All In The Mind

Over the past two decades, our cultural understanding of autism and what it means to be autistic has grown - though we have a long way to go. But there are entire generations of people who grew up when the popular conception of autism was a far cry from how it’s now understood.

It meant a whole host of people who grew up feeling like they didn’t fit in, but never quite knowing why.

They were autistic, but undiagnosed. And when a diagnosis did come as an adult – it was often revelatory and life-changing.

On All in the Mind this week, 'hidden histories’ of late-diagnosed autistic adults.

First broadcast 8 August 2021.

Our brains are easily distracted or overwhelmed. And that can make getting stuff done harder than it needs to be.

This week, we look at methods and strategies for avoiding unnecessary stress by managing your priorities, your focus, and your energy with organisational psychologist Dr Amantha Imber.

Imagine getting a diagnosis in adulthood that suddenly made so much of your life make sense.

It explains why you’ve always had trouble being on time, starting things you don’t finish, avoiding difficult projects.

Producer Jennifer Leake explores the impact of an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood.

Michael Slepian researches the psychology of secrets.

But what he didn't know — until about a decade ago — was that his family had a major secret they were keeping from him.

One they planned never to reveal. Until …

Guilt and shame are often used interchangeably, but researchers in emotion and psychology say they are distinct – and often motivate people into very different paths of behaviour.

For the feeling of guilt, at least, that might even push you into making unexpected positive changes.

In the uncertain times we live in, how exactly are we meant to make up our minds?

How do we weigh up pros, cons and risk factors, and how do stress and fear bear on our capacity for critical thinking?

And how often are we even aware of the decisions we’re making?

On All in the Mind this week, a special panel discussion recorded at the Sydney Writers’ Festival.

Music is central to the human experience. We celebrate with it, commiserate through it - often some of our strongest memories are tied to it.

On All in the Mind this week, how music affects us from the womb through the rest of our lives - and what new research tells us about its measurable impact on our mental health.

Plus, the 'plink' test - how our musical memories can identify a track from just a sliver of song, and the power of music to shape our emotions.

On All in the Mind this week, the early history of autism.

With historian of science Professor Marga Vicedo we learn about the blame that was cast on mothers, the fight to get adequate help and support for families, and the movement that one mother, Clara Park, helped spark.

Have you ever wanted to change your personality?

Many people do - studies find we're keen to become more extroverted, more agreeable and more conscientious.

But what does the evidence say about whether people do change? And can you tweak your personality deliberately?

Two disasters, two years apart - the ongoing mental health impact on survivors and what the research can tell us about the different ways people respond to these life-changing events.