Let's Talk Autism

This week we welcomed meme and internet legend Marcus Mitchell onto the Lets Talk Autism Podcast. 
Marcus was diagnosed autistic aged 14, he shares his diagnosis story with us and what life was like as a child and young adult after diagnosis. 
We talk about his social media presence and how he uses his comedy and memes to make others laugh as well as raising autism awareness. Marcus speaks openly about the trolling he has experienced on his social media accounts and the comments made implying that he "doesn't look autistic" and how "autistic people cant have humour." 
You can follow Marcus on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/marcusmitchellofficial/
and on Instagram at @marcusmitchellofficial
A wonderful chat with a wonderful guest. Our cheek bones were aching from smiling! 

This week's episode begins our very own Christmas countdown with some fun festive episodes on the way. We started our first Christmas season off with the amazing and hilarious Lisa from Instagram account asd_with_a_g_and_t 
We spoke about Lisa's two children and both their diagnosis stories before moving on to discuss the reality of Christmas time with parents of autistic and additional needs children. We spoke about the aspects of  Christmas which may distress and overwhelm our children as well as perceptions of the perfect Christmas and the pressures this brings to some families. 
Great, fun chat with a Christmas quiz for good measure!

This week Meesh and Christelle spoke to blogger Malin who writes at www.sensationallearningwithpenguin.com. Malin explains AAC which stands for Augmentative and Alternative communication. She explains what they have trialed and put in place for her son "Penguin" and how important it is to understand that being"non- verbal" does not mean not being able to communicate. 
You can follow Malin on instagram at @sensationallearningwithpenguin

This week Meesh and Christelle speak to mum Claire about her autistic daughter Darcie who is non verbal and also has Hypermobility Syndrome, Hypotonia and a rare chromosome. 
We talk about the lack of awareness of autism in girls, especially those who are not typically high functioning and don't mask.
We talk about communication, diet and sleep and how Hypermobility Syndrome has meant Darcie now has to use a wheelchair. 
You can follow Claire and Darcie's story over on Instagram at @darcies_voice

Trigger Warning - This Episode contains discussion about  suicide, attempted suicide with references to actual incidents and suicidal thoughts.

This week Meesh and Christelle spoke to dad of four Peter Black from instagram account @mrblack_thesenddad. Peter spoke to us in detail about his son's diagnosis of ADHD in particular and the stereotypes and views the general public have about ADHD and what ADHD is.
Pete spoke to us about his 10 yr old son's impulsiveness, obsession with fire and how the fire brigade helped with this. We spoke medication and bullying. Peter spoke about his son's struggle with his mental health and his son's suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts at the age of 10. We spoke about the lack of help available within children's mental health and for the parents and carers of that child.

If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts/self harm, help can be found at the following organisations. 
Samaritans - 116123 - 24hrs a day
CALM - 0800585858 - 5pm to midnight everyday (for men)
Papyrus - 08000684141 - 9am to midnight every day. (under 35s)
Childline - 08001111 (under 19s)
You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone, please talk to someone. 

This week Meesh and Christelle speak to Gem from instagram account @geminstitches about her autistic son's hyperlexia. 
Hyperlexia is when a child can read at a level far beyond that expected of their age. Gem tells us of her son's fascination with the alphabet and numbers and how he has been able to spell out complex words from the age of 3. A fascinating chat with talks about diagnosis, moving to a special school and much more.
You can find us on instagram at @letstalkautismpodcast 
Christelle at @guardiansoftheprecious and Meesh at @thecockneybloggirl

This week Meesh and Christelle speak to Carrie from instagram account @amazingalbie 
Carrie spoke to us about her son's stimming. We talk about what stimming is and the reasons for it.  Carrie also shared her son's journey with speech regression and the thoughts and feelings around that time and how it has been since Albie's speech has started to return. 
An amazing chat with an amazing mum. 
@amazingalbie

This week Meesh and Christelle take the time to share their stories and journeys with their autistic sons. 
We talk about Christelle's pregnancy and her son's extremely rare brain condition which resulted in brain surgery at just 2 days old. We talk through diagnosis stories and how much we have learnt through the past 6 months podcasting. Lots of laughs and honest chat. 
We recap on past guests with updates on their stories also. 

This week Meesh and Christelle speak to Sue from A Sprinkle of Spectrum (trying saying that fast - #tonguetwister) 
Sue has applied and received a blue badge for her daughter who is autistic. 
Sue tells us about the process, we discuss the controversy from some of the general public met by families receiving a blue badge and how the blue badge has changed their lives. 
A great chat with a wonderful mum. 
You can find Sue on instagram at @asprinkleofspectrum 

This week Meesh and Christelle speak to Niki from instagram account Understanding Ella. Niki tells us of her daughter Ella's brain malformation, epilepsy, learning difficulties and their future plans for brain surgery and what that will mean for Ella. 
An honest and emotional chat with Niki about their family's journey.