Why has autism become one of the most contested diagnoses in medicine — and who is paying the price?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Sami Timimi, child psychiatrist and fierce critic of mainstream psychiatric diagnosis, to ask a question that doesn't get asked enough: what happens when a diagnostic label expands so far it stops meaning anything — and what does that cost the children who need support most?

This is a conversation that challenges some deeply held beliefs about neurodiversity, identity, and what it actually means to support disabled people.

We cover:

• Why there is no agreed definition of autism — even among 500 leading researchers
• How the expansion of the diagnostic spectrum is diluting resources for severely disabled children
• The neurodiversity movement's origins, its genuine intentions, and its unintended consequences
• Why the concept of "masking" expanded autism into an entirely new population
• ADHD as a consumer brand — and the research showing childhood diagnosis predicts worse long-term outcomes
• The 787% rise in autism diagnoses in the UK, and what the demographics reveal
• Why Sami believes diagnosis should be removed as evidence for services like the Disability Living Allowance — replaced with individualised assessments of real clinical, educational, and social need

If you're a parent of a high-needs child who has ever felt that something has gone badly wrong with how autism is understood, this one is for you.

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What if everything we thought we knew about non-speaking autism was wrong? In this episode of Parents Unheard, Joseph and Kayie sit down with Steven May, the founder of Presume Competence.

Steven isn’t a doctor or a parent—he is a dedicated researcher who has distilled the wisdom of over 120 books written by non-speakers to uncover a startling truth: the problem isn't intelligence; it's apraxia.

We explore why traditional AAC devices might actually be failing our children due to sensory "strobing" and optical challenges, and why a simple 26-letter board is the key to unlocking a trapped mind.

From the "Spiderwebs of Connection" found in spellers’ stories to the extraordinary sensory capabilities of non-speaking individuals, this episode challenges every boundary of what we believe is possible.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Mind-Body Disconnect: Understanding apraxia and the "puppet" analogy.

• The AAC Critique: Why high-tech devices can be a barrier to true communication.

• The "I’m In Here" Moment: The emotional reality of a child’s first words on a letterboard.

• Sensory Superpowers: Why non-speakers might hear Wi-Fi and see in "Full HD" peripheral vision.

• The Path Forward: Practical steps for UK parents to start the spelling journey today.

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As parent carers, our default mode is often "survival."

We are the masters of managing our children’s appointments, therapies, and needs, but in the process, we often strike our own names off the priority list. We’ve all heard the cliché that "you can’t pour from an empty cup," but how do we actually refill it when our lives feel like a constant sprint?

In this episode, we sit down with Susannah Ashcroft-Batty, founder of Inter Wellness and a specialist in Functional Medicine and Clinical Hypnotherapy. Susannah joins the podcast to talk about the "wellness gap" – the paradox of why we are spending more on healthcare yet getting sicker every year.

We dive deep into the multi-faceted nature of wellness, moving beyond "spa day" self-care to look at the physiological reality of the caregiver’s life. From the impact of chronic stress on our gut and hormones to how our nervous system dictates our ability to heal.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Caregiver Paradox: Why we minimise our own depletion and the physical cost of staying in "fight or flight" mode.

• Root Cause Wellness: Moving past symptoms to understand how sleep, movement, and nutrition are the foundations of our strength.

• Prevention as Advocacy: Why looking after yourself isn’t selfish—it’s the most important tool you have for supporting your child.

About Our Guest:Susannah Ashcroft-Batty (BSc Hons, IHPL2, GDipION, PCC, CCHt) is an Integrative and Functional Medicine Practitioner, Nutritional Therapist, and Clinical Hypnotherapist. Through her practice, Inter Wellness, she helps individuals identify the root causes of their health issues, bridging the gap between the physical and emotional self to achieve lasting vitality.

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A heartfelt conversation with Danielle, mother to Van, whose journey through autism has been one of patience, persistence, and hard-won progress. From a child who didn't speak until seven, struggling through his early school years, to a young person who now finds genuine connection in education—Van's story defies simple narratives.

We discuss the gap between low and high support needs autism, and why the lived realities of families like Danielle's often go unheard in broader conversations about neurodiversity. She doesn't sugarcoat the isolation or the weight of advocating alone in a system that offers little support.

Danielle also speaks candidly about what gets lost along the way—the careers never pursued, the holidays never taken, the ordinary freedoms that slip quietly out of reach. This is a conversation about what it takes to show up, day after day, when no one else will.

Her perspective may challenge assumptions. We invite listeners to stay present, lean into the complexity, and make space for the voices that are too often left out of the room.

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Ashley Blaker is a comedian and writer based in London and New York.

Ashley has six children, three of whom have an SEN diagnosis. Between endless meetings, countless therapists, public humiliations, failed playdates, surreal monologues and occasional violence, it’s certainly not what anyone would call a ‘normal’ household – but would he want it any other way?

In this episode, we sit down with Sinead Kerley-Dunne to explore gestalt language processing (GLP) and what it means for autistic children and their families. Sinead breaks down the prevalence of GLP among autistic children and shares practical insights for parents navigating this language development pathway.

We discuss how to identify gestalt language processing in non-speaking children, challenging some common assumptions about language acquisition. Sinead also offers a refreshing perspective on screen time, explaining why it can actually be beneficial for gestalt language processors when used intentionally.

The conversation wraps up with actionable advice for parents who suspect their child may be a gestalt language processor, including how to approach these conversations with schools and nurseries to ensure their child receives appropriate support.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or professional working with autistic children, this episode provides valuable insights into recognizing and supporting gestalt language learners.

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Taiba Bajar is a TEDx Speaker, Award-Winning Author, and Founder of Autism Brain Empowerment. She helps parents turn confusion into clarity and create real progress for their autistic child by focusing on what they can change at home.

When Taiba’s son regressed at 20 months, stopping eye contact, no longer responding to his name, and losing speech, she quickly discovered that the system meant to support her was full of limitations. Determined to help him reach his developmental milestones, she began exploring alternative approaches.

His transformation inspired her book Unlock Autism, which outlines a seven-step, practical, science-backed method to support a child’s development. Today, Taiba works with families worldwide through her coaching programme, helping them understand the critical role environment plays in their child’s progress.

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In this episode, I’m joined by Gemma Herbertson from Neuro Frontiers to explore how neuroplasticity therapies can support autistic individuals across their lives. We unpack common misconceptions, discuss why proper neuroevaluation matters, and look at how personalised programmes can unlock meaningful change.

What we cover:

• The four neuromyths surrounding autism

• What neuroplasticity really means, and why every brain has the capacity to change

• The role and value of neuroevaluation in understanding individual brain profiles

• Neuroplasticity-based therapies available for autistic individuals

• Why personalised programmes are more effective than one-size-fits-all approaches

• How Neuro Frontiers supports individuals, parents and carers, therapists, and researchers with practical tools and resources

About Neuro Frontiers
Neuro Frontiers is a platform dedicated to providing practical, evidence-informed tools and resources focused on neuroplasticity therapies. Their work supports individuals, families, clinicians, and researchers in improving brain function through personalised, targeted approaches.

This conversation is a grounded, hopeful look at what’s possible when we move beyond myths and focus on the brain as a dynamic, changeable system.

Listen now and learn how understanding the brain differently can open up new pathways for support and progress.

In this episode, I sit down with Greer McGuinness to talk about what happens when a parent refuses to accept “there’s nothing more we can do”.

Greer shares her personal journey as a mother of a child diagnosed with autism at the age of two, the limitations she encountered in conventional medicine, and the turning point that led her back to university to study health science. Drawing on 15 years in the medical field, she explains how functional and integrative medicine shaped her approach to supporting children by addressing root causes rather than managing symptoms.

We discuss the real-world changes she witnessed in her own son through holistic and alternative therapies, and how those experiences led her to found Biomedical Healing for Kids. Greer also outlines how she works with families today, designing evidence-based, personalised strategies to support children with complex health needs.

This conversation is honest, practical, and grounded in lived experience – offering insight, hope, and a broader way of thinking about health, healing, and advocacy for children and their families.

Hannah Joy is on a mission to ensure that every child's right to communicate is upheld and every parent has the chance to achieve successful communication with their child.

Hannah will help you discover the power and joy that comes from celebrating the communication and language that exists beyond speech.

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