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The Autism Podcast

The Autism Podcast

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 The Autism Podcast, delivered by the London Autism Group Charity, is the definitive autism related podcast. The podcast aims to improve our understanding of autism, boost acceptance, reduce autism stigma, and generate impactful, transformative ideas ranging from practical everyday advice to thoughts on policy, practice, and wider socio-cultural challenges.Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Interview with Ellen Cole (on the topics of neurodivergent pregnancy, autistic parenting strategies, AuDHD & Irlen Syndrome, and much more)

    Interview with Ellen Cole (on the topics of neurodivergent pregnancy, autistic parenting strategies, AuDHD & Irlen Syndrome, and much more)
    Jan 20 2026
    Join hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi as they welcome Ellen Cole, founder of Little Seed Group, public speaker, and hedgehog rescuer :) In this candid and revealing episode, Ellen shares her complex journey of navigating life with multiple neurodivergences, including Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Irlen Syndrome (Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome). Ellen recounts her initial resistance to the idea of being autistic- attempting to prove a friend wrong- only to discover a diagnosis that eventually helped her understand her life experiences. She provides a fascinating insight into how these co-existing conditions interact, describing how her autism often acts as a regulator for her ADHD, and the specific sensory challenges caused by Irlen Syndrome. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the intersection of neurodivergence and pregnancy. Ellen opens up about the difficulties she faced within the healthcare system, where professionals frequently mistook her neurodivergent traits for mental health issues. She discusses the sensory nightmare of hospital wards, the lack of support for breastfeeding, and the fight to advocate for her needs during a vulnerable time. The discussion also tackles the harsh realities of the workplace. Ellen shares the grief and financial stress of losing the majority of her freelance clients after announcing her pregnancy, highlighting the precarious nature of employment for neurodivergent parents. However, the episode is also filled with hope and practical strategies. Ellen shares the unique strengths of autistic parenting, from using hyper-focus to plan enriching activities for her daughter to creating sensory-friendly environments at home. She discusses the tools she uses to manage daily life, including the ‘Finch’ self-care app, using sunglasses to regulate melatonin, and how special interests like astrology and dressmaking provide essential dopamine hits. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the realities of neurodivergent parenthood, the impact of multiple diagnoses, and the power of self-advocacy. Ellen’s Recommended Resources: Little Seed Group: https://littleseedgroup.co.uk/ The Autism Discussion Page on Stress, Anxiety, Shutdowns and Meltdowns by Bill Nason: The book discussed in the episode that helped Ellen understand the female autistic experience. Finch Care: A self-care widget app mentioned by Ellen for managing tasks and routines. NABS: A charity offering support and therapy for those in the advertising and media industry: https://nabs.org.uk/ Ellen Cole's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenjcole/ Our links: The Autism Podcast instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_autism_podcast/Simeon Thompson's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SiimthompsonDr Sophia Christophi's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autistically.sophia Please like, follow and subscribe to our social media channels to support us! It makes a big difference to our small but wonderful Charity. Please also leave us a review (hopefully positive ;) ) on Apple Podcasts - this is a huge help for us. And please consider donating to the London Autism Group Charity if you are enjoying this podcast that we produce and able to (simply go to https://donorbox.org/london-autism-group-charity-donations - thank you!) Wider Charity links: London Autism Group Charity website: londonautismgroupcharity.org Facebook page: facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharity London Autism Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272747662886046/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/london-autism-group-charity Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagcharity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagcharity The Autism Podcast is produced by the London Autism Group Charity. Editorial leads - Dr Chris Papadopoulos, Mr James Gordon, Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Interview with Nic King (on the topics of NeuroBears, understanding autism early, autistic parenting, and building community)

    Interview with Nic King (on the topics of NeuroBears, understanding autism early, autistic parenting, and building community)
    Dec 18 2025

    Join hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi as they welcome Nic King, founder of Pandas Online and creator of the NeuroBears courses for autistic children and young people.

    In this thoughtful and wide-ranging episode, Nic shares their journey of being autistic, ADHD, and dyslexic, and reflects on growing up in a family environment that was intuitively neuro-affirming long before the language of neurodiversity was widely used. The conversation explores how early acceptance, structure, and understanding can shape identity, reduce shame, and change how autistic people experience the world as they grow up.

    Nic discusses the origins of Pandas Online and the development of NeuroBears, explaining why there is such a gap in child-focused, autistic-led resources that help young people understand their neurology in a neutral, non-deficit way. Nic also shares the thinking behind the much-loved bear analogies, used to explain autism, observation, and difference in ways that are accessible without being patronising.

    Simeon, Sophia, and Nic delve into autistic friendships, loneliness, and connection, including the pressures of school environments, forced socialisation, and why shared interests often form the strongest foundations for meaningful relationships. The discussion touches on masking, the double empathy problem, and what genuine inclusion might look like if systems were designed around neurodivergent needs rather than compliance.

    This episode offers a grounded and hopeful look at how understanding autism early, supporting autistic parents, and building community can make a real difference across generations.

    Nic’s resources: Pandas Online: https://www.pandasonline.org NeuroBears courses: information available via the Pandas Online website

    Our links:

    The Autism Podcast instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_autism_podcast/Simeon Thompson's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SiimthompsonDr Sophia Christophi's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autistically.sophiaPlease like, follow and subscribe to our social media channels to support us! It makes a big difference to our small but wonderful Charity.

    Please also leave us a review (hopefully positive ;) ) on Apple Podcasts - this is a huge help for us.

    And please consider donating to the London Autism Group Charity if you are enjoying this podcast that we produce and able to (simply go to https://donorbox.org/london-autism-group-charity-donations - thank you!)

    Wider Charity links:

    London Autism Group Charity website: londonautismgroupcharity.org

    Facebook page: facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharity

    London Autism Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272747662886046/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/london-autism-group-charity

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagcharity

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagcharity

    The Autism Podcast is produced by the London Autism Group Charity.

    Editorial leads - Dr Chris Papadopoulos, Mr James Gordon, Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Interview with Katie Munday (on the topics of intersectionality, ableism, gender identity, research, activism, advocacy & more)

    Interview with Katie Munday (on the topics of intersectionality, ableism, gender identity, research, activism, advocacy & more)
    Nov 12 2025
    Join hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi as they welcome Katie Munday, a community researcher, advocate, and the self-proclaimed "permanently exhausted" creator of 'Autistic and Living the Dream'. In this episode, Katie discusses their experiences of navigating the crucial intersections of being trans and autistic, and breaking down the systemic barriers they face in healthcare and academia. Katie shares their journey to a late "two-for-one" diagnosis of autism and OCD, an awakening sparked by their work with neurodivergent youth. This experience serves as a launchpad for a deep dive into core concepts like ableism and cisgenderism, and how these oppressive systems combine to create a "cisgenderism-ableism nexus" that marginalises trans and autistic people. The conversation unpacks the frustrating reality of healthcare inequity, powerfully illustrated by the concept of "trans broken arm syndrome," where every health issue is wrongly attributed to a person's trans identity. The episode also shines a light on powerful, community-led activism. Katie gives an insider's account of the successful Boycott Spectrum 10K campaign, a grassroots movement that challenged a major genetic research project. This leads to a profound and radical critique of academia itself, as Katie questions whether true liberation can be achieved within systems that were not built for neurodivergent or marginalised people, asking the vital question: "What happens when the roof falls in?" This is an essential listen for anyone interested in the intersections of neurodivergence, gender identity, and disability rights. Katie’s powerful voice, extensive knowledge, and unwavering commitment to their community provide a deeply validating perspective that challenges assumptions and inspires action. It’s a conversation that is as joyful as it is critical, offering a vital roadmap for building a more inclusive and just world. Recommended resources from this episode: - Autistic and Living the Dream: Katie’s website, blog, and central hub for their research, training, and consultancy work. Visit at: https://www.autisticltd.co.uk/ - The Double Empathy Reader edited by Damian Milton: The book discussed in the episode which explores the theory of the Double Empathy Problem. Katie contributed a chapter on the healthcare experiences of trans autistic people. - Predictors of Depression and Anxiety Among Self-Medicating Autistic Adults - Chris Papadopoulos, Tanya Adkin, Katie Munday, David Gray-Hammond, 2025 - Improving Substance-Use Services for Autistic Adults: Insights and Recommendations from Autistic Adults | Autism in Adulthood Exploring the Experiences of Autistic Transgender and Non-Binary Adults in Seeking Gender Identity Health Care: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2023.0003 Exploring Autistic Sexualities, Relationality, and Genders Living Under a Double Rainbow: https://www.routledge.com/Exploring-Autistic-Sexualities-Relationality-and-Genders-Living-Under-a-Double-Rainbow/Rosqvist-Day-Krazinski/p/book/9781032576114 - Autistic Substance Use Network – A home for research into Autistic substance use The Palgrave Handbook of Research Methods and Ethics in Neurodiversity Studies: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-66127-3 Our links: The Autism Podcast instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_autism_podcast/Simeon Thompson's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SiimthompsonDr Sophia Christophi's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autistically.sophiaPlease like, follow and subscribe to our social media channels to support us! It makes a big difference to our small but wonderful Charity. Please also leave us a review (hopefully positive ;) ) on Apple Podcasts - this is a huge help for us. And please consider donating to the London Autism Group Charity if you are enjoying this podcast that we produce and able to (simply go to https://donorbox.org/london-autism-group-charity-donations - thank you!) Wider Charity links: London Autism Group Charity website: londonautismgroupcharity.org Facebook page: facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharity London Autism Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272747662886046/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagcharity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagcharity The Autism Podcast is produced by the London Autism Group Charity. Editorial leads - Dr Chris Papadopoulos, Mr James Gordon, Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi
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    1 hr and 18 mins
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