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Starting school, navigating the education system and understanding your child's behaviour can feel overwhelming – especially when you’re trying to work out what your child needs and how best to support them.

In this episode of Autism Unpacked, we’re joined by Clinical Psychologist Dr Freya Spicer White to explore some of the questions and challenges that parents of children with Special Educational Needs, including autism, may face at school.

What should you do if your child is being described as “naughty” when you feel there could be something more going on? How can you recognise the impact of bullying, and what can you do to support your child? And what can you do when busy, noisy environments become overwhelming and your child reaches the point of meltdown?

We explore:

• Bullying – recognising when something may be wrong and supporting your child through the emotional impact
• “Naughty” behaviour – understanding what behaviour might be communicating and how parents can work with school to advocate for their child
• Busy environments – recognising sensory overload and finding ways to make overwhelming situations more manageable
• Meltdowns – understanding what happens when a child reaches their “point of no return” and how parents can respond safely and supportively

Whether your child is autistic, has other Special Educational Needs, is awaiting an assessment, or you’re simply trying to understand behaviour that doesn’t seem to fit the explanations you’ve been given, this episode offers reassurance, practical advice and a different way of looking at some of the challenges families can face.

You’re not alone – and your child’s behaviour may be telling you more than you realise.

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Series 3 is here — and we're widening the conversation. 

Autism Unpacked returns with honest, real-life conversations that go beyond autism to explore the wider world of Special Educational Needs (SEN). From the school environment to behaviour, crucial advice and real-life stories, we're navigating SEN together. 

Whether you're a parent, carer, educator or clinician, Series 3 has something for you. Hit follow and join us as we take the next step. 

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Wondering if your child might be autistic? This highlights episode brings together the most powerful conversations from Autism Unpacked on the autism diagnosis journey - from early signs to the benefits and challenges of assessment, and life after diagnosis.

For many parents, the road to an autism diagnosis feels overwhelming, emotional and full of questions. From recognising early signs of autism in boys and girls, to deciding whether to seek an assessment, navigating the assessment process, and the moment diagnosis is confirmed — it's a journey filled with both challenges and revelations.

In this special compilation episode, we revisit some of the series' standout conversations with expert guests, exploring:

• Common signs of autism in boys and girls that may prompt families to seek an assessment
• What the autism assessment and diagnosis process involves
• The emotions parents often experience before, during and after diagnosis
• Concerns about labels, stigma, and what a diagnosis might mean for a child's future
• Early diagnosis and why understanding your child's needs can make such a difference
• Whether a diagnosis can change over time

Whether you're at the very start of your journey, currently navigating assessment, or reflecting on life after diagnosis - this episode brings expert insight, reassurance and practical guidance to help you feel informed and supported.

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If you've found yourself Googling "is my child autistic?" at 2am, this episode is for you. We sit down with consultant clinical psychologist, Dr Freya Spicer-White, to get honest, clear answers to the questions that so many parents are asking — but may be too worried to say out loud.

In this episode:

• How to tell the difference between the early signs of autism and a developmental quirk
• Does autism run in siblings - and what that means for your family
• Navigating diagnosis process - those all important questions
• When autism and ADHD overlap - and what that means
• Can a diagnosis changes over time?
• Could I have caused my child's autism?
• Is it ok to call on Google and AI when it comes to autism?
• When and how to push for a second opinion

If you're in the thick of it, or just starting to wonder - this one will help you feel less alone and more prepared for whatever comes next.

For more detail on the topics covered, explore our previous episodes where we dive into many of these subjects in more depth.

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This is the second in our two episodes focusing on the reality of being an autistic sibling, featuring Becky Smith and her son, Max. Together, Becky and Max have written two amazing books: I'm An Autism Brother, and I'm A Big Autism Brother.

In this episode, we delve into Max's experiences of growing up with two autistic sisters, navigating complex emotions and challenging situations, and his place in a family shaped by autism.

Whether you’re a sibling of an autistic young person, a parent wanting to better support neurotypical siblings, or someone looking for honest autism family stories, this conversation offers powerful lived experiences, practical advice and real insight. 

We cover:

• The emotions of having an autistic sibling
• Common challenges faced by siblings and ways to cope
• The pride and positives that come with having autistic siblings
• How Max helps his sisters communicate
• Why writing two books helped Becky to support Max 
• How the writing experience was a powerful experience for them both
• How the books are helping other young people understand autism

To end this heart-warming episode, Max reads an extract from his wonderful books. 

To find out more about Becky and Max's story, visit: https://autismbrother.com/

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In this episode, we shine a light on a group quitely growing up alongside autism: siblings. Brothers and sisters who love fiercely, adapt instinctively, sometimes worry deeply and often understand more than we realise.

We're delighted to be joined by Becky and Max Smith. Becky is mum to three children - Daisy and Georgie-Rose who are autistic - and their brother, Max.

Drawing on their lived experience, Becky and Max have co-written written two books to share with others what it's like to grow up with autistic siblings.

Join us for part one of this two part conversation, as we meet Becky and Max and find out more about Daisy, Georgie-Rose and family life.

For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk
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In this special recap episode of Autism Unpacked, we look back at some of the standout moments so far from series two, helping parents to better understand the world of their autistic child.

We revisit some powerful conversations on emotional based school avoidance, autism and eating disorders, mental health, maths anxiety and not fogetting a dash of myth-busting.

Join us as we shine a spotlight on key insights, lived experience and thought-provoking perspectives, with a focus on practical advice and real-life strategies. 

This is a chance to catch up on the standout moments from the series so far. And if you enjoy these tasters, revisit our previous episodes to hear in full the conversations that matter.

For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk
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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.

For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk
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