The Squarepeg Podcast

Artist and writer Charlotte Amelia Poe says they were diagnosed autistic 'by complete fluke' when they were 21, after suffering for years with anxiety. In 2018, they won the inaugural Spectrum Art Award with their video piece, How To Be Autistic, and they went on to publish their first book under the same title in 2019. Charlotte is from Suffolk, UK, and says they've wanted to be an author their entire life, and believe autistic people have a place in the arts. They are nonbinary and bi/ace. In our conversation we talk about Whether autism is a disability What is was like to win an art prize and realise a lifelong dream of being a published author Finding community in our shared special interests The writing process, the place of autistic people in the arts, and the importance of autistic people telling our own stories Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I'm Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I'm now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn't quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: You can find Charlotte's video and book here: https://myriadeditions.com/creator/charlotte-amelia-poe/ And connect with them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/smallreprieves/ If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/squarepegautism Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/ Or on my website: http://squarepeg.community/

Sarah Boon was diagnosed autistic last year, at the age of 24, and was diagnosed with ADHD this year. She initially self diagnosed, after assessments during her childhood failed to diagnose her. She lives in Surrey in the UK, is a former TEFL teacher, and has recently completed an MA in Psychology of Education. She recently started an online survey exploring how autistic psychology students feel about how and what they are taught about autism. In our conversation we talk about: Being misdiagnosed as a child Adult self diagnosis The crossover of autistic and ADHD traits Being autistic at work Her experiences of studying psychology at university Autistic involvement in research and training Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I'm Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I'm now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn't quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: You can find Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Saraheboon And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Saraheboon/ She also has a blog: https://autisticallysarah.com/ The Ken Robinson quote I refer to at the end of the episode: "Some of the most brilliant, creative people I know did not do well at school. Many of them didn't really discover what they could do—and who they really were—until they'd left school and recovered from their education." If you'd like to find out more about the late (and brilliant) Ken Robinson, visit his website: http://sirkenrobinson.com/. His TED talks are well worth a watch. If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/squarepegautism Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/ Or on my website: http://squarepeg.community/

Audrey Mitchell discovered she was autistic while in the process of getting a diagnosis for her teenage daughter. She lives in Idaho, USA, where she works in private practice as a counsellor. She's also a writer. She's experienced plenty of adversity in life, and struggled to establish herself in adulthood due to her undiagnosed autism. She says that when she was starting her path to diagnosis, she was hungry for information that was relatable and relevant, and in talking to me today she wants to help provide that for some other woman that is searching for connection. In our conversation we talk about: Raising a daughter when you're both autistic, but with very different presentations Counsellors not being well educated about how autism presents in girls and women Why autistic people make great counsellors Identifying with the counterculture Dealing with depression at university Alternative education for autistic young people Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I'm Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I'm now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn't quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: You can find out more and connect with Audrey here: http://www.audreyspeaceofmind.com/ And if you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/squarepegautism Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/ Or on my website: http://squarepeg.community/

Rachel Stelmach was diagnosed autistic in her 40s. She works for a disability arts organisation here in Wales, where she works with disabled artists in the fields of Creative Technology and Combined Arts. She's also a Disability Equality and Mental Health First Aid trainer. Her career has included launching her own art and design agency, working for a women's music festival and running holiday play schemes for disabled young people. In her spare time she's a keen macro photographer and also runs an AirBnB, and is a voluntary advocate helping people through the UK benefits system. In our conversation we talk about: Autism and mental health The language we use to talk about autism Whether autism is a disability Post-diagnosis and workplace support How to talk to loved ones about being autistic. We also talk about an operation on her hand that left Rachel with a physical disability; if you are squeamish you might want to fast forward this part. The timings of this section are below. At the end of this episode Rachel shares some useful information and advice about navigating the UK benefits system - the timings of this are below. 09:20 - 13:50 Rachel talks about the operation on her hand that left her with a physical disability. 43:34 - Rachel shares information and advice about navigating the UK disability benefits system. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I'm Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I'm now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn't quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: You can follow and connect with Rachel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bluehook And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluehook/ If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/squarepegautism Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/ Or on my website: http://squarepeg.community/

Becca Kerl was diagnosed at 38 - after a lifetime of wondering why she didn't seem to quite fit into the world - and three of her children are on the spectrum too. She has spent years supporting the autistic community and helping others advocate for services. She recently completed a Masters degree in Counselling and is in the process of starting a counselling practice in Las Vegas, USA. She's also a musician and a semi professional poker player, and she met her biological father for the first time on TV. In this conversation we talk about: The differences in trying to get an autism diagnosis for kids of different sexes; Neurotypical people's perceptions of autism - and navigating friendships with neurotypical friends Masking, routines and decision fatigue What it was like meeting her father on television And what effective counselling for neurodivergent people looks like. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I'm Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I'm now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn't quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Becca's website: http://www.youruniquemind.com/ (site under construction when this episode was published) Becca's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Your-Unique-Mind-108559494362144 Becca meets her dad on the Today Show: https://www.today.com/video/watch-father-daughters-emotional-first-meeting-42075715670 If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/squarepegautism Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/ Or on my website: http://squarepeg.community/

Stephanie Silvan is self diagnosed. Originally from Germany, she now lives in Finland with her teenage daughter, who is also autistic. ** Listen ad-free by joining my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast ** She has worked in many different fields: she has run her own business as a dog behaviourist, she is a linguist and biologist, has trained as a teacher and also spent several years as a farmer. Her most recent role saw her travelling all Asia, Europe, and the USA managing global teams. She is currently focusing on reprioritising her life and practicing self care after having to leave employment due to autistic burnout. In our conversation we talk about autism at school, raising an autistic child when you're autistic yourself, the availability of adult diagnosis, having a connection with animals, introversion, burnout and mental health. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I'm Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I'm now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn't quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: If you'd like to connect with Stephanie, you can find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-silvan-93881491/ If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/squarepegautism Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/ Or on my website: http://squarepeg.community/ ** Listen ad-free by joining my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast **

My guest today has insights into life as an autistic person both personally and professionally: she works in a Local Authority Children's Home for autistic young people with high support needs, and received her own diagnosis at the age of 27. She was initially misdiagnosed, and it took years - and an unusual approach from a psychologist - to help her finally find an explanation for the things the medical profession hadn't been able to find answers for. Despite being a bright and articulate person, and having plenty of academic ability, problems related to undiagnosed autism led to her dropping out of college twice when she was younger. But she has now been able to resume her interrupted education and is now undertaking a Social Work Degree Apprenticeship through her job. She has asked that I don't use her real name for this podcast, so we will be using the name Abbie. In this conversation we talk about being autistic impacts on working in a challenging environment with young autistic people; navigating life, education and work with undiagnosed autism; the frustration of misdiagnosis; support following adult autism diagnosis; and her experience of being openly autistic at work. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I'm Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I'm now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn't quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/squarepegautism Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/ Or on my website: http://squarepeg.community/

My guest today blew me away with their energy and drive to help marginalised communities flourish. Still only 25, they work full time in autism advocacy for an organisation in Washington, USA, and they are a writer, musician and playwright, as well as serving on the board of the Plus One Foundation, an organisation that funds life changing experiences for people with neurological disorders. They are also Executive Director and Co-Founder of a brand new inclusive theatre project, Rainy Day Arts Collective. In this conversation I talk with Jack Conley about going through school and university with undiagnosed autism, getting a diagnosis as an adult, strategies for managing job interviews as an autistic person, the intersection of autistic and queer communities, and the benefits of living with an emotional support animal. Jack says that they 'absolutely love' what they do, and that they are 'passionate about advocacy being done by people connected to a cause'. As well as being autistic, Jack identifies as nonbinary, transgender and bisexual. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I'm Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I'm now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn't quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Rainy Day Arts Collective: https://www.facebook.com/rainydaycollective/ Washington Autism Advocacy: https://washingtonautismadvocacy.org/ If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/squarepegautism Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/ Or on my website: http://squarepeg.community/

Madge Woollard is a musician and teacher from Sheffield in the UK. A Cambridge graduate, she has run her own piano teaching business for the last 25 years, teaching privately and in schools. She was diagnosed autistic at the age of 44, and has since gone on to win an Autism Friendly Business Award from the National Autistic Society, for her work teaching music to autistic students. She has taken part in autism research, is involved with the autistic theatre group, Spectrum Theatre, and has played on stage with actress and singer Heather Peace. She identifies as LGBT and nonbinary. In this conversation we talk about her experience of late diagnosis; what it was like studying at one of our top universities; how failing to master job interviews and find employment led to her setting up a business instead; what it's like teaching and running a business as an autistic person; teaching autistic children when you are autistic yourself; and the benefits and drawbacks of 'coming out' as autistic to clients and students. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I'm Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I'm now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn't quite fit. EPISODE LINKS Madge's website: https://mwoollard.webs.com/ Spectrum Theatre, Sheffield, UK: https://www.spectrumtheatresheffield.com/ If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/squarepegautism Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/ Or on my website: http://squarepeg.community/

In this conversation I talk with assistance dog trainer Monique Juniper about the inspiration behind Capable K9s, and how she's been able to build a business that allows her the freedom to work around her own disability and needs, so she's able to enjoy her work, manage her workload and avoid burning out again; and the importance of serving our communities and being authentic in the work that we do. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I'm Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I'm now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn't quite fit. If you'd like to connect or get in touch, you can find me on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/squarepegautism Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/ Or on my website: http://squarepeg.community/ If you'd like to connect with Monique or find out more about Capable Canines, head over to her website: https://www.capablek9s.com.au/