1800 Seconds on Autism

Just two weeks after an autism diagnosis, comedian Fern Brady gets support from our podcast hosts Robyn and Jamie. Like many others, Fern waited until lockdown broke all her routines before seeking help. In fact, she says it became cheaper to pay for a private diagnosis than to repair her house when meltdowns led to "punched walls and cracked light switches". The successful stand-up describes the journey from GP contact onwards, and gets reassurance from the presenters that feelings of embarrassment and denial are very common. With Robyn Stewart and Jamie Knight. Produced by Emma Tracey. Subscribe on BBC Sounds or say to your smart speaker "ask the BBC for 1800 seconds on autism" email stim@bbc.co.uk

Blogger Neurodivergent Rebel explores why sex and gender are big topics in the autistic community, and talks about the two metaphorical closets they had to “come out” of. Listener Madge has advice for young autistic people starting their gender journey. And ... it's the third lockdown everyone. Jamie hopes never to need a Covid test as "sticking a long thing in his nose" might stop him speaking for weeks. Robyn, who has been tested twice, helps out with a big dose of reassurance and explains how she handles the unpleasant feelings. With Robyn Stewart and Jamie Knight. Produced by Emma Tracey. Subscribe on BBC Sounds or say to your smart speaker "ask the BBC for 1800 seconds on autism" email stim@bbc.co.uk with your thoughts and questions.

We chat about “scripting”, the rules of eating that no one tells you about, and avoiding crunchy food. This all comes before an email from a postman sparks lots of happy stimming. Emily from the blog ‘21 And Sensory’ explains how her autism diagnosis was given to her in a really positive way and on what occasions she uses the sunflower lanyard to show she has a hidden impairment. We finish with tips for how to do Christmas in a helpful way for the autistic person in your life. With Robyn Steward, Jamie Knight, Henry and Lion. Produced by Emma Tracey Subscribe on BBC Sounds and say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker.

Autistic psychologist Emily Lovegrove says that when her children left home, she "needed something else to obsess about". So she studied bullying to PHD level and now arms young people with strategies to cope if they are being targeted. Ignoring it, telling someone and fighting back are, she says, logical strategies for an emotional subject. Instead, Lovegrove suggests working on your self-esteem, learning grounding exercises, practising meditation and keeping a bunch of written down self-care options to hand. It's a tough subject but this is a joyful episode full of Robyn and Jamie's trademark humour and fascinating insight. Presented by Robyn Steward and Henry, Jamie Knight and Lion. Produced by Emma Tracey. Listen via your smart speaker by saying "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" and subscribe on BBC Sounds. email stim@bbc.co.uk

Welcome to series 3. We're back by popular demand. In this feedback episode Jamie's assistant Oli gets some appreciation, a super fan tells of her plans to become a paediatric nurse, Jamie describes his game-changing new truck and we talk about paintball - a sport which allows you to REALLY focus: "Whilst you're out on the field playing, nobody is going to come and ask whether you want a sandwich." There are seven more episodes to come in this series, but this time we're putting them out once a month. We used to record them throughout the year then publish them weekly, but now we can be with you throughout the pandemic and answer your emails in the very next episode. We love receiving your messages so keep them coming please to stim@bbc.co.uk. With Jamie Knight and Robyn Steward - with support plushies Lion and Henry the Bat always present. Featuring producer Emma Tracey and other regulars. Subscribe on BBC Sounds and say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker

Robyn has a new bike, something lots of people are turning to in lockdown to avoid public transport. She can't read maps or judge distance but has found ways to cycle safely - like using a "safety wing". Jamie loves bikes but stays off-road because, when tired, he says he's not safe. Producer Emma is a bit shocked at how many times he's been hit by a car. As always, they both also have sound advice for coping as the lockdown eases. Since recording this episode, a new series of this podcast has been commissioned. You've told us we're particularly helpful at the moment so we don't want to keep you waiting too long. Episode 1 will arrive on your feed by the end of summer. Produced by Emma Tracey Subscribe on BBC Sounds and say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker. Email the presenters on stim@bbc.co.uk

In the final official episode of series 2, Robyn and Jamie respond to emails from listeners.Robyn’s advice for an autistic teenager on staying safe and getting by at school morphs into a geeky chat about ear defenders. Jamie explains why he takes Lego and colouring books to social gatherings and sits on the floor during work meetings. And listener Fritz teaches everybody his complicated clapping stim. Jamie is missing from the beginning and end of this podcast due to low energy levels during lockdown. But he’s safe and getting stronger, and plans are underway to record another coronavirus extra episode in June. With Robyn Steward and support bat Henry, Jamie Knight and Lion. Produced by Emma Tracey Subscribe on BBC Sounds and say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker. Email stim@bbc.co.uk

In the penultimate episode of this season of 1800 Seconds on Autism, YouTuber Agony Autie Sara Harvey has advice for autistic parents. Planning an office in a cupboard sparks joy for Jamie, and he and Robyn reveal how weighted blankets and familiar voices play a part in their carefully honed bedtime rituals. Just to prepare you, next week’s episode will officially be the last one in this series. However, another coronavirus extra might just land in your podcast feed some time in June. With Robyn Steward and support bat Henry, Jamie Knight and Lion. Produced by Emma Tracey Subscribe on BBC Sounds and say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker. Email stim@bbc.co.uk

When parking-related overwhelm means their guest can’t take part, Robyn and Jamie discuss how they manage sudden change.A cafe closure complicates Jamie’s daily life. Robyn rethinks her living situation to get more help. And the conversation turns to how some autistic people struggle with knowing what’s wrong when they’re unwell.With Robyn Steward and support bat Henry, Jamie Knight and Lion.Produced by Emma TraceySubscribe on BBC Sounds and say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker. Email stim@bbc.co.uk

What if you are autistic and get Covid-19 symptoms? For Robyn, previous hospital visits have been tricky and caused great anxiety. On this shorter episode, with her doctor's surgery closed, Robyn tells Jamie about her solo visit to A&E in an ambulance to get checked out. They discuss when and how to let A&E staff know you are autistic, why walls are better than curtains and the pros and cons of wearing a face mask. Produced by Emma Tracey Subscribe on BBC Sounds and say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker. Email stim@bbc.co.uk