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 quite a profound moment towards the end when we consider the significance of autistic-to-autistic mirroring on actualisation (becoming truly ourselves). We considered not releasing this episode but we real ..read more

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 "Drama Triangle" (roles people play).   LINKS Karpman's Drama Triangle Our Facebook Our website Podcast home Our other socials Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com ..read more

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 stays to emergency admissions, from managing familiar health needs to circumstances such as giving birth and receiving vaccines.   We notice common autistic idiosyncrasies related ..read more

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 presence. We recognise that these topics are heavy and in need of careful and responsible handling. At the same time, they're extremely common among the autistic community and we feel it's important ..read more

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. Seasonal references provided intermittently as we experience in real time the 26 minute time difference between sunset in London and Carrickfergus. And basically reflect on how we might control time we ..read more

This episode is a spontaneous Saturday chit chat.  There's a fair amount of "here and now" energy and interaction, interspersed with memories and reflections. Siana talks about her experience of ADHD when it fires in multiple directions at once - something which for her does not exclude hyperfocus "flow" states. Leo reflects on a range of experiences he is now reframing in light of autism, such as the after effects of exhilarating events and "talking to myself". We touch on concepts such as echolalia and synaptic pruning, applying these to our own experiences and challenging some common m ..read more

This episode is in many ways a reflection on elements of the last one. We speak about early narratives and experiences, and the lifelong meaning and impact of these. We apply this to therapeutic contexts and approaches, specifically Transactional Analysis and Internal Family Systems, and we relate this to therapy with autistic people. We also explore the concept of so called "rigid" thinking and the possible significance of this for us as autistic people growing up in a world where the template for living which is offered to us does not fit or deliver. Special guest contribution from Phoebe ..read more

In this episode we explore the finite nature of personal energy and capacity. We refer to our own experiences and to wider "spoon theory". The pace of this conversation is slow and relaxed; it's basically two autistic people hanging out together. If that's your vibe, we'd love you to join us ?? On that note, our Facebook community is growing fast and you would be very welcome there too - see the links below... LINKS Facebook Spoon theory Siana's talk The Traitors Podcast home Our website Our other socials Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com ..read more

In this episode we discuss how we, as autistic people, are seen and experienced by others. We then traverse some thorny territory relating to how we see ourselves and influence each other. These are sensitive ideas and topics, interspersed with distractions, brain glitches and spiraling reasoning which somehow loops together in the end.   LINKS Neuroqueer Heresies Facebook Podcast home Our website Our other socials Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com ..read more

In this episode we begin to circumambulate the intersectionality of autism and queerness. We begin with Siana's home interior decorating project and finish up discussing Leo's gender identity development. In between we wax lyrical around some relationship models, notably Siana's current QPR (queer platonic relationship). Comical interlude provided by Leo's beautifully curated ritual around a previous relationship. Topic to be continued - we listen to your feedback and suggestions ?? Keep them coming! Trigger warning : brief reference to suicide in relation to trauma towards the end of this ep ..read more