Meet My Autistic Brain

This episode features my chat with Dr. Clem Bastow, the brilliant writer and one of the editors behind the anthology, Someone Like Me. Dr. Bastow is also the author of the critically acclaimed 2021 best-seller, Late Bloomer: How An Autism Diagnosis Changed My Life. They share the fascinating process of how the diverse voices for Someone Like Me were chosen, the powerful messages the collection conveys, and the unique and beautiful ways each author found to express themselves.Dr. Bastow gives us a look into their own autistic experience as a screenwriter, teacher, and critic. You'll hear how their interest in film shapes their communication in entertaining ways. So grab your popcorn and get ready for a fascinating and enlightening conversation with Dr. Clem Bastow.Someone Like Me available nowSomeone Like Me U.S. preorderLate Bloomer: How An Autism Diagnosis Changed My LifeLate Bloomer audio editionDr. Bastow's thesis: I Can't Describe What I'm FeelingBio: Dr Clem Bastow (they/them) is a screenwriter, cultural critic and award-winning critical Autism studies researcher from Naarm-Melbourne. Clem works as a screenwriter and neurodiversity consultant for film and TV, and teaches screenwriting at the University of Melbourne. Clem's debut non-fiction book, Late Bloomer, was published in 2021. They have contributed to books including Investigating Stranger Things and ReFocus: The films of Elaine May, and their writing appears regularly in the Guardian. They're currently working on a series of critical Autism studies essays and a collection of speculative fiction short stories. Learn more about Sunsama!Support the showSunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. InstagramKo-fi, PayPal, PatreonLinktreeEmail: info@theautisticwoman.comWebsite

After diagnosis the question is often “What do I do now?” Our guest, Rachel Morgan-Trimmer, has written a book with the answers. She takes us on a journey to find comfort in our own skin, realize our inherent value, and truly understand who we are. This is one you don’t want to miss.How To Be Autistic website and book FireBird (Rachel’s Consulting website) AuDHD Day  AuDHD Day is a new annual event established by advocates to raise awareness and celebrate individuals with both autism and ADHD officially taking place on September 9th, 2025.AuDHD Day Substack Social media hashtags: #AuDHDDay #IAmAuDHD #ISupportAuDHDDayLearn more about Sunsama!Support the showSunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. InstagramKo-fi, PayPal, PatreonLinktreeEmail: info@theautisticwoman.comWebsite

You may have heard the term “autism tax” but what is it? Why do autistic people pay more merely for existing? This episode answers those questions and more. You may be surprised at what you learn.Listen to this episode next:Autism, ADHD or Both?Support the showSunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. InstagramKo-fi, PayPal, PatreonLinktreeEmail: info@theautisticwoman.comWebsite

Daria Brown, author of We Chose Play, talks with me about an approach that emphasizes connecting through play called Floortime which promotes communication by focusing on strengths and growth. She also candidly shares her thoughts about life as a relatively newly diagnosed autistic woman. Listen now to the engaging frankness of Daria Brown.Daria Brown's websiteDaria Brown's bookDaria Brown's podcastOther author interviews to check out:Dr. Megan Anna NeffJD BarkerSamantha SteinDr. Sol SmithJackie SchuldBecca Lory HectorLearn more about Sunsama!Support the showSunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. InstagramKo-fi, PayPal, PatreonLinktreeEmail: info@theautisticwoman.comWebsite

Tanya Roberts, an autistic advocate and creator of Mindfulness Done Differently, shares her unique approach to mindfulness tailored for autistic individuals. She discusses the challenges of traditional practices and introduces sensory-friendly methods that incorporate movement. Tanya highlights the significance of community in fostering self-acceptance and emotional health. She also reflects on her late discovery of autism and the strengths that come with it, encouraging authenticity over societal norms. Join her supportive community for innovative mindfulness strategies!

Discover the empowering journey of embracing an autistic identity. The discussion highlights eleven uplifting reasons for celebrating autism, from recognizing personal strengths to enhancing self-acceptance. Learn how food preferences and special interests can be a source of joy and fulfillment. The host shares relatable insights, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences. It’s a reminder that knowing oneself can lead to a more positive outlook on life.

The podcast has now officially reached 1,000,000 downloads!When I started Meet My Autistic Brain, I never could have imagined it would reach so many of you. To think that a million times, someone has hit play on an episode is just… mind-blowing. I love that you have supported the podcast, shared it and helped build our community.From my heart, thank you for making the podcast a success, for sending me your thoughts and suggestions and for supporting our sponsors and the guests who so generously take the time to talk to you. I'm truly grateful for each and every one of you who has listened.I have a feeling that we’re only getting started. Let’s keep going. Let’s keep spreading the word about what it’s like to be autistic.Support the showSunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. InstagramKo-fi, PayPal, PatreonLinktreeEmail: info@theautisticwoman.comWebsite

Do autistics share experiences and behaviors? Here are some things we have in common. What fits for you? This episode has been remastered.Support the showSunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. InstagramKo-fi, PayPal, PatreonLinktreeEmail: info@theautisticwoman.comWebsite

Special interests are one of the diagnostic criteria for autism. They bring us happiness! Many autistics become near-experts at their area of interest. Can something about our neurology affect how we experience special interests? You might be surprised.Iceland Volcano Reykjanes Peninsula Live Camera Support the showSunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. InstagramKo-fi, PayPal, PatreonLinktreeEmail: info@theautisticwoman.comWebsite

New York Times international best-selling author JD Barker talks writing, autism and how he leverages his autistic traits to do the things he loves. A late-diagnosed father with an autistic child he reveals how he and his wife make it work.JD talks about how learning he’s autistic at age 22 changed him, how growing up without a tv sparked his interest in reading and how his life experience lead to the career he has today. This is a glimpse inside the brilliant and vibrant mind of a writer who understands how autistic traits can contribute to success.Website: https://jdbarker.comX: @jdbarkerFacebook: therealjdbarkerInstagram: @jdbrker_authorTikTok: @jdbarker_authorSupport the showSunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. InstagramKo-fi, PayPal, PatreonLinktreeEmail: info@theautisticwoman.comWebsite