Autism Central Podcast

Real stories and honest conversations, we bring together autistic people and the people who love, support, and care for autistic people of all ages and backgrounds to explore every aspect of life. Autism Central is the national peer education programme for families and support networks of autistic people in England, the programme is delivered by Anna Freud and commissioned by the NHS. Through education, coaching, and connection, we offer resources, webinars, one-to-one peer support, and community events that centre lived experience and build real understanding www.autismcentral.org.uk

Autism Central Podcast is a health podcast hosted by By Autism Central, with 44 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

By Autism Central hosts Autism Central Podcast, a health show with 44 episodes published.

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  Autism Central Podcast

  Autism, culture and breaking the silence

  Aug 13, 202647 min

  Autism, Culture and Breaking the Silence In this episode Catherine Asta is joined by AuDHD advocate, mother, researcher and founder of Chinese Autism, Hazel Lim, to explore autism, culture and the experiences of families navigating neurodivergence within the Chinese community. Drawing on her own lived experience as an AuDHD mother of three neurodivergent children, Hazel reflects on how her journey led her to create spaces where families can talk openly, find understanding and feel less alone. Together they explore the cultural stigma and silence that can surround autism within Chinese communities and the additional barriers faced by families from minority and migrant communities. Along with the importance of why language support needs to be combined with cultural understanding and neuroaffirming practice to build genuine trust between families and services. This is a powerful conversation about intersectionality, advocacy and the courage it takes to break silence. Hazel reminds us how with greater understanding, culturally informed support and communities willing to listen, families can move away from shame and towards acceptance, confidence and the freedom to embrace difference. Connect with Hazel https://chineseautism.org.uk What’s on at Autism Central? Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Explore our, NHS funded, FREE support - 1:1 sessions, blogs, events Connect with Catherine Email: hellocatherineasta@gmail.com Website I Instagram I Art Books: Rediscovered and Still Living

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  Autism Central Podcast

  The intersection of autism and epilepsy

  Jul 31, 202647 min

  In this episode Catherine Asta is joined by writer, birthkeeper and filmmaker Lucy Baena to explore the often-overlooked intersection of autism and epilepsy. Drawing on her lived experience as an autistic and epileptic woman, Lucy shares a deeply personal account of growing up with epilepsy, receiving a late autism diagnosis at 38, and how understanding both has transformed the way she understands herself. Together they discuss the hidden realities of living with epilepsy beyond seizures, including stigma, disclosure, trauma and the emotional impact of navigating a world that often misunderstands invisible disabilities. Lucy reflects on the challenges of being dismissed by professionals, the overlap between epilepsy and autistic experiences such as shutdowns, meltdowns and burnout, and why listening to lived experience is essential to providing person-centred care. The conversation also explores practical ways families, friends and professionals can offer meaningful support and Lucy reflects on how self-compassion has become life-changing, why disability does not diminish the possibility of a joyful and meaningful life. What’s on at Autism Central? Explore the ⁠⁠⁠Autism Central website⁠⁠⁠ for FREE NHS-funded 1:1 coaching sessions, events and resources for families of autistic people in England and their support networks. Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE newsletter⁠⁠ Connect with Lucy ⁠ Instagram ⁠ Connect with Catherine Email: hellocatherineasta@gmail.com Website I Instagram I Art Books: Rediscovered and Still Living

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  Autism Central Podcast

  Autism, strengths-based approaches and everyday tools for life

  Jul 17, 202652 min

  In this episode of the Autism Central Podcast, Catherine Asta is joined by AuDHD coach, researcher and positive psychology practitioner Dr Rebecca Jackson to explore practical strategies and everyday tools for daily living. Drawing on both her lived experience and her work supporting neurodivergent adults, she shares why understanding yourself is the foundation for finding tools and approaches that genuinely work. Together they explore the power of taking a strengths-based approach to neurodivergence, discussing why recognising what comes naturally can improve wellbeing, reduce burnout and help people build lives that feel more aligned with who they really are. The conversation also explores practical tools and technology that can support daily living, from productivity systems and AI to sensory support, energy management and simple planning strategies. They discuss why there is no one-size-fits-all solution, how to experiment with different approaches without judgement, and why the most effective support is the one that works with your brain rather than against it. Whether you're autistic, ADHD, AuDHD or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical ideas emphasizing self-awareness, realistic strategies and the importance of permission and self-compassion. What’s on at Autism Central? Explore the ⁠⁠Autism Central website⁠⁠ for FREE NHS-funded 1:1 coaching sessions, events and resources for families of autistic people in England and their support networks. Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠FREE newsletter⁠⁠ Connect with Dr Rebecca Jackson LinkedIn Website Instagram Connect with Catherine Email: hellocatherineasta@gmail.com Website I Instagram I Art Books: Rediscovered and Still Living

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  Autism Central Podcast

  Autistic and expecting: Pregnancy, birth and becoming a parent

  Jul 3, 202642 min

  In this episode Catherine Asta is joined by AuDHD psychotherapist, author and researcher Alexis Quinn to explore what pregnancy, birth and early parenthood can look like for autistic people. Drawing on both her lived experience and the research behind her book Autistic and Expecting , Alexis reflects on how understanding her own neurodivergence transformed her experience of becoming a parent and why autism cannot be separated from the journey into parenthood. Together they discuss the unique challenges autistic people can face throughout pregnancy, from sensory changes and communication differences to navigating healthcare appointments, uncertainty and the emotional impact of becoming a parent. Alexis shares why understanding your own sensory and communication needs before birth can make a significant difference and explains how planning ahead can help create a more positive and empowering experience. The conversation explores what autism-inclusive maternity care really looks like, including reasonable adjustments, birth rights, continuity of care and the importance of being listened to without judgement. Catherine and Alexis also discuss practical tools such as maternity passports, preparing for different birth scenarios and building supportive relationships with healthcare professionals and family members throughout pregnancy and beyond. This is a much needed conversation about informed choice and creating birth experiences where autistic parents feel seen, understood and supported. Alexis reminds us that while pregnancy and birth can feel overwhelming and unpredictable, with the right adjustments, knowledge and support, autistic people can have positive, transformative experiences of becoming parents. What’s on at Autism Central? Explore the ⁠Autism Central website⁠ for FREE NHS-funded 1:1 coaching sessions, events and resources. Subscribe to our ⁠⁠FREE newsletter⁠⁠ Episode Reference Links: ⁠ Birth Rights ⁠ ⁠ Autistic Parents ⁠ Connect with Alexis: https://alexisquinn.co.uk/ Books: UNbroken Autistic and Expecting Connect with Catherine Email: hellocatherineasta@gmail.com Website I Instagram I Art Books: Rediscovered and Still Living

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  Autism Central Podcast

  Love needs no words: Autism and fatherhood

  Jun 19, 202658 min

  In this episode Catherine Asta is joined by award-winning autism advocate, author and founder of "Stories About Autism", James Hunt, for a heartfelt conversation about raising autistic children as they move from childhood into adulthood. Drawing on nearly two decades of lived experience parenting his two non-speaking autistic sons, James reflects on how his understanding of autism, communication and fatherhood has evolved over time. Together they explore the hopes and uncertainties that many families face as autistic young people transition into adulthood. James shares the realities of preparing for life beyond school, balancing hope with understandable fears about future support, independence and long-term care, while explaining why staying present has become one of the most valuable lessons he has learned as a parent. The conversation shines a light on communication beyond spoken language, from body language and AAC as well as the realities of family life, including sleep deprivation, isolation, building community and the emotional impact of caring. They reflect on why finding other families who truly understand can make such a difference, and how peer support helps parents navigate both the challenges and the joy of raising autistic children. This is a hopeful conversation about finding acceptance, embracing a different path, celebrating the "inchstones" alongside the milestones and discovering that a meaningful life is often found in the moments you never expected. James reminds us that while the future feels scary and uncertain, there is also joy, connection and hope to be found here in the present. What’s on at Autism Central? Subscribe to our FREE newsletter Explore the Autism Central website for FREE NHS-funded 1:1 coaching sessions, events and resources. Connect with James ⁠ Instagram ⁠ Jame’s Book: ⁠ Love Needs No Words ⁠ Connect with Catherine Email: hellocatherineasta@gmail.com Website I Instagram I Art Books: Rediscovered and Still Living

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