Re-Run: Dr Luke Beardon – Changing The Autism Narrative cover art

Re-Run: Dr Luke Beardon – Changing The Autism Narrative

Re-Run: Dr Luke Beardon – Changing The Autism Narrative

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This week’s episode is a re-run — but one that feels more relevant than ever. Recent comments from Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have falsely suggested a link between paracetamol and autism, adding to the long history of misinformation that fuels stigma and fear.


To push back against these harmful narratives, we're revisiting this conversation with Dr. Luke Beardon, Senior Lecturer in Autism at Sheffield Hallam University and author of multiple influential works on autism.


In this episode, we explore:

  • Why language matters when talking about autism
  • The dangers of misinformation — even from professionals
  • How “us vs them” thinking harms autistic people
  • The identity challenges faced by those diagnosed later in life
  • Why autistic voices must be central in shaping the narrative


This is a powerful reminder that autism is not something to be blamed on medicines, parenting, or fearmongering politics — it’s a natural and valuable part of human diversity.


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