Autistic Licence

The general theme of this episode is gender and sexuality. As usual we blend personal anecdotes with some theory and reflection. We shine some light on asexuality as an orientation which is often invisible and / or invalidated by both heteronormative and queer communities.  We then discuss the concept of neuroqueering and apply this to our own evolving identities markers and practices. We acknowledge and explore the impact of imposter syndrome and shame on our processes. This recording is in two parts and the sound quality in the second half is a little different. The fact that it is in two parts means that you will get an in situ insight into the dynamic and ever changing nature of our dialogue. We reflect on the vulnerability of being transparent in this way, particularly in relation to this topic and with reference to our therapeutic practices.  The way in which we do this may actually be "neuroqueering" in the moment?!   Let us know what you think at autisticlicence@gmail.com We love to hear from you 💛🧡   LINKS Photo of Dave Matthews Band Neuroqueer glossary Ace & Aro spectrum definitions Our Facebook Our website Podcast home Our other socials Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com

The complexities of food and eating - the latest episode in our occasional mini-series on autistic senses and sensitivities. You'll hear about our experiences of eating in a range of contexts throughout our lives. We notice the degree of shame and misattunement which is often attached to this - so much so that Siana was too uncomfortable to discuss the topic in any detail until we were actually together in person and needed to eat. As if in an effort to 'join in' the conversation, Leo's tummy starts rumbling at around 36':30". We were going to try and edit it out, but left its contributions in to honour the "stomach as another brain" theory! If you would like to connect with us about this topic or anything else, you can reach us at autisticlicence@gmail.com. We love to hear from you 🧡💛 LINKS Our Facebook Our website Podcast home Our other socials Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com

This conversation came out of a few messages we have received around the theme of disclosing our autistic identities. We discuss our experiences and notice there is often a distinction between our professional and personal lives.  We reflect and speculate on why this might be, with particular regard to long standing relationships. We reference the impact of ableism, recognising that unmasking is both a choice and a political move which unfortunately nowadays is not always safe, helpful or desirable. Yet. It doesn't stop us doing a podcast though!  We love to hear from you - please get in touch at autisticlicence@gmail.com if you would like to join the conversation. LINKS Our Facebook Our website Podcast home Our other socials Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com

Ok, so this episode may be a bit niche 😉 Leo has been searching for the perfect socks and he believes he has found them ... (time will tell). Somehow, Siana's autistic brain tendrils manage to link his fervour with evangelical Christian zeal and she goes down and round about that rabbit warren for a while. We speak about our own experiences of religion as autistic people and wind up reaching quite a profound moment towards the end when we consider the significance of autistic-to-autistic mirroring on actualisation (becoming truly ourselves). We considered not releasing this episode but we realised there was quite a lot of internalised NT perceptions driving our concern, namely that it could be seen as "dull" or "boring". So we have overridden that in the interests of authenticity and in the hope that some of you might relate. Enjoy (or skip!!!) ----more----LINKS Our Facebook Our website Podcast home Our other socials Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com

Leo (still) has Covid. Through this conversation we wind up exploring a drive he has to be useful, to serve. We notice how this shows up between us and reflect on how it may have developed. We also consider how it might change in the future so that it becomes less of a default and more of a mindful choice.  Along the way you can expect some typical autistic literalism and a discussion about the "Drama Triangle" (roles people play).   LINKS Karpman's Drama Triangle Our Facebook Our website Podcast home Our other socials Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com

Trigger warning for mention of life threatening scenarios and maternal birthing distress. If you have particular sensitivities around your own experiences of healthcare please consider carefully whether and / or when you might listen to this episode.  We speak about a wide range of our experiences related to being unwell and / or navigating our healthcare needs.  This ranges from planned hospital stays to emergency admissions, from managing familiar health needs to circumstances such as giving birth and receiving vaccines.   We notice common autistic idiosyncrasies related to our perceptions of pain and discomfort. We note that many times autistic people are misunderstood and misread, which can have traumatic and isolating effects. We also reflect on self sufficiency and its limitations. And, finally!, we savour the effects of some significant interactions where we have been seen and attended to in ways which felt meaningful and profound.   We weave in some therapeutic chat related to our own communication this week while Leo has been unwell with Covid. ----more----LINKS Our Facebook Our website Podcast home Our other socials Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com

Trigger warning This episode deals with the topics of loneliness and suicide. Please take care of yourself and think about the timing and where your support is if you decide to listen. We reflect on our experiences and relationships in the past, which led to loneliness, disconnection and feelings of life not being worth living. We also reflect on the distinctions between company, co-regulation and presence. We recognise that these topics are heavy and in need of careful and responsible handling. At the same time, they're extremely common among the autistic community and we feel it's important to shine light on them.   LINKS Our Facebook Our website Podcast home Our other socials Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com

In this episode we talk about sensitivities to physical and sensory stimuli. We focus on challenges around noise, food and physical (dis)comfort. We speak about the significance of autonomy. We also discuss interpersonal misunderstandings related to us not doing "what's good" for us.  We note the important distinction here between things being seen as preferences rather than (in)tolerances. Seasonal references provided intermittently as we experience in real time the 26 minute time difference between sunset in London and Carrickfergus. And basically reflect on how we might control time were we in charge. Sure, how else would two Autistic people make meaning out of Easter?! LINKS Our Facebook Our website Podcast home Our other socials Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com

This episode is a spontaneous Saturday chit chat.  There's a fair amount of "here and now" energy and interaction, interspersed with memories and reflections. Siana talks about her experience of ADHD when it fires in multiple directions at once - something which for her does not exclude hyperfocus "flow" states. Leo reflects on a range of experiences he is now reframing in light of autism, such as the after effects of exhilarating events and "talking to myself". We touch on concepts such as echolalia and synaptic pruning, applying these to our own experiences and challenging some common misconceptions. We conclude that as AuDHDers, while we absolutely face challenges around over stimulation, we also have tremendous capacity for sensory joy and pleasure. LINKS Synaptic Pruning Mint Aero bar BNL shoutout Echolalia Our Facebook Our website Podcast home Our other socials Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com

This episode is in many ways a reflection on elements of the last one. We speak about early narratives and experiences, and the lifelong meaning and impact of these. We apply this to therapeutic contexts and approaches, specifically Transactional Analysis and Internal Family Systems, and we relate this to therapy with autistic people. We also explore the concept of so called "rigid" thinking and the possible significance of this for us as autistic people growing up in a world where the template for living which is offered to us does not fit or deliver. Special guest contribution from Phoebe - Siana's cat - in this episode 😻   LINKS Relational Transactional Analysis The Drama Triangle Life Positions Drivers & Injunctions “Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be just another human soul.” Carl Jung Our Facebook Our website Podcast home Our other socials Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com