Chitter Chatter Podcast - Episode: Navigating Autism Diagnosis & Finding the Right Services for Your Child

In this episode of Chitter Chatter, Maria delves into getting an autism diagnosis for your child and understanding how to choose the right services to support their needs. Maria walks listeners through the essential steps in pursuing a diagnosis, from recognising early challenges to finding the right professionals for assessment. They also provide valuable insights and tips on selecting the best options based on your child's unique strengths and challenges.

In this solo episode, Maria opens up about her journey with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and the profound impact it has had on her life. She shares her experiences of navigating the challenges and misconceptions surrounding PDA, offering insights into the daily struggles she has encountered. Maria discusses how PDA has shaped her self-perception, emphasising the importance of self-acceptance and understanding. Through candid storytelling and reflection, she explores the complexities of living with PDA, shedding light on the emotional and psychological toll it can take, as well as the growth and resilience that have emerged from it. Whether familiar with PDA or new to the concept, this episode provides a heartfelt and insightful look into one woman's journey.

In this episode, Mel and guest host Isabella sit down with Michael Needle, a former Gentle Sensory worker from the UK, to discuss his incredible experiences travelling and working with neurodiverse young people. Michael shares insights from his time supporting these individuals, his challenges, and their profound impact on his perspective. Tune in for a joyful conversation about neurodiversity, youth empowerment, and more.

In this episode, Mel and Maria explore the often taboo topic of caregiver burnout, shedding light on its profound impact on mental health and parenting. They explore the emotional toll caregiving can take, often leaving parents overwhelmed and isolated. They also discuss the stigma surrounding this issue, sharing personal stories and insights that highlight the importance of recognising and addressing caregiver burnout.

In this compelling two-part episode, Maria shares her personal journey through relationship breakdowns and bravely opens up about the unique challenges of parenting a neurodivergent child while being neurodivergent herself. Join us as we dive into the impact of societal stigma on relationships and the unnecessary shame surrounding relationship difficulties.

In this two-part episode, Mel discusses her son's challenges with food aversion and its connection to his malnutrition. She also speaks about the steps she has been required to take to support her son and how she has been coping with this challenging situation.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses malnutrition and invasive interventions to support growth.

Join Mel & Maria as they explore what it means to mask one's true self and its impact on mental health, self-identity, and daily life. Mel and Maria share personal stories and navigate a world that often demands conformity.

In this episode, Mel and Maria share their week’s challenges and triumphs, from Mel’s breakthrough moment to Maria’s emotional journey. The conversation then shifts to the episode’s central theme: the significance of language and autism labels. Using the recent literature, Maria and Mel explore how the terms and labels used to describe autism can impact those within the community and increase negative stigma.

Mel and Maria open up about their personal experiences with autism, sharing both the challenges and the triumphs they’ve encountered along their journeys. From navigating social expectations and sensory overload to celebrating the unique perspectives and strengths that come with being on the spectrum, Mel and Maria offer an honest and empowering look at what it means to live as/with an autistic person.

In this insightful episode, we dive into the world of autism with a focus on its diagnostic criteria. Join us as we explore how professionals determine a diagnosis, the key characteristics, and the nuances involved in the process. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about autism, this episode will provide you with a clear and comprehensive understanding of what goes into diagnosing autism. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that sheds light on how we identify and support individuals on the autism spectrum.