Let's Talk Autism

Today's 5 min teacup episode is a catch up with the wonderful Shane Stoneley. Since we last spoke to autistic Shane he has also been diagnosed ADHD. Shane tells us about the diagnosis and how ADHD and Autism coincide in his life. Shane talks about the struggles he and his family are having with adult social services to help support them. He also tells us the exciting news about his new book School of Slashing! 
You can follow Shane @shanesautism_adhdjourney
#autism #adhd #autistic #writer #autisticwriter #letstalkautismpodcast

The end of the school holidays is looming and many people may be feeling some back to school dread....Maybe 4 weeks into the 6 week break you may be feeling slightly lonely and isolated as many parents and students can feel also. That's why we have created a series of 5 minute "ave a cuppa tea" episodes.  
We know how busy life can be in the holidays so each day until the start of school we will bring you a little 5 minute chill out episode to sit and have a cuppa alongside. 
We will always be so grateful for the community and friends we have found along the way on the Let's Talk Autism Podcast so here's a little chat with us each day with some amazing guests both old and new to see you through until the end of the holidays. 
Lots of love 
Meesh and Chrissy 

Past guest Andy is back to talk to Meesh and Chrissy about R.S.D. - Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. Andy was diagnosed in the 80s as a child with "clumsy child syndrome" which is now what we know to be Dyspraxia (thank goodness for the name change!) Andy talks about what life was like as a Dyspraxic child and now as a Dyspraxic adult. Andy not only talks about the physical parts of Dyspraxia but also about the emotional side. Andy, who is also autistic, then tells us about RSD and how debilitating it can be . Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is a condition which can cause overwhelming levels of emotional pain and feelings of failure and rejection. Andy bravely and honestly tells us more about what this looks like in his life. 

This week Meesh and Chrissy speak to BBC presenter and chartered civil engineer Ayo Sokale. 
Ayo is a remarkable and inspirational young lady who tells us all about her journey as a neurodiverse woman and the challenges she has faced and overcome. 
Ayo talks about dyslexia, autism and adhd as well as what representation means to her and her hopes abd dreams for the future!
Truly inspirational and so much fun throughout! 
@officiallyayosokale

This week Meesh and Christelle speak to Rachel Barnes who was diagnosed autistic, adhd, dyspraxic, dyslexic as well as having sensory processing disorder 8 years ago. Originally Rachel was misdiagnosed several times and even told she was Bipolar. Rachel discusses her diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Since diagnosis Rachel has created her own business the Big Stim www.bigstim.bigcartel.com which is an online store of sensory items. 
You can follow rachel at @rachelbarnes2222

This week we're speaking to Faye from instagram account @adhd_menopause_and_me 
Faye talks to us about her journey with ADHD and her children's. She talks to us about what the menopause is and how it affects her as a neurodiverse woman. Faye talks about the support available and how the menopause needs to be spoken about and discussed rather than be the taboo subject it may have been in the past. Faye talks about the scientific reasons behind hormone changes and how this may affect neurodiverse women not just during the menopause but also puberty and after child birth resulting in post natal depression and how this should be approached differently by medical professionals when treating neurodivergent women. 

Today for a very special episode we meet with just some of the people behind SEND Reform England - a movement to make education inclusive. Kathryn, George and Lisa all join us to talk about the reasons behind the movement and the protest which will be taking part next week at Parliament Square London from 11am and 3pm. The peaceful protest will be held to ask central government for a reform of the SEND educational system. 
You can find out more here: 
www.sendreformengland.com
Instagram @ sendreformengland
asd_with_a_g_and_T

Today we speak to Steph, who has two neurodiverse girls. Steph’s youngest daughter has the pathological demand avoidance profile of autism and she tells us what that looks like for family life. We talk about some crossovers of PDA and ADHD symptoms. Steph tells us how different autism looks between her two girls, and talks about the hurdles they have had to overcome as a family as they navigate the education system. You can find out more about Steph and her family at her Instagram account @stephstwogirls.

Our amazing guest Laura from instagram account @spectrumserafina speaks openly and honestly about her struggles as an autistic woman. Laura tells us more about her dating journey and the thoughts and feelings of dating as well as connections with others. Laura tells us how she finally met her dream husband and the journey they have been together as a neurodivergent and neurotypical couple! 

This week we are joined by Instagram and TikTok sensation Matt Raekelboom. Matt was diagnosed ADHD as a child and shares his incredible story with us. Matt explains so much to us about ADHD medication, diet and dopamine. 
Matt talks in detail about how he has changed his life and developed ways to get dopamine in holitstic ways rather than medication. Matt shares his past and his battle with addictions, weight and at one point homelessness. He talks about his work as an advocate for adhd and the holistic approaches he has incorporated into his own daily routines. Matt talks in detail about gut health and the different routes he has explored to help understand his body and mind. 
https://www.facebook.com/MattRaekelboomADHD/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mattraekelboom
https://www.instagram.com/mattraekelboom/
https://direct.me/mattraekelboom