Autism Central Podcast

Welcome to Season 4 of the Autism Central Podcast, hosted by psychotherapist, podcaster, and author Catherine Asta. To open the season, we’re doing something special.In this episode, Catherine is joined by both of her daughters - Caty and Kristina - for a gentle, insightful mother-daughter conversation that sets the tone for the journey ahead. You’ll first hear from Caty, who not only joins on mic, but also works behind the scenes editing the podcast. Together, they reflect on what it means to create a mother-daughter show, nurturing strengths as a mature student at university, their ‘family eco-system,’ and why this podcast matters to the parents, carers, and supporters who need it most.Then the microphone is handed to Catherine’s youngest daughter, 8-year-old (and three-quarters!) Kristina, stepping into the guest-host role to ask her mum five thoughtful questions about life as an autistic person and parent.Their conversation explores:What it feels like to navigate the world with an autistic and multiply neurodivergent brainChildhood experiences before knowing she was autisticThe strengths autism bringsThe emotional clarity of a late autism discoveryWhat it’s like balancing autistic needs with parentingIt’s warm, honest and deeply human -  a window into a multiply neurodivergent family committed to kindness, compassion, curiosity, and building a life that works for each of them. This episode offers parents and supporters a rare, real-life insight into autistic experience across generations - and why community, understanding, and the right support matter so much.Connect with Catherinewww.catherineasta.comResources Catherine makes reference to in the episode:Catherine’s book ‘Rediscovered’ and ‘The Late Discovered Club Podcast’Autism CentralSubscribe to our FREE newsletterExplore our FREE support - 1:1 sessions, blogs, events 

Holly chats to autistic researcher Dr. Wenn Lawson aboutgetting older and what this means for autistic people.Find out more about our programme for parents and carers ofautistic people at autismcentral.org.ukSome of our podcast episodes contain specialist terms youmay be unfamiliar with. We’ve put together a glossary toexplain some of the terms mentioned.The Autism Central Podcast is produced by Autism Central andis the copyright of NHS England. All rights reserved. More content can be found on our YouTube channel.

Holly talks to autistic mothers Lynette Morgan and Sophia Abdel about their experiences in pregnancy and motherhood.Links for this episode:Maternity Autism Research GroupFind out more about our programme for parents and carers of autistic people at autismcentral.org.ukSome of our podcast episodes contain specialist terms you may be unfamiliar with. We’ve put together a glossary to explain some of the terms mentioned.The Autism Central Podcast is produced by Autism Central and is the copyright of NHS England. All rights reserved. More content can be found on the Autism Central YouTube channel.

Holly meets Jamie + Lion to talk about their experiences around moving away from home, setting up an autism-friendly space and how to get support with independent living.Find out more about our programme for parents and carers of autistic people at autismcentral.org.ukSome of our podcast episodes contain specialist terms you may be unfamiliar with. We’ve put together a glossary to explain some of the terms mentioned.The Autism Central Podcast is produced by Autism Central and is the copyright of NHS England. All rights reserved. More content can be found on the Autism Central YouTube channel.

Holly talks to Senior Lecturer in Autism Dr Luke Beardon and autistic student Leona Laverty about starting university and how to get support.Find out more about our programme for parents and carers of autistic people at autismcentral.org.ukSome of our podcast episodes contain specialist terms you may be unfamiliar with. We’ve put together a glossary to explain some of the terms mentioned.The Autism Central Podcast is produced by Autism Central and is the copyright of NHS England. All rights reserved. More content can be found on the Autism Central YouTube channel.

Holly chats to two autistic people, Andrew Carpenter and Mandy Taylor, about their experiences around starting work, with tips and advice for other autistic people.Links for this episode:·      Access to work ·      Finding work – links to resources on the Autism Central website·      Transition to adulthood – free resources that can be accessed by registering on the Autism Central websiteFind out more about our programme for parents and carers of autistic people at autismcentral.org.ukSome of our podcast episodes contain specialist terms you may be unfamiliar with. We’ve put together a glossary to explain some of the terms mentioned.The Autism Central Podcast is produced by Autism Central and is the copyright of NHS England. All rights reserved. More content can be found on the Autism Central YouTube channel.

Holly meets autistic coach Sarah-Jane Critchley and autistic mum and veterinary surgeon Jacq Watkins to talk about the changes young people face when finishing school and how we can best support them.Find out more about our programme for parents and carers of autistic people at autismcentral.org.ukSome of our podcast episodes contain specialist terms you may be unfamiliar with. We’ve put together a glossary to explain some of the terms mentioned.The Autism Central Podcast is produced by Autism Central and is the copyright of NHS England. All rights reserved. More content can be found on the Autism Central YouTube channel.

Holly talks to Dr Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker about puberty and what parents and carers can do to support autistic young people during this period.Links for this episode:You can watch the following free webinar series by Dr Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker on the Autism Central website:·      Wellbeing for parents/carers·      Navigating education and working well with school·      Low demand parenting Find out more about our programme for parents and carers of autistic people at autismcentral.org.ukSome of our podcast episodes contain specialist terms you may be unfamiliar with. We’ve put together a glossary to explain some of the terms mentioned. The Autism Central Podcast is produced by Autism Central and is the copyright of NHS England. All rights reserved.  More content can be found on the Autism Central YouTube channel.

Holly talks to Hannah Molloy, Jacob Lennon and Sophia Vasi about their experiences of transitions at school. Links for this episode:Autistic Young Experts share their views on bullying (requires registration on the Autism Central website to view)Autistic and OK programme Find out more about our programme for parents and carers ofautistic people at autismcentral.org.uk Some of our podcast episodes contain specialist terms youmay be unfamiliar with. We’ve put together a glossary toexplain some of the terms mentioned. The Autism Central Podcast is produced by Autism Central andis the copyright of NHS England. All rights reserved. More content can be found on the Autism Central YouTubechannel.

Holly chats to Amanda Hind about the experience of starting school for autistic people. Amanda is an autism researcher, qualified SENCO and autistic mum to autistic children.Find out more about our programme for parents and carers of autistic people at autismcentral.org.uk Some of our podcast episodes contain specialist terms you may be unfamiliar with. We’ve put together a glossary to explain some of the terms mentioned.The Autism Central Podcast is produced by Autism Central and is the copyright of NHS England. All rights reserved. More content can be found on the Autism Central YouTube channel.