This episode describes what advocacy really means—especially when it’s led by autistic people with lived experience. Advocacy can take many forms, from speaking up in a classroom to challenging systems that exclude or harm. For autistic girls and gender-diverse young people, advocacy is not just about raising awareness—it’s about being heard, believed, and respected.

We explore how advocacy can be empowering, how it can create change, and how to support young people in finding their voice. 

This episode describes the unique experiences of First Nations autistic girls and gender-diverse young people, and the importance of listening deeply to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in the autism space. Cultural identity, community connection, and intergenerational knowledge are powerful strengths—but systemic barriers, racism, and a lack of culturally safe support continue to impact too many families.

This conversation centres the lived experience of First Nations people, and highlights the need for culturally informed, neuro-affirming approaches that honour both culture and neurodiversity. 

This episode describes what life feels like through the eyes of autistic girls and gender-diverse young people. Too often, decisions are made about young people without hearing directly from them. In this conversation, we centre their voices—sharing firsthand experiences, insights, and reflections that challenge assumptions and deepen understanding.

Our youth panellists speak openly about what helps, what hurts, and what they wish adults really knew. 

Welcome to Episode 5 of Season 5 of the Yellow Ladybugs Podcast series.

This episode describes how autistic burnout is different from everyday exhaustion—and how it often goes unrecognised in autistic girls and gender-diverse young people. Burnout can build slowly over time, especially when young people are constantly masking, trying to meet expectations, or pushing through overwhelm.

We talk about what burnout really looks like, why it happens, and how we can support recovery and prevention through a more realistic, neuro-affirming approach to self-care. 

Welcome to Episode 4 of Season 5 of the Yellow Ladybugs Podcast series.

This episode describes how autistic pride and emotional wellbeing are closely linked—especially for autistic girls and gender-diverse young people, who often grow up feeling different, misunderstood, or unseen. Without the right support, this can lead to shame, isolation, and poor mental health. But when young people feel affirmed in their identity and connected to community, everything changes. 

Welcome to Episode 3 of Season 5 of the Yellow Ladybugs Podcast series.

This episode describes how interoception—the sense that helps us understand what’s happening inside our body—plays a key role in the wellbeing of autistic girls and gender-diverse young people. When interoception is underdeveloped or misunderstood, it can impact everything from recognising hunger and pain to managing emotions and setting boundaries.

We explore why interoception is often overlooked, how it connects to emotional regulation, and why building interoceptive awareness is a powerful protective factor. 

Welcome to Episode 2 of Season 5 of the Yellow Ladybugs Podcast series.

This episode describes how behaviour is often misunderstood—especially for autistic girls and gender-diverse young people whose needs may be hidden or internalised. Rather than seeing behaviour as something to manage or fix, we explore how it's actually a form of communication.

We unpack why traditional behaviour approaches often fall short, and why co-regulation—meeting young people with calm, connection, and curiosity—is a more effective and neuro-affirming path forward. 

Welcome to Episode 1 of Season 5 of the Yellow Ladybugs Podcast series. 

This episode describes how many autistic girls and gender-diverse young people are overlooked because their struggles are hidden behind a well-practised mask. This episode explores what it really means to mask, how internalising distress can lead to burnout, shutdowns, and mental health challenges, and why it’s so often misunderstood by educators, professionals, and even families.

Welcome to Episode 10  of the Yellow Ladybugs podcast series  4   "Supporting Autistic Girls and Gender Diverse Students at School and Beyond." 

This podcast series is brought to you by the Victorian Department of Education and Training.

Having difficulty advocating for your rights, or even knowing what your rights are? We chat with three experts who will share their incredible insights on supporting both parents and autistic students in advocating for what they need and deserve! This is a must listen episode  for all parents and carers. 

Natasha Staheli speaks with Karen Dimmock, Sarah Hayden,  and Chenai Mupotsa-Russell.

Please find further resources for this episode attached to this podcast: 16. Supporting parents and children to advocate for themselves.pdf

You can stay up to date with all things on our websiteyellowladybugs.com.au

Welcome to Episode 9  of the Yellow Ladybugs podcast series  4 "Supporting Autistic Girls and Gender Diverse Students at School and Beyond."

This podcast series is brought to you by the Victorian Department of Education and Training.

In this episode Katie Koullas CEO of Yellow Ladybugs speaks to renowned child psychiatrist Dr Alberto Veloso and explores Regulations, Ruptures and Repairs: How to Support our Ladybugs when Things Get Tough

Dr Alberto Veloso offersCompassionate advice and practical strategies to empower parents and teachers to co-regulate when relationships rupture and how and when to reflect and repair. A special look into complex mental health challenges, and how to cope when things get tough.

For further information on this episode please see our attached resource: 14. Regulation, Ruptures and Repairs.pdf

Content Warning: Please note this episode does contain references to hospital stays, mental health, family violence, self- harm, intrusive thoughts and threats to harm. 

You can stay up to date with all things on our website yellowladybugs.com.au