The Autism Infocast
Welcome to The Autism Infocast, your weekly helper for understanding and reacting to autism. Hosted by autistic author Peter J Clark and his team, this popular podcast provides a series of bite-sized episodes packed with autism and neurodivergence insights, ideas, care and support tips, advocacy plans, and ways to improve life for everyone! Whether you're autistic, have autistic loved ones, or you're in a group, a business, healthcare, government, or education, we'll help you demystify autism, bust the myths, and give you simple, practical strategies for communicating, socialising, working, learning, and integrating with the community. Take a few minutes every week to get some fresh thinking, inspiration, and ideas for building more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Tune in to learn, grow, and help build a more inclusive world!
Episodes
31 episodes
The Importance of Predictability for Autistic People - The reason they stick so rigidly to their routines and habits
In this Autism Infocast, you'll learn why routine and predictability are essential for many autistic people, offering a solid foundation for well-being. We cover how a predictable world can reduce anxiety and cognitive load, creating a crucial ...
Understanding Meltdowns and Shutdowns in Autism - Why Autistic People Sometimes ‘Just Can’t’
In this Autism Infocast, we delve into why autistic people sometimes feel completely overwhelmed. You'll learn that intense reactions like meltdowns and shutdowns are not deliberate choices or bad behaviour, but involuntary responses to overloa...
Romantic Relationships and Autism - How to Find Love and Keep It
In this Autism Infocast, we delve into romantic relationships involving autistic people. You'll learn how the desire for love and connection is universal, exploring the unique strengths autistic partners bring, such as refreshing honesty and un...
The Autism Spectrum - Understanding Diversity
In this Autism Infocast, you'll learn that the autism spectrum is far more complex than a simple linear scale. We cover why it's truly a diverse tapestry of experiences, where no two autistic people are exactly alike. You'll gain a more nuanced...
Do You Know Your True Autistic Self? (Understanding Autism and Other Identities)
In this Autism Infocast, you'll learn about autism not as a standalone experience, but as a core part of a person's identity profoundly shaped by their other identities. We cover how various social identities like gender, culture, and co-occurr...
Finding Your Tribe - The Importance of Autistic Connections
In this Autism Infocast, we explore the vital importance of connecting with other autistic people. Navigating a world not always designed with autistic people in mind can feel isolating, and you’ll learn how finding your community offers invalu...
Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations - Visual Tools for Better Autistic Understanding
In this Autism Infocast, you'll learn about powerful visual tools designed to support autistic people. We cover Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations, explaining how they make complex social situations and abstract emotions clearer. You'...
Adjusting Your Communication for Autistic Adults – How To Understand And Be Understood
This Autism Infocast offers neurotypical people a range of easy ideas and strategies for improving communication with autistic adults. It explains common differences in processing information, such as literal interpretation, the need for more p...
Being An Ally and Advocate for Autistic People - What You Need To Know To Do It Right
In this Autism Infocast, we explore how to be an effective ally and advocate for autistic people. You'll learn the golden rule of allyship: listening to and amplifying autistic voices. We cover practical steps, like educating yourself from auti...
Autistic Communication Differences – How To Communicate With Autistic People More Supportively
This Autism Infocast provides a practical guide for everyone about enhancing their day to day interactions with autistic people. It explains that autistic communication often involves literal interpretation, directness, and a need for processin...
Self-Management Strategies for Autistic People - How To Make Your Own Life Easier And More Fulfilling
In this Autism Infocast, we delve into practical strategies for autistic people to create a more comfortable and fulfilling life. You'll learn how to develop a personal toolkit of self-management techniques designed to make daily living easier....
How To Support Autistic People In Daily Life - How Carers, Friends And Family Can Make Life Better
In this Autism Infocast, you'll discover practical strategies for supporting autistic people. You'll gain tools for more accessible, predictable interactions and environments, rooted in empathy. You'll learn effective, clear communication, incl...
Challenges Faced by Autistic People - How You Can Help Them Live Meaningfully
In this Autism Infocast, you'll learn about the unique challenges many autistic people navigate daily. We cover common difficulties in social communication, like understanding subtle cues, and sensory processing, where everyday sounds or lights...
Making A Free Autism Hospital Passport - A Practical Guide To Making Your Medical Treatments Easier
In this Autism Infocast, we delve into a crucial tool designed to transform healthcare experiences. You'll learn how a simple document can bridge communication gaps in busy hospital environments, acting as a personalised user manual. We cover h...
Working with Social Care in the UK - Getting The Right Support For Autistic Adults
In this Autism Infocast, you'll learn how autistic people in the UK can access vital social care support. We cover the essential first step: requesting a needs assessment from your local council and what that conversation entails. You'll unders...
Thriving at Work with Autism - A Guide for Autistic Employees
In this Autism Infocast, we explore practical strategies for autistic people to genuinely thrive in their professional lives. You'll learn how to navigate the often-confusing social landscape of the workplace, understanding its unwritten rules....
Supporting an Autistic Family Member - A Guide for Relatives of Autistic People
In this Autism Infocast, you'll learn how to be a truly supportive presence for autistic family members. We'll give you practical advice on understanding autism beyond common stereotypes and making interactions more positive. You'll discover ho...
Autistic Masking and Camouflaging - The Hidden and Exhausting Efforts of Autistic People
In this Autism Infocast, we explain the concept of masking or camouflaging, where autistic people consciously or unconsciously hide their autistic traits to fit in with neurotypical expectations. We also discuss why people mask (e.g. to avoid b...
Stimming and Autism - Understanding Repetitive Behaviours
In this Autism Infocast, we delve into the world of stimming, a natural and necessary behaviour often seen in autistic people. You'll learn why repetitive actions like hand-flapping or rocking are not random, but deeply purposeful tools. We cov...
Understanding and Managing Sensory Sensitivities - How to understand and deal with what’s going on inside you
In this Autism Infocast, you'll learn how many autistic people experience the world through a uniquely tuned sensory lens, making everyday sensations powerfully intense or even overwhelming. We cover what it means to be over-sensitive or under-...
How to recognise autism, and how you can help - What to do when you meet autistic people
In this Autism Infocast, you'll learn how to recognise possible autistic traits and respond with kindness and respect in everyday situations. We cover common differences in communication, sensory sensitivities, and the need for routine that peo...
Busting the myths and stereotypes about Autism - How to avoid unconscious bias about autistic people
In this Autism Infocast, you'll learn to challenge common preconceptions about autism. We cover crucial facts, replacing myths about savant abilities, empathy, and causes like vaccines or parenting. You'll gain insight into why autism is a dive...
Autism and Ageing - What to Expect and How to Plan Ahead
This Autism Infocast delves into the lifelong journey of autism and how its traits can evolve with age, pointing out that while established routines and special interests can be strengths, challenges such as accessing appropriate healthcare and...
Living Life to the Fullest - Thriving with Autism
In this Autism Infocast, you'll learn how to redefine what a full and happy life means when you are autistic. We cover ways to challenge common misconceptions and focus on the unique strengths that come with an autistic neurology, often called ...
Supporting Autistic Learners in Education - How You Can Help Autistic Students Thrive, Not Just Survive
In this special Autism Infocast for educators, you'll learn how to help autistic people truly thrive in educational settings. We'll give you insights into their unique strengths, from deep focus to logical thinking, alongside common challenges ...