Stories About Autism

This week I get to speak with Wemima (Wemzy), a mum of three autistic children. They live in the North of England, and Wemzy shares stories from their lives on her TikTok and Instagram pages Aqotas.If you spend any time on the autism side of TikTok, then I’m sure you will have come across their page and their wonderful family. There are so many heartwarming, funny videos that she shares, and the bond between them all is lovely to watch.We talk about the early days, getting an autism diagnosis for her eldest, Shaheem, and what she learned along the way. Shaheem, Soufiyan and Sousan have very different personalities and needs, so we talk about the balancing act it takes to try and meet those needs and keep everybody happy.I met Wemzy at the start of the summer at the SEN Reform Protest, so we talked about her family’s experience with the schooling system.Each of her children has different levels of communication and spoken words, we talk about that development, and how important the use of AAC has been in their

This week I’m joined by Ashley Blaker. Ashley is a dad of 6, that’s right 6 kids. Two of his children are autistic, and he also has an adopted daughter who has Down Syndrome. As well as being a dad, Ashley is a comedian and writer and has been part of numerous TV and radio shows such as Little Britain, V Graham Norton, and Fantasy Football League, as well as two Off-Broadway shows. Ashley recorded a BBC Radio 4 show with his family, Ashley Blaker 6.5 Children, which is part stand-up, part documentary, where they discuss parenting, adoption, and raising children with special needs. This has led to his new book, Normal Schmormal which he describes as his occasionally helpful guide to parenting kids with special needs. It’s a part memoir, part how-to guide, sharing the challenges as well as the many rewarding and happy moments of parenting children with additional needs. I found the book insightful and funny in equal measure, and well worth a read for any family with SEN in their lives. We get to talk about the

This week I’m joined by Stephanie Vavron, who tells us her family’s story about autism. Steph lives in Scotland, is a single mum of two, and her youngest, Max, is autistic and also has Cerebral Palsy.I first became aware of Steph last year when one of her TikTok videos about the packed lunches she makes for Max went viral. Whereas many autistic kids will only eat what’s often described as beige food, Max is the complete opposite and loves spicy foods and different textures.Join us as we talk about- Max's diagnosis, and what led Steph to push for one - What autism means for Max - Meltdowns and self-injurious behaviours - Co-parenting, and the juggle of work and meeting Max's needs - The school syst

On this week’s episode of the Stories About Autism Podcast , I’m joined by TJ from the social media pages Nigh Functioning Autism. TJ is an autistic adult who was diagnosed in her teens, along with diagnoses of epilepsy, OCD, and ADHD. She is a single mum of 3, and two of her children are autistic.  I’ve been speaking with TJ online for years, and often picking her brain as she is such a font of knowledge, and always happy to help, as anyone who already follows her will know, especially. This is especially true when it comes to using AAC devices just like my son Tommy does.In this episode, we talk about some really important topics, including* The shock TJ had when received her autism diagnosis * Going through the autism diagnosis process with 2 of her children* TJ’s own communication struggles and the difference AAC has made to her life* Some tips from TJ on how to get started with AAC and implement it at home* The power of social media and the community and how combined with her autism diagnosis, it helped

This week I talk with Martin, an autistic adult from Denmark. Martin also has diagnoses of ADHD and Tourettes, and shares stories from his life on his Instagram and TikTok pages A Different Spectrum. Join us as we talk aboutMartin's autism diagnosis as a childMasking at school and what it felt likeMeltdowns and shutdownsSpecial interestsStimming and why it's so importantAAC communicationAutism and the LGBTQ communityHow blogging has helped him find communityFollow MartinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_different_spectrumTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@a_different_spectrumFollow me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesaboutautism/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storiesaboutautismTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stories_about_autismYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@storiesaboutautismI hope you enjoyed the episode. If you did please leave a review and subscribe to help others find the podcast and ensure you don't miss an episode This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with othe

This week I talk with Nicola, a mum of three girls, including Hallie who is autistic. Nicola has been sharing her family's story on Instagram and TikTok for the last 18 months on her page Happy Hands With Hallie. Join us as we talk aboutEarly signs of autism in HallieFighting for an autism diagnosisAutism in girlsAutism and foodSensory challengesSleepHallie's relationship with her sistersEHCP's and applying for a school placeFollow NicolaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyhandswith_hallie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090140610963TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happyhandswith_hallieYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@happyhandswith_hallieFollow me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesaboutautism/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storiesaboutautismTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stories_about_autismYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@storiesaboutautismI hope you enjoyed the episode. If you did please leave a review and subscribe to help others find the podcast and ensure you d

Join me as I chat with Jan and Tabitha from Hunrosa Sleep Consultancy, discussing why so many autistic people struggle with sleep, and what we can do to make sleep better for the whole family. In this episode we talk aboutWhy so many autistic people struggle with sleepHow our sensory system impacts sleepMelatonin - what it is and is it safe?Tips to improve the bedtime routineWhat to do when our kids wake up in the nightCo-sleepingHow to make seasonal changes easierHow parents can improve their own sleepYou can find out more about Hunrosa, their services, and their app : https://hunrosa.co.uk/Their free resources: https://hunrosa.co.uk/resources/instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunrosa.sleep/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hunrosasleepTo book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/sleepmeet/talk-to-a-sleep-consultant?month=2023-07Follow me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesaboutautism/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storiesaboutautismTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stories_about_autismFo

In this episode, me and Heidi discussHer son Theo's mental health crisis, brought on by his struggles at school as an undiagnosed autistic studentRealising that Theo was autistic, and what little she knew about autismBattling with professionals to recognise her son was autistic and needed support. EOTAS (Education Other Than At School) and how that saved TheoAdvice for parents of children who are struggling at schoolHeidi's own autism diagnosis, and the impact it has had on her lifeThe importance of Sensory regulationWhy you should explore an autism diagnosis even as an adultThe power of communityHeidi's book "Your Child Is Not Broken"Follow HeidiWebsite:https://www.heidimavir.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidimavir/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/heidi.bangtidyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heidimavirHer book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Your-Child-Not-Broken-Neurodivergent/dp/1035030578/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=heidi+mavir+my+child+is+not+broken&qid=1689718020&sprefix=heidi+ma%2Caps%2C

This week I'm mixing it up a bit and telling you more about our story.I'm answering questions from previous podcast guests, and from some of our followers on Instagram.I get to talk about*The early years for Tommy and Jude, and their diagnosis*Therapies that have helped along the way*The greatest challenges we've faced*Worrying about the future*What made me decide to start bloggingAnd much more....Hopefully you enjoy this episode and I'll do some more in the futureUSEFUL LINKSOur blog: http://www.storiesaboutautism.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storiesaboutautism/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesaboutautism/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesaboutautism.substack.com

This week I get to talk to my first international guest, Jill Powell, all the way from South Carolina, USAI've been friends with Jill for a few years now, after getting to know her through her blog Walking With Drake.Jill is the mum of Drake, who is autistic, and it's their story she shares with me.We talk about the early years, what led to Drake's diagnosis, and how things differ in America compared to the UK when it comes to services and therapies.We also talk about ABA therapy, communication devices, and their autism service dog, Koda, and how much she has transformed Drake's life.Jill talks very positively about autism, and is true to her feelings with all that she writes. I'm sure you'll love getting to know more about her and DrakeUseful Links:Jill's blog: http://walkingwithdrake.blogspot.com/Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Walking-With-Drake-571808809631553/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkingwithdrake/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers

We're back! After a much longer break than intended, we're kicking off season 3 with a very special guest, Carly Jones MBE.I found Carly on twitter last year and have been an avid follower ever since. Carly is a mum of 3 girls, 2 of whom are autistic. It was during their diagnosis process that she too would later be diagnosed as autistic. We talk all about this time in their lives, what autism means to them as a family, and how Carly feels about her diagnosis being missed when she was younger.Carly readily admits that once she discovered she was autistic, she found her true life purpose, to try and help other autistic girls. Ever since then she has been a massive advocate, campaigning, raising awareness, and educating the world on autism in girls. We speak all about her advocacy work, which has gone so well that last year Carly was awarded an MBEUseful Links from our chatCarly's website: http://britishautismadvocate.simpl.com/Carly's twitter: https://twitter.com/CarlyJonesMBEEpidemic of Knowledge - Carly's fi

This week I'm joined by Miriam Gwynne, mother of autistic twins, Isaac and Naomi. Miriam also who writes the blog Faith MummyI've been reading Miriam's blog since before I started my own, and have loved following Isaac and Naomi's progress over the years, so was delighted to get the chance to talk with her about their story. Even though they are twins, autism means very different things for Isaac and Naomi, just like it does for Tommy and Jude.We get to talk all about their younger years, when the word autism first entered their lives, and also the many other diagnoses that Isaac would later receive.Then we talk about Isaac's unique way of communicating, through Google Maps, and also about how he absolutely loves lifts (elevators) and how it led to being sent lift videos from around the world, and even from Holly and Phil on This Morning!We discuss Naomi's selective mutism, and the strength of her bond with her brother. When their local park receive a makeover Naomi was able to campaign for them to make furth

This week I'm talking to Caro Greenwood, who is a mum of 4, wife of Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood, and runs the blog Spikey MamaCaro's daughter Matilda is autistic, but getting a diagnosis has been far from straightforward. Caro shares all that they went through, the numerous specialists and professionals they saw over the years before finally a diagnosis was givenWe talk all things autism, what it means for their family, and in particular their experiences with school, and how they've struggled to find one that meets Matilda's needs.Caro's also very honest sharing some of the mistakes she's made over the years as a parent, and just how much she's evolved in the process. Lots of fascinating insightYou can follow Caro and her story over on Instagram at her page Spikey Mama https://www.instagram.com/spikey_mama/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesaboutautism.substack.com

A couple of years ago, whilst the world was reflecting on Donald Trump being elected as the new US President, another story went viral and was challenging it for most read. That was the story of today's guest, his autistic son Ben, and a little blue cup!After following that story, I met Marc a few months ago, and knew I had to get him as a guest on the podcast.Marc introduces us to the story of his family, his three autistic children, and what autism means to their lives. We talk about their individual strengths and challenges, and how they all get on under one roof.We discuss the provision that's out there for autistic adults once they leave school (or lack of) and what the government should be doing to put things right.We also speak about mental health, in particular Marc's own story, and that of carers in general.Plus of course we talk about Ben's Little Blue Cup, and how that one story has turned into a charity that helps hundreds of families worldwide. I'm sure this is an episode that you're going to lov

I've been asked by so many listeners if I can interview a teacher who works with autistic children. Well this week I go one better and speak to Victoria Hatton, who's not only a teacher, but also has an autistic daughter too. Victoria shares so much valuable information, tips and ideas, looking at autism as both a teacher and a parent.We get to talk about what inspired her to become a teacher, and the strategies she's developed along the way. We learn about her daughter's diagnosis, and how her special interests really helped her to thrive. Victoria also shares strategies that might help other children, how to go about getting extra support in school or an EHCP, and also what to do if school isn't working.I loved our chat together, and sure you will too.To find out more about Victoria and the work she does go to https://starlightandstories.com/ or to find the groups she mentions and her book go to https://autismconsultancyinternational.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with othe

Finally we're back! In the first episode of series 2 I talk with Nicole, who writes the blog My Boy Blue, and is mum to Riley, who is autistic.A few months back Nicole convinced me to join the world of Snapchat so that I could take part in her "Through Their Eyes" campaign, to raise autism awareness during Autism Awareness Week. It went incredibly well and also raised thousands of pounds for a local autism charity in Ireland.During this episode we get to talk about Nicole and Riley's whole journey, from what first prompted her to take Riley to see a doctor, to the impact of his diagnosis and life is like today. We chat about the state of autism services in Ireland, and how an autism service dog is changing Riley's life.We also talk about the power of social media and just how much of a difference it is making in her local community.Nicole was a great guest, who was completely honest and open in sharing stories from their lives.You can find out more about Nicole and Riley by following them on Facebo

Today I get to talk to Steph from the blog Steph's Two Girls. In case you couldn't guess, Steph is the mum of two daughters, and she shares with me her autism story about her youngest daughter Sasha who is autistic. Sasha's diagnosis is a little bit different as she is diagnosed with a distinct profile of autism called Pathological Demand Avoidance or PDA. I knew nothing about PDA until I found Steph's blog a couple of years ago, so it was great to get to talk to her, learn some more about what PDA is and share it with you all. We talk about how Sasha came to get a PDA diagnosis, what it means for her everyday life, and some of the strategies they use to help Sasha to cope.A really interesting and informative episode, I hope you enjoy it!To find out more about Steph and her story visit her blog http://www.stephstwogirls.co.uk/ and for more information about PDA please see https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus e

A few years ago when I stumbled upon the world of autism and social media, one of the first blogs I read by an autistic adult was a blog called Autistic Not Weird written by Chris Bonnello. Since then I've got to know Chris a little bit and was really excited to talk to him on this episode and find out his story about autism.We get to talk about what life was like for Chris in his younger years, knowing he was different but not having a diagnosis. How his life changed once he received his diagnosis as an adult, and what being autistic has meant for him building relationships and having a career.We also talk about some of Chris most popular blog posts, and some of the great advice he has for parents of children with autism.You can find out more about Chris on his blog http://autisticnotweird.com/ which has all of the original articles that he talks about. You should also check out his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/autisticnotweird/?ref=br_rsHit the subscribe button so you don't miss any of our episode

In each episode I get to speak to a parent of a child with autism, an autistic adult, or somebody who works with the autism community, today I get to speak to somebody who ticks all 3 boxes! Ella, of the blog Purple Ella, someone who I met a couple of years ago, shortly after her own diagnosis. We talk about what difference it's made to her life, meltdowns, anxiety, and the strategies she's put in place to help cope. How important routine is for her and her family, and how her autism diagnosis has led to a brand new career. Some great insight that's really useful for family members and autistic individuals alike.You can find out more about Ella on her blog https://www.purpleella.com/ and all over social media by searching for Purple EllaFor more about me, Tommy and Jude, head to http://www.storiesaboutautism.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesaboutautism.substack.com

Here's a chat with a very good friend of mine, Kevin O'Neill, from the Facebook page, Autism From A Dad's Eye View. Kevin is the dad to 3 children, and 2 of them are autistic. We get to talk about their diagnosis, how autism is so different for them both, schools, their love for their big sister, and regression. We also talk about being non-verbal, pro-Stim, and much much more.To find out more about Kevin visit his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AutismFromADadsEyeView/and to find the two groups he mentions Autism and Food https://www.facebook.com/groups/1962377904002332/ and his dad's group 'Autism Dad's In It Together' https://www.facebook.com/groups/798672493573079/For more about James, Tommy and Jude visit https://www.storiesaboutautism.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesaboutautism.substack.com