In the latest episode of A Different Brilliant, host Madeleine Jane Lobsey is joined by Michael Theo and therapist and author Jodi Rodgers to explore relationships, dating, intimacy and consent.

Together, they unpack common myths, including the idea that people on the autism connection don’t want romantic or physical connection, and highlight the diversity of neurodivergent experience when it comes to love, communication and sensuality.

Topics include:

• Navigating dating as an Autistic person

• How to build healthy relationships and self-worth

• Understanding consent through an Autistic lens

• Supporting young people and adults with inclusive sex and relationships education

• The power of trial-and-error, resilience and authentic connection

Whether you’re an Autistic adult, a parent or carer, or a professional supporting neurodivergent people, this episode offers both practical insights and moving lived experience.

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Join host Madeleine Jane Lobsey and Aspect’s Positive Behaviour Support practitioner Anna James as they discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance or PDA and autism strategies and why anxiety, not defiance, drives avoidance.

Also known as Persistent Drive for Autonomy and Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, Anna offers examples and practical tips for parents, educators and employers when working with Autistic children and adults.

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In this episode of a different brilliant, host Madeline Jaine Lobsey is joined by 2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame — advocate, author, artist and proud autistic woman — for a powerful conversation about autism and masking.

Together, they unpack the lived experience of masking: the conscious and unconscious effort many Autistic people make to hide or suppress their needs to feel safe, fit in, or survive in a world not designed for them. Grace shares with honesty and insight how masking shaped her life, the cost it can have on physical and mental health, and the profound impact of finding safe spaces and genuine connections.

Whether you're Autistic, a parent, educator, health professional or ally — this deeply human conversation will give you new insights into identity, safety, resilience, and why understanding autism from lived experience matters.

Warning

The following podcast discusses sexual abuse. If this causes you distress, please seek professional help or contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, explores with Dr. Wenn Lawson and Prof. Sandra Thom-Jones why so many older Autistic people have gone undiagnosed, the lasting impact of late recognition and the critical need for autism-friendly accommodations in healthcare and aged care. A conversation that sheds light on an often-overlooked generation and the changes needed to create a more inclusive future.

Dr. Wenn Lawson is an Autistic researcher, author, speaker and poet with expertise in autism across generations. His work focuses on improving autism understanding and support, particularly in areas of mental health and ageing. He is the author of many acclaimed books, including ‘Autism and Being Monotropic: What Medical and Other Practitioners Need to Know’

ProfessorSandra Thom-Jones is an Honorary Professor at the University of Wollongong, an Autistic author, artisan, academic and advocate. She provides consultancy services to education, employment and healthcare providers, and supports for Autistic people, through her consultancy Autistic Professor.

She is the author of 'Growing into Autism' and has dedicated her career to ensuring Autistic voices are central in research and policy discussions.

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Our host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey and Meghan Williams, Aspect's Education Autism Practice Manager, discuss school transitions. They explore the common challenges that are faced by starting a new school, returning to school, and also transitional periods during the day. They also discuss the strategies that can be implemented to help Autistic students adapt during this time of change. This episode is perfect for parents and educators to learn more about how to support Autistic children in the classroom.

• Ten Tips to support your child during transition
• Post-school transition experiences of Aspect graduates
• High school transition experiences of Autistic students

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Mentioned in this episode:

Walk for Autism 2025

Walk for Autism

Join our host, Madeleine Jaine Lobsey as she chats with Dr Chris Edwards and Dr Abbey Love from the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) to explore the pros and cons of autism disclosure and what society can do to reduce the challenges and risks associated with disclosure. . We will also hear how sharing being Autistic can lead to acceptance and authenticity, but also to stigma and discrimination.

This episode is a must-listen for Autistic people faced with the often-complicated decision of when, where and how to disclose they are Autistic. Non-Autistic listeners will gain insights into how they can assist in creating spaces where Autistic individuals feel safe and supported to consider disclosing they are Autistic.

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In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Aspect's PBS & Safeguarding Manager, Jessica Degrassi to address the topic of "Positive Behaviour Support", or "PBS". They look at both the support for, and some of the misconceptions around, the subject.

Note that this podcast addresses topics that may be sensitive to some listeners. If this causes you distress, please seek professional help or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Aspect online resources

Aspect has some great resources available based on their 50+ years of expertise. Head over to shop.aspect.org.au and check out the eBook and Webinars on PBS

Aspect Online Shop

In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) researchers, Dr Abbey Love and Dr Chris Edwards, and Occupational Therapist/Researcher/Parent, Leah Wiseman. Together, they discuss the worldwide epidemic of loneliness, debunk myths surrounding autism and loneliness, share effective strategies to reduce loneliness and discuss how a shift in society’s social expectations can allow Autistic people to be their authentic selves and strengthen their social connections.

Visit the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice loneliness research page to learn more about this study or sign up to find out about upcoming loneliness projects.

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