The Imperfects

Fern Brady - Autistic in a Non-Autistic World

Apr 14, 2024

Scottish comedian Fern Brady discusses her recent Autism diagnosis in her 30s, sharing insights on living with Autism unknowingly for 30 years. She explores the challenges of being different without understanding why and reflects on the impact of her diagnosis on her life and relationships.

01:26:58

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Episode guests

Fern Brady

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Masking autism is like speaking a foreign language all day, causing exhaustion from the pressure to conform to societal norms.

Interacting in social settings can be challenging for autistic individuals, hindering advocacy for personal boundaries and needs in unsupportive environments.

Autistic individuals may face sensory overload and meltdowns due to triggers like fluorescent lighting, noise, and touch sensitivities, emphasizing the importance of managing sensory challenges.

Deep dives

Challenges in Masking Autism

Trying to mask autism is like trying to speak a foreign language all day, never achieving fluency. The pressure to conform to neurotypical social cues can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of exhaustion.

Introduction

2min

Exploring Autism and Feminism: Fern Brady's Journey

9min

Navigating Communication Challenges and Embracing Autism

2min

Exploring the Impact of Cruelty and Manipulation on Autistic Individuals

2min

Navigating the Perception Gap as an Autistic Individual in Media and Society

2min

Exploring Portrayals of Autism in Media and Reflections on Mortality

9min

Masking Autism in a Neurotypical World

18min

Navigating Friendship Dynamics

17min

Navigating Meltdowns and Airport Experiences for Autistic Individuals

3min

10.

Navigating the World of Autism

16min

11.

Exploring Foot Porn and Misconceptions in Stripping Industry

4min

12.

A Personal Reflection on Autism Representation and Challenges

4min

In this episode, Scottish comedian, Fern Brady joins us in the The Vulnerabilitea House.

In pulling the card “how would your ambitions change if you only had one year to live?”, Fern shares a very recent story, after receiving a terrifying phone call from her doctor.

Fern also discusses being diagnosed with Autism in her 30s, 20 years after telling a doctor she thought she was Autistic.

Fern talks with with great insight and humour, not only about life since her diagnosis, but what it was like living for 30 years with Autism and not knowing - always feeling different to the average person…yet having no idea why.

She's an all round brilliant human and we know you are going to love this conversation as much as we did!

To watch the full episode on YouTube click here: https://youtu.be/-DLkVQj8N34

To purchase Fern’s book, 'Strong Female Character', follow this link: https://bit.ly/4aSot20.

To see Fern’s Comedy special on Netlfix follow this link: https://bit.ly/49AkQNp.

And you can see Fern’s hilarious promo featuring her dad, here https://bit.ly/3vVRb3a

There are still tickets available Fern’s antipodean Live tour “I gave you milk to drink”. Tickets still available in Sydney https://bit.ly/49usjgM, & NZ https://bit.ly/3TYM0r9.

To learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Fern talks about in this episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Q466iC

You can purchase the book Aspergirls by Rudy Simone here https://bit.ly/3QmYKXZ, and you can stream Six Feet Under here https://bit.ly/3TTZRiD.

To try Sam Harris’s meditation app you can follow this link: https://bit.ly/4d7HrUz
Or to read his book Lying, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3vGDHIK

To see Susan Boyle’s Britain’s Got Talent Audition, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3VTeKUY

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The Imperfects

Fern Brady - Autistic in a Non-Autistic World

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Challenges in Masking Autism

Navigating Social Interactions and Advocating for Self

Managing Meltdowns and Sensory Overload

Friendships and Social Connectivity

Autism Spectrum and Coping Mechanisms

Personal Struggles and Autistic Representation

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts