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Maths is everywhere — but for many young people, it can be one of the biggest sources of stress. In this episode, Rosie explores maths anxiety, why maths can feel so overwhelming for many, and why autistic children in particular may experience heightened stress, avoidance or anxiety around maths. 

We're joined by James Birchenough, Educational Quality Advisor for Maths at Options Autism, who explains why the way maths is taught can make a huge difference to confidence, emotional safety and how capable children feel. 

With a big emphasis on reassurance, advise, real-world ideas and strategies to support, Rosie and James cover:

• Why maths anxiety is so common among autistic learners
• How traditional teaching approaches can unintentionally increase stress
• The importance of practical, real-life maths experiences
• Some hands-on ways schools and families can help children develop a more positive relationship with maths

And if you'd like to find out more or you're looking for further support and advice, the links below may be helpful:

British Dyslexia Association (2025), What Is Dyscalculia, https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyscalculia

Dyscalculia Network (2024), What Is Dyscalculia, https://dyscalculianetwork.com/what-is-dyscalculia/

National Numeracy (2025), What Is Maths Anxiety?, https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/what-issue/about-maths-anxiety

The Maths Anxiety Trust (2024), https://mathsanxietytrust.com/

Third Space Learning (2025), Understanding Maths Anxiety At School And What Teachers and Parents Can Do To Support Children, https://thirdspacelearning.com/blog/understanding-maths-anxiety/

Joint Counsil for Qualifications (JCQ): https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/access-arrangements-and-special-consideration/

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“Everyone’s a little bit autistic.”
 “Autistic people don’t feel empathy.”

These phrases can be confusing, frustrating and even hurtful, particularly if you're a parent of an autistic child. While they’re often said casually, they can shape how autistic individuals are understood and supported at home, in school and beyond.

This episode is all about clearing the air, as we bust the most common myths about autism and explain what autism really is, and what it isn’t. 

To help unpack the truth, we're joined by Dr Freya Spicer White, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Chief Clinical Officer at Options Autism. Together, we explore empathy, identity and support, helping parents cut through misinformation and feel more confident in advocating for their child.

This is an essential listen for anyone who wants to better understand autism beyond the stereotypes.

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This episode of Autism Unpacked focuses on a subject that is often overlooked - the impact of autistic trauma and mental health on young people. 

We welcome consultant clinical pschologist and Head of Trauma Informed Practice at Options Austism, Dr Leanne Johnson, and together we unpack key mental health challenges like burnout and anxiety. 

And importantly, we look at how parents can recognise, understand and support their child, as well as practical strategies to help them care for their own wellbeing.

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Welcome to the second part of our focus on Emotionally Based School Avoidance, or EBSA.

Anxiety works both ways and supporting a child struggling with EBSA can be incredibly challenging for parents also. Here, we pick up this empowering conversation with our experts - Dr Tina Rae and Dr Leanne Johnson - exploring strategies for parents to help their young person and to also help cope with the pressures they are feeling.

And if you find this conversation helpful, you could also check out the Not Fine In School Network https://notfineinschool.co.uk/, and Dr Tina Rae's EBSA resources, which can be found here https://bit.ly/43eV2Gb with a 10% discount if you use the code Tina10

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Welcome to the first of two episodes on Emotionally Based School Avoidance - or EBSA - a subject that many families find challenging.

We find out why EBSA is so often misunderstood as truancy or refusal, when in fact it's about anxiety and emotional distress, making school feel overwhelming or even impossible for so many young people.

We're joined by two amazing experts: Dr Tina Rae, an educational and child psychologist, passionate about helping children and parents; and Dr Leanne Johnson, a consultant clincial psychologist and Head of Trauma Informed Practice.

In this empowering pod we explore:

• What EBSA is
• The causes of EBSA
• What parents and schools can do to support young people struggling with EBSA

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In this episode, Rosie is joined by Natalie Raven Morris, CEO fo the Feeding Trust, as they talk about paediatric feeding and eating disorders. 

Together they uncover more about the feeding differencies and difficulties that some young people may experience, and discuss in detail how to get a diagnosis and different support strategies to help parents and families with this challenging issue.

This episode is packed full with advice, hope and reassurance for families, and for those looing for further support, please visit:

https://www.optionsautism.co.uk/support-advice/feeding-and-eating-disorders/

https://www.feedingtrust.org/

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We open series two with a topic that comes up a lot, but which is still so often misunderstood - feeding and eating disorders in chilren, particularly autistic young people. 

This isn't just about 'fussy eating'.  

In this episode, we're delighted to be joined by Natalie Raven Morris, co-founder and CEO of The Feeding Trust. Natalie brings a wealth of experience and a deep personal passion for helping families navigate the tricky world of paediatric feeding and eating disorders.

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Autism Unpacked is a refreshingly real podcast that dives into what it really means to be autistic in today’s world. In series 1, we unpacked everything from relationships and parenting to diagnosis, myths, sleep, and so much more. 

And the good news? We're back for more with a brand-new series, launching in September, shining a light on eating and feeding disorders, school avoidance, mental health, and more. 

This isn’t just another autism podcast - it’s a vibrant mix of expert advice, practical tips, and honest, heart-warming stories.

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In this bonus clip, we talk about what it's really like taking a child with complex autism on holiday. Hear Karen, mum to Lois who has complex needs, talking about the planning, the pressure and the moments that make it all worth it.

And you can hear more from Karen about their journey as a family, in episode 6. 

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Welcome to our second compilation episode from Series 1 of Autism Unpacked. This time round we’re focusing on what helps and what’s hype. We’ll hear from autism experts with advice, strategies which could benefit us all – and even a bit of myth busting to tackle those common misconceptions.

Amongst our guests are senior clinicians and respected experts from Options Autism, including: Emma Sanderson, Dr Freya Spicer-White and Sarah-Jo Vane, (Senior Admissions Manager). Between them, Emma, Freya and Sarah-Jo give their take on navigating the diagnosis process as well as EHCPs. 

We’ll also be discussing the sometime thorny issue of sleep with consultant clinical psychologist Dr Nicky Greaves, as well as getting to grips with the controversial issue of Demand Avoidance with Freya and clinician, Paula Walker. And if that wasn’t enough, we’ll hear from Francesca Happé, a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience and renowned expert on autism in girls.

There’s a lot to get through, so sit back, take a breath, and join us as we celebrate the beauty, diversity, and strength of the autism community.

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