Let's Talk Autism

A bonus episode for you this week! Yes two episodes in one week! Here is Michael Anker talking all things autism and music. 
Michael was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome aged 7.  Michael talks about his diagnosis journey and how music has helped him in his life. Michael has his own music channel on YouTube and even treated us to a little rendition of Somewhere over the Rainbow. A wonderful chat with an inspirational young man!
@michaelankermusic https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCRbkqxGd9b8rgw0M325iRhQ 

This week we speak to @theautiecoach Olivia Wilson. Olivia shares her diagnosis journey, from recognising characteristics similar to her own on a TV show to receiving her diagnosis. Olivia talks about life since being diagnosed autistic, how her workplace has made accommodations and her family's reactions to her news.  We talk about schooling and how now with her diagnosis she can understand more about her life. 
Olivia is passionate about helping others who have been diagnosed later in life and has created her instagram account @theautiecoach to give support to others and help them unmask with confidence.
A wonderful chat with one of the kindest guests we have had the pleasure to talk to. 

This week we are talking to Alice Willians about her schooling journey. Alice was diagnosed with Global Development Delay and Autism at a young age and then attended mainstream school. After battling for a place in a specialist school, Alice moved from mainstream education to start year 7. 
Alice speaks passionately about her specialist school which she thoroughly enjoyed. We talk about her journey to college to obtain the qualifications she worked so hard for. Alice also spoke about being an autistic woman and how that can sometimes be persevered by the public. She talks about her journey in the Special Olympics for skiing and her love of the sport. 

An incredible, inspirational young lady who we loved speaking to!
@alicewillians88 

Another episode in our Schooling series this week and we were joined by the wonderful Shane Stoneley. Shane spoke to us about his school journey as an undiagnosed autistic boy in a mainstream school. 
***Trigger Warning - Suicide references***
Shane shares an emotional journey including some upsetting stories of bullying and references to suicidal feelings. Shane speaks openly and honestly about his friendships in school and how much those meant to him, then and now. He was with his friend Steven during the recording who also spoke to us. 
Shane is an author and volunteers in a specialist school. He talk about what his school life might have been like had he been diagnosed and been able to attend a specialist school like the one he works at. 
You can follow Shane at @shane_stoneley_autism_author
@thecockneybloggirl
@chrissybaby_10
@letstalkautismpodcast

Back to School with Let's Talk Autism! 
Our new series of school based episodes is here! 
Kicking us off today we speak to fellow podcaster Connell from Instagram account @Conns.1
Connell tells us of his school journey in a specialist school. Connell was diagnosed aged 2 as autistic and was considered non verbal as a child. He shares his story with us from life as a pre verbal child in a special school to leaving school and beginning college. We talk about bullying and mental health and the gap between secondary education and further education. A fascinating chat with an inspirational young man.

TW - suicide reference 
@Conns.1
@letstalkautismpodcast 
@thecockneybloggirl
@chrissybaby_10

This week Chrissy and Meesh speak to Carla from instagram account@cameronssmile. 
Cameron has a very rare disease called Norrie Disease, he also is Deafblind and autistic with complex needs. Carla talks to us a bout Norrie's disease and about Cameron and the fund raiser they are working on to help provide the therapies Cameron needs. 
A great chat about a wonderful boy with the most beautiful infectious smile! 
You can find more a bout Carla and Cameron here: 
https://www.facebook.com/CamSmile/
instagram: @cameronssmile
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dazsrock4cameron?utm_term=Xm84e2rq8

On the 20th September 2021 the BBC published THAT article with the headline "Early baby therapy could reduce autism diagnosis" Following this article were breakout articles from other mainstream media such as the Telegraph. 
The autistic community and parents of autistic children have been left hurt, upset, and angered by the article. After an overwhelming week on social media which has brought us together in a strength of forces against these types of damaging reports we spoke to Tom, Casey and Sez. 
Our three guests this week are autistic individuals who speak about the damaging effects of the article and the response Sez received from the Telegraph. An amazing chat with our guests as we discuss the implications of this type of article and the response from the autistic community in regards to it. 
You can find our guests at:
Sez Francis - instagram - @sezfrancis1
Tom Watts - instagram @tomwattsdop
Casey - @caseys_asd_journey
Meesh - @thecockneybloggirl
Chrissy - @chrissybaby10
@letstalkautismpodcast

We are back this week with an amazing episode with Lauren Hilaire. Lauren has graced the covers of Vogue as well as many TV adverts and campaigns world wide. Lauren talks about her journey, about Downs Syndrome and the groups which have supported her through her life. We speak about "Our Voice" a group for Downs Syndrome adults and children which have helped many. We are joined by Lauren's dad Julian who talks about Lauren's birth and their journey as a family. 
Lauren is an inspirational young lady with fighting spirit and a determination and ambition to show anybody that they can be whoever they want to be. "I am unique" Lauren tells us and talks about her modelling ambitions and her future plans. 
We thank Lauren and her family for the wonderful chat and sharing their journey with us! 
You can follow Lauren at @laurenhilaire_zebedee 

We would also like to thank everyone for their nominations and votes as we have become finalists in the BAPs awards. There is still time to vote at https://www.myfamilyourneeds.co.uk/baps/best-use-of-media/
@thecockneybloggirl
@chrissybaby_10
@letstalkautismpodcast

Today we are joined by Emma Mcnally and Johnny Davidson MBE.
Emma has started a petition for more awareness and funding into Tourettes Syndrome. Her son was diagnosed with Tourettes. Johnny who was diagnosed with tourettes aged 13 also talks about his life with Tourettes, the lack of support available for newly diagnosed children and adults with tourettes and why awareness and more funding and research is needed. 
An honest and heart felt chat which shows the truths and reality of Tourettes Syndrome.
Please help by signing the petition found here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/575370

This is the 100th episode of Let's Talk Autism and Additional Needs Podcast. Join Meesh and Chrissy as they take a little trip down memory lane with lots of laughs and highlights from past shows. 
We can't thank you enough for the wonderful support we have received from all of our listeners and contributors!
Here's to the next 100! 
@thecockneybloggirl
@chrissybaby_10 
@letstalkautismpodcast