Join me on my latest episode, as I recount the start of my journey through the job market as an autistic individual. By focusing on my exceptional keyboard skills, I discovered roles like data entry where I not only thrived but also found a profound sense of fulfilment. This episode consists of personal insights and practical strategies to help you try and identify jobs that may suit your unique strengths, sidestepping the stress of positions demanding more in the way of social interaction.

Reflecting on what truly makes us excel, I encourage you to assess your own capabilities or those of someone who you may support. By doing this, I believe one can uncover their own paths to career success that are often overlooked. Share your stories and thoughts by texting my podcast, details of which you'll find in the episode's description on Buzzsprout. And don't miss out on future episodes—subscribe through the Stay in the Loop link at stephensevolution.com. In two weeks, I aim to tackle how to decode what I thought was vague language in job descriptions. Let's help to pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive work environment for everyone on the autism spectrum.

For more information on suitable job roles for those on the autism spectrum, see this earlier blog post of mine here.

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Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

Imagine navigating through a world where words float around fragmented, and social interactions feel foreign. In this episode, inspired by the BBC series "Inside Our Autistic Minds," I, Stephen McHugh, share the vivid experiences of my school years as someone on the autism spectrum. You'll hear about my struggles with language, communication, and the challenge of forming friendships. Picture a classroom scene filled with fragmented words and unclear directions, representing my difficulty in trying to understand new concepts. Yet, amid these challenges, there were shining moments of connection through my strengths in mental arithmetic, piano playing, and excelling in French.

Join me as I reflect on how technology could help to show these experiences. By using visualisations and sounds, I highlight the importance of recognising and celebrating the unique strengths and interests of individuals on the spectrum. Whether this resonates with your own experiences or offers you a new perspective, I invite you to share your thoughts and stories. You can reach out through the contact information provided in the episode description on Buzzsprout. Any contributions will always be welcome, and I'll do my best to respond. Listen in to gain a deeper understanding of life through my autistic lens.

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

Ever wondered how small acts of kindness can transform the lives of children with autism? Join me on this episode as I share my personal journey growing up on the autism spectrum, from facing language development delays to experiencing the profound impact of empathy and collaboration from peers. You'll learn the importance of fostering understanding and kindness towards autism and discover practical tips for parents, teachers, and caregivers to help children relate to and support their autistic peers.

Empathy and diversity take centre stage as I aim to highlight how embracing individual strengths can create a more inclusive society. Through storytelling, I look to uncover the power of connecting through shared interests and talents. By focusing on autistic strengths such as musical abilities, memory, attention to detail, and creativity, we can boost confidence and foster a sense of achievement. Personal stories reveal how recognising and celebrating these strengths can bridge gaps and build meaningful relationships.

Creating supportive environments is crucial for autistic individuals, and I discuss strategies I believe can manage sensory sensitivities and enhance socialization. Reflecting on my primary school experiences, I recall how supportive peers and adults played a vital role in my social development and helped me navigate more complicated social cues. Engaging in activities like bike rides and school plays fostered a sense of belonging, emphasising the lasting impact of empathy and inclusion. Tune in to explore how small and simple acts of kindness can lead to a more accepting world for children on the autism spectrum.

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

What if a simple summer holiday could ignite a lifelong passion for exploring natural wonders? Join me, Stephen McHugh, as I recount my childhood experiences traversing the UK, where every coastal visit and geological marvel like the Giant's Causeway sparked my insatiable curiosity. From observing the unique qualities of water in various regions to uncovering the celestial mysteries behind tidal changes, these adventures laid the groundwork for my fascination with the interconnectedness of our world.

In the next part of my journey, I reveal how overcoming early language development challenges led to my deep-seated interest in idioms and metaphors. Learn how my logical thinking and attention to detail, traits shaped by my autism, helped me craft a beloved blog that invites readers to visualize idiomatic expressions creatively. Through personal stories and practical tips, I'll guide you on how to cultivate your curiosity, observe the world around you, and embark on personal projects that can transform your understanding and connect you with like-minded individuals. Join the conversation and share your insights as we embark on this collective journey of learning and wonder.

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

Curiosity isn't just a trait; it's a transformative tool. Join me, as I recount my journey growing up on the autism spectrum and how the simple act of asking myself questions has fundamentally reshaped my life. From struggling to understand social cues and figurative language to mastering effective communication, I share the personal milestones that have helped me thrive. Learn how focusing my curiosity on topics of genuine interest has not only improved my language skills, but also enabled me to form meaningful connections and succeed in collaborative projects.

In this episode, I delve into how questioning can deepen our understanding of complex subjects like astrophysics and ecology. Ever wondered about the roles of dark matter and dark energy in the universe's expansion, or why grass grows differently in various park areas? By exploring possible solutions to these questions, I illustrate how a curious mind can lead to groundbreaking insights and critical thinking. You'll also gain practical tips on consulting diverse sources to develop a well-rounded perspective. Tune in to discover how fostering a habit of asking yourself questions and exploring answers can make a profound impact on your personal and professional life.

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

Have you ever wondered how creative writing could be a bridge to understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity? Join me, Stephen McHugh, on this eye-opening episode of Stephen's Evolution podcast, where I share my personal journey overcoming delayed language development and literal interpretations of idioms to become a better storyteller. 

I reflect on how special interests of mine, like Lego and astronomy, have fuelled my imagination and how creating neurodiverse characters in my stories has fostered greater acceptance and awareness. I reveal practical strategies that have helped me connect deeply with my interests through creative writing, and how these techniques could make idioms and figurative language more accessible for those on the autism spectrum.

During the episode I refer to a character named Alex from an example of creative writing based on an idea of mine. He is supposed to be a neurodivergent character with an extraordinary talent for art. One aim for me here is to try and inspire new ways to recognise and value unique talents. Through a supportive character named Emily, I highlight how empathy and understanding can significantly, and positively impact the lives of neurodivergent individuals. 

Dive into my tips for crafting vivid, sensory-rich scenes and relatable characters, and gain insights on how to raise awareness and promote acceptance through your own creative writing. 

Finally, I encourage you to share your creative endeavours and join this community in building support for neurodiversity. Your engagement can help spread awareness and foster a community that celebrates neurodiverse talents and experiences.

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

Ever wondered how reconnecting with a lost passion can transform your life? Discover my heartfelt journey back into the world of running on the latest episode of Stephen's Evolution podcast. From reminiscing about my teenage years when running was just a summer fling, to now embracing it as a crucial part of my weekly routine, this episode is a testament to how the simplest activities can bring about profound changes. I talk about how running not only helps me stay fit but also reconnects me with nature, builds resilience, and boosts my confidence. 

Get an inside look at my structured training week, where I mix slow-paced runs, hill training, and the exhilarating 5k park runs. I also delve into the tools that keep me on track, from inspirational YouTube channels to the Strava app that meticulously logs my progress. Celebrate with me as I share significant milestones, like breaking my sub-25 minute 5k barrier, and gather practical tips on how to prepare for your runs. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a motivational push, this episode is packed with personal insights and actionable advice to help you find joy in running. Tune in and let’s hit the ground running together!

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

Ever wondered how to truly understand the hidden meanings in stories and social interactions? Join me, as I share my personal insights in navigating the world of inferences while living on the autism spectrum. Reflect on my struggles and triumphs, and learn how language development and dedicated study played pivotal roles in enhancing my ability to draw subtle conclusions. I aim to try and break down the different types of inferences—from environmental and character interaction to social situations and hidden motives—and explore their significance in storytelling and everyday life.

This episode is packed with an interactive practical exercise aimed at boosting inference-making skills. Discover how to deduce the culprit in a broken vase incident or interpret social cues at a party. Engage with tips like reading illustrated books, studying body language, and observing real-life interactions to master the art of inference. Whether you aim to navigate stories more effectively or improve your social understanding, this episode offers actionable insights and strategies to help you decode hidden meanings and enhance your communication skills.

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

Do you find idioms and metaphors become more puzzling than a Rubik's Cube at a Mensa meeting? If so, why not embark on an adventure through the whimsical world of language with me as your guide, where I aim to unravel the mysteries of "piece of cake" and "thrown in the deep end" with a dash of wit and a heap of understanding. For those on the autism spectrum, and frankly anyone who's ever scratched their head at a confusing turn of phrase, this episode can guide you to mastering the art of figurative language. Discover the joy of "Short Idiom Stories" from my blog, where I spin yarns that transform baffling idioms into crystal-clear narratives.

Armed with personal anecdotes and a treasure trove of strategies, I open up the conversation to you, my listeners, to share your idiom escapades and victories over vexing vocabulary. Whether you've faced challenges or championed clarity in the realm of idioms, your stories and experiences can be the lifeblood of this linguistic odyssey. And if you're eager for more than just anecdotes, fret not! Tips galore await on how to craft your own idiom-loaded stories, sketch out visual aids, and peel back the layers of context behind these colourful expressions. So tune in, connect, and let's paint the town red with the vibrant brushstrokes of language.

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

Embark on a revealing odyssey through the lens of my life with autism—where everyday interactions can be a complex puzzle of nonverbal cues and figurative speech. During this episode, I aim to unravel the threads of social navigation and the acute sensory sensitivities that can transform a typical environment into an overwhelming cacophony. As someone living on the spectrum, I offer an intimate glimpse into the challenges and triumphs, from wrestling with communication breakdowns to harnessing the extraordinary focus that can accompany specific passions.

This episode is more than just another chapter in my story; it's a call to action—to subscribe, to engage, to join forces in cultivating resilience and hope. Your active participation can be the cornerstone of this community, a testament to the power of shared experiences and the beauty in diversity. As we journey together, let's commit to understanding, to personal growth, and to a world that listens to and values every unique perspective.

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz