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Join the Autistic Licence podcast, where two autistic therapists - Siana & Leo - share their experiences, insights and the colourful world of intersectionality! We’re here to boost visibility for fellow autistic therapists, fuel the global neurodiversity conversation, and create a fun, engaging space together. No matter who you are, we warmly invite you to join us on this journey of discovery, connection, and growth. Subscribe and be part of the conversation today!
Episodes
Monday May 13, 2024
Monday May 13, 2024
This conversation came out of a few messages we have received around the theme of disclosing our autistic identities.
We discuss our experiences and notice there is often a distinction between our professional and personal lives. We reflect and speculate on why this might be, with particular regard to long standing relationships.
We reference the impact of ableism, recognising that unmasking is both a choice and a political move which unfortunately nowadays is not always safe, helpful or desirable. Yet.
It doesn't stop us doing a podcast though!
We love to hear from you - please get in touch at autisticlicence@gmail.com if you would like to join the conversation.
LINKS
Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com
Sunday Apr 28, 2024
Sunday Apr 28, 2024
Ok, so this episode may be a bit niche 😉
Leo has been searching for the perfect socks and he believes he has found them ... (time will tell).
Somehow, Siana's autistic brain tendrils manage to link his fervour with evangelical Christian zeal and she goes down and round about that rabbit warren for a while.
We speak about our own experiences of religion as autistic people and wind up reaching quite a profound moment towards the end when we consider the significance of autistic-to-autistic mirroring on actualisation (becoming truly ourselves).
We considered not releasing this episode but we realised there was quite a lot of internalised NT perceptions driving our concern, namely that it could be seen as "dull" or "boring". So we have overridden that in the interests of authenticity and in the hope that some of you might relate. Enjoy (or skip!!!)
Read the rest of this entry »
Sunday Apr 21, 2024
Sunday Apr 21, 2024
Leo (still) has Covid. Through this conversation we wind up exploring a drive he has to be useful, to serve.
We notice how this shows up between us and reflect on how it may have developed. We also consider how it might change in the future so that it becomes less of a default and more of a mindful choice.
Along the way you can expect some typical autistic literalism and a discussion about the "Drama Triangle" (roles people play).
LINKS
Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com
Sunday Apr 14, 2024
Sunday Apr 14, 2024
| Trigger warning for mention of life threatening scenarios and maternal birthing distress. If you have particular sensitivities around your own experiences of healthcare please consider carefully whether and / or when you might listen to this episode. |
We speak about a wide range of our experiences related to being unwell and / or navigating our healthcare needs. This ranges from planned hospital stays to emergency admissions, from managing familiar health needs to circumstances such as giving birth and receiving vaccines.
We notice common autistic idiosyncrasies related to our perceptions of pain and discomfort. We note that many times autistic people are misunderstood and misread, which can have traumatic and isolating effects. We also reflect on self sufficiency and its limitations. And, finally!, we savour the effects of some significant interactions where we have been seen and attended to in ways which felt meaningful and profound.
We weave in some therapeutic chat related to our own communication this week while Leo has been unwell with Covid.
Sunday Apr 07, 2024
Sunday Apr 07, 2024
| Trigger warning This episode deals with the topics of loneliness and suicide. Please take care of yourself and think about the timing and where your support is if you decide to listen. |
We reflect on our experiences and relationships in the past, which led to loneliness, disconnection and feelings of life not being worth living. We also reflect on the distinctions between company, co-regulation and presence.
We recognise that these topics are heavy and in need of careful and responsible handling. At the same time, they're extremely common among the autistic community and we feel it's important to shine light on them.
LINKS
Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Monday Apr 01, 2024
In this episode we talk about sensitivities to physical and sensory stimuli. We focus on challenges around noise, food and physical (dis)comfort.
We speak about the significance of autonomy. We also discuss interpersonal misunderstandings related to us not doing "what's good" for us. We note the important distinction here between things being seen as preferences rather than (in)tolerances.
Seasonal references provided intermittently as we experience in real time the 26 minute time difference between sunset in London and Carrickfergus. And basically reflect on how we might control time were we in charge. Sure, how else would two Autistic people make meaning out of Easter?!
LINKS
Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com
Sunday Mar 24, 2024
Sunday Mar 24, 2024
This episode is a spontaneous Saturday chit chat.
There's a fair amount of "here and now" energy and interaction, interspersed with memories and reflections.
Siana talks about her experience of ADHD when it fires in multiple directions at once - something which for her does not exclude hyperfocus "flow" states.
Leo reflects on a range of experiences he is now reframing in light of autism, such as the after effects of exhilarating events and "talking to myself".
We touch on concepts such as echolalia and synaptic pruning, applying these to our own experiences and challenging some common misconceptions. We conclude that as AuDHDers, while we absolutely face challenges around over stimulation, we also have tremendous capacity for sensory joy and pleasure.
LINKS
Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com
Saturday Mar 16, 2024
Saturday Mar 16, 2024
This episode is in many ways a reflection on elements of the last one.
We speak about early narratives and experiences, and the lifelong meaning and impact of these. We apply this to therapeutic contexts and approaches, specifically Transactional Analysis and Internal Family Systems, and we relate this to therapy with autistic people.
We also explore the concept of so called "rigid" thinking and the possible significance of this for us as autistic people growing up in a world where the template for living which is offered to us does not fit or deliver.
Special guest contribution from Phoebe - Siana's cat - in this episode 😻
LINKS
Relational Transactional Analysis
“Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be just another human soul.”
Carl Jung
Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com