Atypical: The Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

This week Simon finally gets his papers together and talks at the microphone about ABA. In the exploration of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), it's crucial that we trace its historical roots and the path it has taken in the realm of autism treatment. 

Initially hailed for its scientific validation, ABA's techniques and approaches have been a double-edged sword. Over time, many have raised concerns about the therapy's abusive aspects, particularly the methods that prioritise compliance over understanding, potentially suppressing the unique perspectives and behaviours of autistic individuals. These concerns have birthed controversies that have persisted, fuelled by the perception that seeks to 'normalise' autistic people, rather than embracing and understanding their intrinsic differences.

In an attempt to provide a comprehensive view of ABA's evolution, I've delved deeply into authentic autistic voices. Using primary sources, including firsthand accounts from the autistic community, alongside traditional scientific papers, it offered me a rich tapestry of insights. It's paramount that as we critically assess therapies like ABA, we ground our understanding in both empirical science and the lived experiences of those directly impacted. Doing so helps us recognize and challenge the embedded notions in our society that still, unfortunately, view autistic individuals as "less than" or outside the so-called norm.

I used dozens of sources in preparation for this episode and will publish links and article references via our Twitter feed in the coming days. 

As ever we thank you, our loyal listeners for sticking with us. We would love to hear from you so look for our contact details in your podcast app or via our website. 

Send us Fan Mail

A few days late and the audio has a few... Issues. That's what happens when Simon moves house. But why not join Simon and Wott for a discussion of the autistic experience moving house and of going to a festival for the first time. 

As ever we thank you, our loyal listeners for sticking with us. We would love to hear from you so look for our contact details in your podcast app or via our website. 

Send us Fan Mail

In this intriguing episode of Atypical, we're thrilled to welcome back our co-host Marianne, who opens up about her journey through the convoluted realm of autism diagnosis as a female. Women on the spectrum face a unique set of challenges in the diagnostic process due to pervasive gender biases and the often misunderstood, atypical presentations of autism in females. Marianne's candid conversation not only lends visibility to these issues, but also offers a beacon of hope and understanding to all women treading the same path.

Later in the show, we take a deep dive into a controversial subject that has been causing ripples in the autism community. We delve into the disconcerting ideologies propagated by a particular charity and we aim to shed light on how societal misconceptions can harm the autism community, and underscores our commitment to promoting acceptance, understanding, and positive change.

The episode concludes with an analysis of a recent TikTok video that has garnered considerable attention. Although intended to inspire, the piece could be criticised as "inspiration porn" – content that objectifies disabled individuals for the emotional gratification of the able-bodied. We dissect this problematic trend, exploring the fine line between genuine celebration of accomplishments and exploitative tokenism.

Join us on this illuminating journey as we challenge biases, advocate for respect and inclusivity, and strive to redefine perceptions surrounding autism. 

Links mentioned: https://twitter.com/alisonsinger/status/1680925974798430209?s=20
US lefty Army podcast: https://soundcloud.com/hellofawaytodie/  

As ever we thank you, our loyal listeners for sticking with us. We would love to hear from you so look for our contact details in your podcast app or via our website. 

Send us Fan Mail

Yep, we are back, the people only you can hear and see... Or rather heard, because we are definitly real, you can trust me on this. 

Join Simon and returning co-host Watt for a discussion on imaginary friends, a trip into some odd conspiracies and whether it is healthy to stim. 

As ever we thank you, our loyal listeners for sticking with us. We would love to hear from you so look for our contact details in your podcast app or via our website. 

Send us Fan Mail

That got your attention didn't it!

Join Simon for a short episode discussing demisexuality and autism. We made reference to several papers in today episode and will discuss these themes in greater depth in a future recording.

https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/autistic-individuals-are-more-likely-to-be-lgbtq

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aur.1892

https://med-fom-brotto.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2022/05/Ronis2021_Article_BeyondTheLabelAsexualIdentityA.pdf

https://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/items/a169f60f-2796-433d-beef-7daf0513141e

As ever we thank you, our loyal listeners for sticking with us. We would love to hear from you so look for our contact details in your podcast app or via our website. 

Send us Fan Mail

On this week's solo episode, join Simon for a quick conversation about post-event slump, a phenomenon often experienced in the wake of significant communal moments or big events. It is an interesting psychological and  emotional downturn following the joyous high of festivities.

Then, because it's Pride month, a quick look at the history of Pride. The usual mix of Stonewall Riots of 1969, the Sexual Offences Act of 1967, the UK law that finally decriminalised homosexuality in England and Wales. And then more modern challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community, notably the notorious Section 28, a piece of UK legislation introduced in 1988 that prohibited "promoting homosexuality." 

And because queer autistic people have things to say, Simon decides to take a brief look at recent controversies surrounding Pride. As it expands its umbrella to include all identities within the queer spectrum, the event inevitably stirs debates about inclusivity, representation, and capitalism (insert Tim Curry "Spaaaaace" here). 

Finally a quick romp through the latest news and interesting articles:
Sia being open about her autism,  the Belfast "try before you fly" pilot scheme and the Arizona city working towards becoming the most inclusive city in the US. [Edit for Americans, I got all the messages about my pronunciation of Mesa, I am sorry]

Our artwork this month is of course by the very talented Kuro!

As ever we thank you, our loyal listeners for sticking with us. We would love to hear from you so look for our contact details in your podcast app or via our website. 

Send us Fan Mail

In this week's episode, hosts Watt, Kuro, and Simon delve into the recent BBC Panorama documentary, focusing on ADHD and the burgeoning landscape of private clinics. 

The Panorama episode presented a somewhat contentious image of ADHD, placing a spotlight on private clinics allegedly offering speedy diagnoses and medications. This portrayal, we agreed, risked oversimplifying a nuanced issue, potentially casting a shadow over the legitimacy of ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder, and on the sincerity of professionals committed to helping those affected.

ADHD is a real, scientifically validated condition that can significantly impact an individual's life. ADHD doesn't merely manifest as impulsivity or inattention; it can be a holistic condition, impacting emotions, motivation, and time management, affecting people in diverse ways. Diagnosing ADHD does require comprehensive evaluation, and it is troubling that the documentary seemed to suggest otherwise.

Nevertheless, it is critical to note that valid concerns about potential misdiagnosis or unscrupulous practices shouldn't detract from the genuine struggles faced by people with ADHD. 

While we took issue with certain aspects of the Panorama episode, we want to use it as a chance to advocate for better understanding of ADHD. We urge listeners to view it as a conversation starter rather than a comprehensive representation of the condition. After all, awareness and education about ADHD are key to providing better support for those living with this condition.

It is worth watching the Panorama episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001m0f9/panorama-private-adhd-clinics-exposed
Reading the associated BBC News Article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-65534449
And maybe the lovely Adrian Chiles can help explain why we were annoyed: https://www.theguardian.com/society/commentisfree/2023/may/18/no-adhd-is-not-a-con-if-thats-the-message-you-got-from-panoramas-expose-you-werent-paying-attention

As ever we thank you, our loyal listeners for sticking with us. We would love to hear from you so look for our contact details in your podcast app or via our website. 

Send us Fan Mail

Join Simon this week as we discuss a few news items and then briefly take a look at autistic meltdowns and shutdowns. There is a lot more to say on this and we will do a episode with the rest of the podcast crew in the future, but for now we hope you enjoy this and have a very pleasant weekend!

As ever we thank you, our loyal listeners for sticking with us. We would love to hear from you so look for our contact details in your podcast app or via our website. 

Send us Fan Mail

As we continue in our second season, join Simon, Sam and Watt as we discuss some news articles that caught our eye. From the autism friendly train ticket guide to "woke" kids toys, we had a happy half hour looking at this from our usual atypical perspective. 

As Simon is off to San Francisco and didn't have time to plan, record, edit and publish a full episode, this is a bit shorter than usual but worry not, we have lots more interesting things to come. 

As ever we thank you, our loyal listeners for sticking with us. We would love to hear from you so look for our contact details in your podcast app or via our website. 

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever heard of Bicycle Day? It's the day that celebrates the discovery of LSD by Swiss chemist Albert Hoffman. In this episode of our podcast, join Simon and Watt as we delve into the story of Albert Hoffman and the profound impact his discovery had on society and culture.

We start off by talking about Hoffman's initial discovery of LSD in 1943 and the bicycle ride that followed, which is now celebrated as Bicycle Day. It's amazing to think that a single chemical compound could have such a profound impact on the world, but LSD certainly did.

We also touch on the psychedelic movement of the 1960s and its association with LSD, which was being used recreationally by a growing number of people. But despite its popularity, LSD was also becoming increasingly demonized by the government and the media, leading to a widespread backlash against its use.

As we discuss the story of LSD, we also touch on the legal and health risks associated with using illegal substances, and the importance of prioritising our own health and safety above all else. We want to be clear that while we acknowledge the historical significance of LSD, we do not condone, condemn or promote the use of illegal substances.

That being said, we also recognise that there is growing research into the potential therapeutic benefits of substances like LSD, particularly for those who are neurodivergent or living with mental health conditions. We hope to explore this topic more deeply in future episodes and invite our listeners to share their own stories and experiences with us.

Overall, the story of Albert Hoffman and the discovery of LSD is a fascinating and complex one, and we hope that this episode has provided some insight into the impact that this chemical compound has had on our world. Thanks for tuning in to our podcast, and we look forward to continuing the conversation with you in future episodes.

As discussed in the show, we have created an anonymous Google form: https://forms.gle/kNDdGxESVGRyXHdm7 

We will absolutely respect anonymity and this form will not record any personal or IP data.  Or contact us via Twitter or at our email: [email protected] 

My sources:

“LSD: My Problem Child” Albert Hoffman

“How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence” Michael Pollan

“Queering Psychedelics” Ed Alex Belser, Clancy Cavnar, Beatriz Labate

“Acid dreams : the complete social history of LSD : the CIA, the sixties, and beyond” Martin Lee

“LSD: The Consciousness Expanding Drug” David Solomon 

Speech by Albert Hoffman, 1996 Worlds of Consciousness Conference in Heidelberg, Germany (https://maps.org/news-letters/v06n3/06346hof.html)

“LSD before Leary: Sidney Cohen's Critique of 1950s Psychedelic Drug Research” Steven Novak (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9154737/) 

“Three years experience with the use of LSD as an aid to psychotherapy” Gordon Johnsen (

As ever we thank you, our loyal listeners for sticking with us. We would love to hear from you so look for our contact details in your podcast app or via our website.