationships, friendships, working relationships, and beyond. So what better theme to start series 5 than that very subject? We really hope you enjoy the first episode: ‘Autism and relationships’.   For anyone new to the podcast, each episode aims to help raise a greater understanding and appreciation of neurodiversity, through fascinating conversations with fantastic guests. Throughout the episodes, we talk about the many benefits of hiring neurodivergent talent, through to some of the more commo ..read more

Research shows that due to the unequal structures in our society, those who have a diagnosis of autism plus additional intersections, such as gender identity, sexuality, race etc., face multiple barriers. This episode aims to explore what we mean by intersectionality, why it is particularly relevant to the autistic community and hear about people’s lived experiences. Our Guests in This Episode: Nadia Dillion – Tech specialist and social media influencer @BlackAutisticGirl Luke Seraphin – Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Content and Sky Studios ..read more

A diagnosis of autism can often go hand in hand with a plethora of superb skills, such as pattern recognition and attention to detail. However, sadly, the employment figures for autistic people are depressingly low, with only around 1 in 5 in employment. The purpose of this episode, therefore, is to shine a light on the incredible abilities of those with an autism diagnosis. Our Guests in This Episode: Stephanie De Kramer – IT specialist, former auticon consultant and semi-pro wrestler Bridget Young – Head Teacher at The Holmewood School Zoey Clenshaw – Operations Executive at Harry Specters ..read more

The number of people diagnosed with autism has increased significantly since the 1990s. This episode looks at what the diagnostic process involves, along with signposting for people who may be looking for more information as they take their next steps towards getting a diagnosis. We’ll also talk about what the implications are for autistic people within the workplace. Our Guests in This Episode: Louise Chandler- Student and social media influencer aka 'Autistic Lou' Russ Botting – Lead Job Coach at auticon Dr Kath Fielder – GP & Clinician at Neurospectrum Useful links mentioned int he e ..read more

Autistic people can often thrive when the right supports are put in place, but it can be extremely difficult to navigate a variety of systems to obtain the help required. For instance, sourcing additional support within the school environment, or into the wider work environment. This episode looks to discuss some of the resources that are available, as well as provide hints and tips around how to access these, along with helpful signposting regarding where else to seek help. Our Guests in This Episode: Catriona Stewart OBE – Academic researcher, autism advisor and assessor Sunil Choti – SEN c ..read more

Research by auticon reveals that many autistic people in employment choose not to disclose their diagnosis in the workplace. In this episode we look to explore some of the reasons for this, as well as discuss some of the implications that come alongside a working environment in which people do not feel they can be their authentic selves. Our Guests in This Episode: Phillip Scott - Responsible Business Manager at Deloitte Malcolm Chambers - IT consultant at auticon Callum Howes - Writer and content creator aka Autistic Callum ..read more

Many autistic people go through their whole school career without a diagnosis at all. For those who do receive a diagnosis during this time, it can be hard to then obtain additional support that would enable them to thrive. However, in many cases, the support that is available once in adulthood can drop off a cliff. In this episode we look to explore how far things have come and what more can be done in the future to tackle this issue and, ultimately, improve the astonishingly low levels of employment amongst autistic adults. Our Guests in This Episode: Anna Kennedy, OBE Mark Blakey – CEO of ..read more

There is a common saying amongst the autism community that ‘if you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person’. This episode is designed to interrogate this in more detail and hear from people’s lived experience of autism. This can be particularly useful to understand from the perspective of providing personalised supports in the workplace. Our Guests in This Episode: Charlotte Bergslien – Content creator, writer and speaker aka @TheSpectrumGirl Steve Hill – Commercial Director at auticon Ben Pearson – Entrepreneur, founder of Big Clothing 4 U and Dragon’s Den success story Ch ..read more

With several high-profile women speaking out in the media about their diagnosis of autism in the last few months, it has become increasingly clear that more conversations need to be had about what it means to be an autistic woman. From the way autism presents in women compared with men, to the diagnosis process, through to how autism affects women in their daily lives, there are a great many issues that should be discussed to help pave the way for improvements in the future. Our Guests in This Episode: · Helen Ellis - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Co-ordinator at the National Autistic Soci ..read more

Like many aspects of autism, the benefits of having autistic people in leadership roles is not one that is readily talked about. Yet there are a number of autistic senior leaders who have carved out highly successful and inspirational careers. This episode looks to debunk the myth that autistic people can’t have fulfilling and high-level careers, as well as provide useful insight into how the guests have reached their career goals. Our Guests in This Episode: · Carly Jones, MBE – British Autism Advocate · Megan Tanner, CEO and Founder of the charity Hear Their Roar · Charlotte Valeur, Chair of ..read more