“The One Thing About Autism That F*cks Me Off” - My Wife, Sam Branson Opens Up
The Hidden 20%
Explaining Autistic Shutdowns
Sam outlines the signs and feelings of Ben's shutdowns and how they affect household life and communication.
Seventeen months on, Sam Branson - Ben’s Wife - returns for her most honest conversation yet. Their daughter River is now diagnosed autistic, and Sam and Ben reflect on how that has reshaped their marriage, family life and understanding of each other.
This episode is their most vulnerable yet.
Sam reflects on what it has really been like since Ben’s autism diagnosis and the pain of autistic shutdowns from both perspectives.
Together, they talk about parenting an autistic child, adjusting their communication and finding understanding and compassion in the hard moments.
This is a raw, honest conversation for anyone raising an ND child or loving someone whose brain works differently.
Join us at hidden20.org/donate.
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Host: Ben Branson
Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller
00:00 Introduction
01:26 Reflecting Since Sam’s Last Episode (17 Months Later)
05:22 Autism Diagnosis: How Are Things Now in Our Marriage?
06:19 “Let’s Talk About Autistic Shutdowns”: The Pain From Both Sides
21:12 Ben & Sam on Their Daughter River’s Autism Diagnosis
28:34 Sam vs Ben: Parenting an Autistic Child Differently
36:25 The Importance of Neurodiversity-Aware Schooling
38:45 “I Have More Patience for Our Daughter’s Autism Than Yours”
39:45 “I Wasn’t For Our Daughter’s Autism Diagnosis”
58:11 Navigating Autism, Marriage, Shutdowns & Family Life
1:00:12 Sam’s Top Tips for ND Families at Christmas
1:14:15 Sam’s Green Dot Badge
The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.
Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.
No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.
1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.
To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.
With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.
Join us at hidden20.org/donate.
Become a monthly donor.
Be part of our community where great minds think differently.
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
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Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
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