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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 2026 All Rights Reserved Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Interview with Ryan Parker (on the topics of neurodivergent connections with animals, the Disneyfication of nature, wildlife conservation, being present & more)

    Interview with Ryan Parker (on the topics of neurodivergent connections with animals, the Disneyfication of nature, wildlife conservation, being present & more)
    Aug 18 2026
    Join hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi as they return from a brief hiatus to welcome Ryan Parker, a wildlife conservationist, animal behaviourist, safari guide, and the founder of the foundation, Save the Animals, Save the World. In this episode, Ryan shares his lifelong, innate connection to the natural world. Describing his early years mimicking animal movements and sounds, he explains how he intuitively "reads" ecosystems and feels a profound, almost electric connection to wildlife. The conversation explores how humans, despite our modern societal structures, remain a part of the natural order with deeply ingrained - though often ignored - survival instincts. Much of the discussion focuses on the harsh realities of animal rescue and the exotic pet trade. Ryan unpacks the frustrating "Disneyfication" of wildlife, where people expect animals to act like cartoon characters and often treat exotic pets as status symbols rather than living beings. He shares incredible stories from his career, ranging from a close encounter with a 15-foot Nile crocodile and a curious sand tiger shark named Betty, to rescuing a baby herring gull from a shop roof. The hosts and Ryan also dive into his wonderful work bringing rescued exotic animals - like snakes, tarantulas, and his Dalmatian, Bellatrix - to the London Autism Group Charity’s community cafes. Ryan reveals why neurodivergent individuals often form much stronger, more genuine connections with animals compared to neurotypical crowds. They discuss how the absence of complex human social rules and the pure, non-judgmental nature of animals create a safe space for autistic individuals to drop their guard. Finally, the trio emphasises the vital importance of "grounding" and stepping away from technology to be truly present in the imperfect beauty of the natural world. This episode offers a profoundly unique perspective on our place within the ecosystem. Ryan’s passion, raw honesty, and unyielding respect for all life - from leopards to snails - provide a powerful reminder to disconnect from our screens and reconnect with our roots. Whether you are an animal lover, seeking ways to feel more present, or looking for a space free of human judgment, this conversation is an essential listen. Recommended Resources & Mentions: Save the Animals, Save the World: Ryan Parker's wildlife conservation and rescue foundation. Voices of Neurodiversity: An Inclusive Encyclopedia by Chris Papadopoulos: A great read for autistic individuals and parents wanting to understand neurodivergent terminology. London Autism Group Charity Community Cafes: The drop-in hubs mentioned in the episode where neurodivergent people can be themselves, and where Ryan frequently brings his rescued animals. Find out more at: londonautismgroupcharity.org 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 Guided Neurons: Simeon's personal YouTube channel dedicated to self-understanding and autistic insights: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedNeurons 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 9 mins
  • Interview with Vijay Panchal (on the topics of neurodivergent art, cultural stigmas, navigating trauma & more)

    Interview with Vijay Panchal (on the topics of neurodivergent art, cultural stigmas, navigating trauma & more)
    Jun 8 2026
    Join hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi as they welcome Vijay Panchal, a Watford-based neurodivergent artist, workshop facilitator, and public speaker who specializes in character design and visualizing emotions. In this engaging episode, Vijay opens up about his journey to an adult diagnosis of AuDHD (Autism and ADHD). He candidly shares the challenges of enduring multi-year waiting lists, untangling co-occurring "grey area" health conditions like Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Dysautonomia, and the profound closure that came from finally understanding his own neurology and unmasking his authentic self. The conversation deeply explores the intersection of neurodivergence and culture. As a British Indian whose native tongue is Gujarati, Vijay highlights the complexities of navigating a culture that lacks a specific word for autism (often defaulting to words like "Mansik," meaning sickness of the mind). He discusses the impact of generational trauma, stigma, and the vital necessity of cross-cultural education and forging new, neuro-affirming language to break down these barriers. Simeon, Sophia, and Vijay also delve into the powerful relationship between autism, visual thinking, and trauma. Vijay explains how art became his primary language and a vital tool for self-regulation, eventually leading him to facilitate art well-being workshops for others. The trio touches upon masking, overcoming the "negative inner critic," the concept of "flow state," and the importance of implementing holistic health practices - like mindfulness, somatics, and boundary setting - to combat autistic burnout. Whether you are navigating your own complex diagnostic journey, looking for ways to embrace your unique potential, or interested in the healing power of art, Vijay’s perspective offers an incredibly hopeful and validating listen. Vijay’s Recommended Resources & Mentions: Vijay Panchal's Art & Workshops: To see Vijay’s portfolio, character designs, and learn more about his art well-being workshops, click here: VIJAY PANCHAL - FINE ARTIST - Workshops + Exhibitions Problem Shared: The Right to Choose neurodevelopmental assessment service that assisted Vijay with his diagnosis: https://www.problemshared.net/ David Gray-Hammond (Emergent Divergence): An advocate, mentor, and LAGC associate mentioned by Vijay who does brilliant work in the fields of mental health, addiction, and neurodiversity: https://neurohubcommunity.org/ Genius Within / The Genius Finder: Founded by Dr. Nancy Doyle, a resource Vijay used for identifying neurodivergent needs and strengths in terms of advocacy and employment- https://geniuswithin.org/ Hatch Enterprise: The organization where Vijay completed the Launchpad program to develop his art well-being workshops: https://hatchenterprise.org/ Parallel Windsor: The inclusive festival where Vijay has facilitated his workshops: https://www.parallellifestyle.com/windsor 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 Guided Neurons: Simeon's personal YouTube channel dedicated to self-understanding and autistic insights: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedNeurons 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://cafdonate.cafonline.org/30442 - 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 24 mins
  • Interview with Jill Corbyn (on the topics of neurodivergent-led training, late discovery, lived experience leadership, needs-led care & more)

    Interview with Jill Corbyn (on the topics of neurodivergent-led training, late discovery, lived experience leadership, needs-led care & more)
    Feb 24 2026
    Join hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi as they welcome Jill Corbyn, founder and director of the neurodivergent-led community interest company, Neurodiverse Connection. In this insightful episode, Jill shares her journey of being late-discovered autistic, a realization that slowly emerged after working alongside phenomenal autistic colleagues and experiencing a severe period of burnout. The conversation explores how hearing the authentic, insider experiences of autistic people completely shifted her understanding of autism away from traditional, deficit-based medical models. The hosts and Jill dive deep into the vital importance of lived experience leadership and neurodivergent-led training. They discuss the common assumptions professionals must unlearn, the power of using identity-first language, and the phenomenon of autistic people intuitively recognizing one another. Jill explains why we desperately need to move toward a model of needs-led care, rather than gatekeeping vital support behind years-long diagnostic waiting lists. The discussion also tackles systemic advocacy and the challenges of being a lived-experience professional navigating complex systems like the NHS. Jill sheds light on her organization's role in the Culture of Care program, working to improve the sensory environments and support systems within mental health inpatient wards. Alongside this, the trio touches on the Double Empathy Problem, the Autistic Space Framework, dealing with the "scarcity mindset" during difficult times, and the regulating joy of special interests - including Jill’s beloved working cocker spaniel, Bat (Wombat). This episode offers a deeply validating look at the power of community, self-understanding, and authentic connection. Jill’s passion for neurodivergent advocacy and transforming systemic care provides a hopeful roadmap for the future. Whether you are questioning your neurotype, looking for community support, or working in a professional care setting, this conversation is an essential listen. Jill's Recommended Resources & Mentions: Neurodiverse Connection: Jill's organization, offering neurodivergent-led training, resources, and community meetups (including groups for autistic men, Black autistic people, and late-discovered individuals). Visit at: https://ndconnection.co.uk/ The Double Empathy Reader edited by Damian Milton: The book discussed in the episode exploring the Double Empathy Problem. Jill and her colleague Kay contributed a chapter on embodied double empathy. The Autistic SPACE Framework: Created by Autistic Doctors International, a framework for understanding and meeting autistic needs in healthcare and beyond. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks: Sophia's book recommendation from the episode. 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 Guided Neurons: Simeon's personal YouTube channel dedicated to self-understanding and autistic insights: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedNeurons 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 8 mins
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