1800 Seconds on Autism

Peter Street started his working life as a gravedigger before becoming a gardener, running a restaurant and teaching in prisons.The author grew up with epilepsy and a learning disability. But it was therapy for PTSD stemming from his time as a war poet in Croatia, which lead to an autism diagnosis aged 64.Humorous stories about losing five inches in height in a forestry accident, reading fairy tales to young offenders and his two week stay at a brothel keep Robyn and Jamie entertained during this wide-ranging chat.With Robyn Steward, her support bat Henry, Jamie Knight and Lion.Produced by Emma Tracey.Subscribe to the podcast on BBC Sounds or say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker.Email stim@bbc.co.uk

This episode is about a difficult aspect of autistic life and includes discussion about the urge to give yourself physical pain to get some relief from extreme emotions. You may want to avoid this one if you feel fragile or if children are around. Meltdowns are an outward explosion of emotions whereas shutdowns are when some autistic people internalise what’s happening and withdraw and go quiet as a result. Robyn holds onto her support bat Henry as she relives her most recent meltdown and describes the impact it had. We phone autistic mum of autistic kids Shona Murphy who is an expert on "behaviour that challenges" - learning to punch a pillow rather than throw an iPad are the kind of tactics she advocates. Another guest, Jonny Profane, had shutdowns for 60 years and didn't know why until he was diagnosed recently. He talks about the Embarrassment and shame he feels when they happen. This podcast is longer than usual because the presenters weren't ready to leave when the producer said they could leave, so they kept talking. The final 15 minutes of this episode are even more raw and honest than usual. With Robyn Steward, her support bat Henry, Jamie Knight and Lion. Produced by Emma Tracey. Subscribe to the podcast on BBC Sounds or say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker. Email stim@bbc.co.uk

When Robyn and Jamie phone autism advocate Carly Jones, things get surreal and a bit naughty. It takes Jamie's mind off a distressing smell, but this episode might not be one for listening to with young children in the room.Policy expert Carly explains the roll of "Out of Order" stickers in her handbag and why some people are no longer giving her unwelcome eye contact.Robyn recorded this one from San Francisco, long before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. They share travel tips, like how to use social stories when things go wrong on a trip, and experiences such as the time Jamie felt like he was upside down on a long-haul flight.Produced by Emma TraceySubscribe to the podcast on BBC Sounds or say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker.Email stim@bbc.co.uk

Robyn and Jamie are self-isolating which means that Routines have changed and support has reduced.The pasta meal Jamie has eaten daily for five years can't be found, and Robyn's food habits have been affected too.IN this short episode, the first of several coronavirus extra podcasts during this series, they share their experiences with their usual honesty and warmth. Listen out for two super helpful tips for getting through lockdown.With Robyn Steward and Jamie Knight Produced by Emma Tracey Subscribe to the podcast on BBC Sounds or say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker. email stim@bbc.co.uk

Robyn and Jamie are joined by young naturalist and writer Dara McAnulty. They chat about black holes, nature, the environment and inevitable comparisons to Greta Thunberg. The 16 year old tells how difficult school has been and why writing every day helps him process it all. Watch out for a tense moment where the conversation has to be put back on track, and a poem from Dara. With Robyn Steward, Henry the bat, Jamie Knight and Lion. Produced by Emma Tracey Subscribe to the podcast on BBC Sounds or say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker. email stim@bbc.co.uk

Robyn and Jamie are back for series two of 1800 Seconds on Autism. They kick off Episode 1 by chatting about some of the emails you sent in and catching-up with two listeners who got in touch. First, 17-year-old Hannah, who says the podcast helps her feel less weird and alone. She wants to know why some think autistic people don’t have empathy. Jamie busts that myth by recalling the time he offered his bank card to a needy stranger on the Tube. Then there’s Rachel, whose love of horses and need to wear the same clothes every day have contributed to her wish to join the police force. The mum of one also shares her hopes and fears for her toddler son’s future. We’ll be recording some mini extra episodes about being autistic in the time of coronavirus, so please do get in touch and let us know how things are going for you during lockdown - e-mail stim@bbc.co.uk With Robyn Steward, support bat Henry, Jamie Knight and Lion.

Robyn and Jamie are joined by TV's Alan Gardner aka The Autistic Gardener. Alan was initially diagnosed by an education specialist after taking his son to be tested for dyslexia. Though it was randomly sprung on him, the diagnosis was not a big surprise. At an early age, the pink-haired presenter found a love for gardening which, over time, turned into a love for garden design and a career. Alan says that contrary to the popular stereotype, he's not a typical autistic person because he doesn't fear change, he embraces it. And he likes loud noises too. with Robyn Steward, Jamie Knight and Lion. email stim@bbc.co.uk

Robyn and Jamie are joined by Times journalist Jessie Hewitson whose son has a diagnosis of autism. She says that, when she first found out, she was attending typical local play activities with him. "I was taking him to those God awful music groups that you take toddlers to. They were absolute hell for my son - he was trying to escape I now realise."She talks candidly about the first time it was suggested to her that he might be autistic, how that made her feel and how she started to learn about this new neurodiverse world she finds herself in. Jessie is the author of Autism: How to raise a happy autistic child, published earlier in 2018. email the programme with any questions or points on stim@bbc.co.uk - we'll be doing a feedback show in January so look out for it. Don't forget to subscribe and tell your pals about us. The next podcast in this series will appear on your feed in early 2019 after the Christmas holidays.

In the office, we call this the show where Robyn falls off her chair laughing - because that's what happens. We're nothing if not extremely literal, you know.Stand-up comedian and poet Kate Fox joins our two autistic hosts and the talk turns to comedy, anxiety and some brilliant analysis of well-known jokes to work out where the funny bits lie. Why, for instance, is the one about the chicken crossing the road funny? Or the sticky brown stick?Lots in here for autistic people, parents and others who want an insight into how we all think differently.With Robyn Steward and Jamie Knight.

It’s episode two and Robyn and Jamie are keen to share their ‘special interests’ with you, and talk to callers on our phone-out (not a phone-in) about their passions. Sometimes thought of as negative, autistic people often have the ability to seriously focus on things that interest them and this is why the geek image has emerged. These days it tends to be seen as a positive skill which some employers are lapping up. From sci-fi to computers and Rubik’s Cubes to Underground trains – plus a few surprises along the way. Listen and enjoy. Email stim@bbc.co.uk if you want to get a message to our hosts.