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The Autism Podcast

The Autism Podcast

By: 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 2025 All Rights Reserved Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Interview with Jenny Loughran (on the topics of systemic trauma, advocacy, self-identification & autistic parenthood and more)

    Interview with Jenny Loughran (on the topics of systemic trauma, advocacy, self-identification & autistic parenthood and more)
    Sep 12 2025
    Join hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi as they welcome Jenny Loughran, the CEO and Editor in Chief of Autistic Revolution magazine. In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Jenny shares her unflinching story of self-identification, the concept of systemic trauma, and her fierce advocacy for a world that truly embraces neurodiversity. Jenny opens up about her personal journey, which began not by questioning her own identity, but by fighting for her two neurodivergent children within a broken system. She reflects on how navigating their diagnoses triggered her own 'neurodivergent awakening,' leading her to reframe a lifetime of masking and mental health struggles. In a raw and honest account, she discusses being told she was 'too eloquent' for a diagnosis and the profound process of reclaiming her identity from the pathology paradigm. The conversation reframes trauma not as a single event, but as the relentless, daily experience of being autistic in a world not designed for you. Through the powerful story of her son Joseph, Jenny illustrates the devastating impact of the education system, the pain of social isolation, and how behaviours labelled as 'disruptive' are often cries of dysregulation and unmet needs. The episode also explores Jenny's work with Autistic Revolution magazine - a platform created to showcase autistic creativity and empower the autistic voice. This leads to a passionate call to dismantle the systems that harm neurodivergent children and to replace them with a neurodivergent-affirming culture. It’s an urgent plea for a society that provides safety, celebrates authentic self-expression, and allows autistic role models to thrive. This is an essential and emotionally resonant listen for parents, advocates, and anyone seeking to understand the true cost of non-acceptance. Jenny’s story is a testament to the strength of the autistic spirit and the urgent need for a more compassionate and informed approach to neurodiversity. Book recommendation from this episode: Neuroqueer Heresies by Nick Walker Jenny Loughran's links: Autistic Revolution Magazine: https://www.autistic-revolution.com/ Jenny's LinkedIn: : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-loughran-4224b5242/?originalSubdomain=uk Our links: The Autism Podcast instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_autism_podcast/ Simeon Thompson's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Siimthompson Dr 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/ 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 All Rights Reserved
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    2 hrs and 1 min
  • Interview with David Devine (Discussing late diagnosis, the double empathy problem, autistic culture & more)

    Interview with David Devine (Discussing late diagnosis, the double empathy problem, autistic culture & more)
    Aug 9 2025

    Join hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi as they welcome David Devine, a lead Oliver McGowan trainer at DynamicTraining.org.uk. In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, David shares his journey to a late autism diagnosis and dives deep into the core concepts of autistic culture, communication, and the Double Empathy Problem.

    David opens up about his personal history, from being diagnosed with dyslexia as a child to the pivotal, and somewhat unusual, moment years later when he received his autism diagnosis. He explores the profound process of rebuilding his identity and self-understanding post-diagnosis, reflecting on the journey from confusion to clarity.

    The conversation centres on Damian Milton's Double Empathy Problem, reframing communication challenges as a two-way street rather than a one-sided deficit. The hosts and David share powerful personal anecdotes that illustrate the differences between autistic and neurotypical interaction styles. They explore why expressions of empathy can be so easily misunderstood across neurotypes and challenge long-held assumptions about autistic social skills.

    The episode also delves into the exciting concept of an "autistic culture" -a way of being with its own unique norms and social structures. This leads to an inspiring discussion on the importance of self-understanding, the power of a collective autistic voice, and the need to shift the focus from assimilation to mutual respect. It’s a call for acceptance on our own terms, moving beyond the pressure to conform.

    This is an essential listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of autistic communication and identity. David’s insights offer a compelling case for why the world needs to meet autistic people halfway, enabling a more inclusive and empathetic society for everyone.

    David's Special Interests:

    • Autism (his main special interest, which he has turned into his career)

    • Chess (which he plays a lot of, but insists he plays badly!)

    Simeon Thompson's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Siimthompson

    Dr 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!)

    Our links:

    London Autism Group Charity website: londonautismgroupcharity.orgFacebook page: facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharityLondon Autism Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272747662886046/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagcharityInstagram: 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

    All Rights Reserved
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Interview with Kirsty Lavender-Newns (on the topics of late diagnosis, self-acceptance, masking, and becoming an autistic therapist)

    Interview with Kirsty Lavender-Newns (on the topics of late diagnosis, self-acceptance, masking, and becoming an autistic therapist)
    Jul 2 2025
    Join hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi as they welcome Kirsty Lavender-Newns, a dedicated volunteer and lead befriender for the London Autism Group Charity, and a trainee therapist. In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Kirsty shares her journey of late diagnosis, the complexities of self-acceptance, and the power of finding your community. Kirsty opens up about the experiences that led her to seek an autism diagnosis in her early twenties, a process that began after facing significant challenges at university. She explores the feelings of self-doubt and the struggle with internalised ableism that many late-diagnosed autistics face, and discusses how connecting with the London Autism Group Charity became a vital part of reshaping her own narrative and finding a sense of belonging. The conversation takes a deep dive into the nuanced topic of masking. Simeon and Sophia contribute their own perspectives, discussing how cultural backgrounds and gender norms can shape the pressure to mask, leading to a fascinating discussion on trying to navigate a world without a clear 'social cue handbook'. The episode also explores why Kirsty decided to train as a therapist. She explains the immense value of autistic-led therapy, the obstacles of training within systems designed for neurotypicals, and the importance of having a therapist who truly understands. Kirsty shares what her training journey has taught her about herself and about creating truly safe, empathetic spaces for others. This episode is a moving and honest exploration of what it means to build a life on your own terms. Kirsty's story is a testament to the power of understanding yourself, the relief of letting go of neurotypical expectations, and the incredible strength found in community. ------------- Kirsty's Book Recommendations: - Papadopoulos, Chris. Voices of Neurodiversity: An Inclusive Encyclopaedia (Routledge, 2025) - Bargiela, Sarah. Camouflage. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2019. - Belcher, Hannah Louise. Taking Off the Mask. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2022. - Ekins, Erin. Queerly Autistic. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2021. - Garcia, Eric. We’re Not Broken. Harvest, 2021. - Hendrickx, Sarah, and Jess Hendrickx. Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2024. - Jones, Steph. The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2024. - On Being An Autistic Therapist. Pccs Books. - Pang, Camilla. Explaining Humans: Winner of the Royal Society Science Book Prize 2020. Penguin. - Rogers, Carl R. A Way of Being. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1995. - The Routledge International Handbook of Critical Autism Studies (Routledge International Handbooks). Routledge. ----------------- Simeon Thompson's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Siimthompson Dr 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!) Our links: London Autism Group Charity website: londonautismgroupcharity.orgFacebook page: facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharityLondon Autism Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272747662886046/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagcharityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagcharity The Autism Podcast is produced by the London Autism Group Charity. Editorial leads - Dr Chris Papadopoulos and Mr James Gordon All Rights Reserved
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    1 hr and 8 mins
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