This week I get to speak with Wemima (Wemzy), a mum of three autistic children. They live in the North of England, and Wemzy shares stories from their lives on her TikTok and Instagram pages Aqotas. If you spend any time on the autism side of TikTok, then I’m sure you will have come across their page and their wonderful family. There are so many heartwarming, funny videos that she shares, and the bond between them all is lovely to watch. We talk about the early days, getting an autism diagnosis for her eldest, Shaheem, and what she learned along the way. Shaheem, Soufiyan and Sousan have very ..read more

This week I’m joined by Ashley Blaker. Ashley is a dad of 6, that’s right 6 kids. Two of his children are autistic, and he also has an adopted daughter who has Down Syndrome. As well as being a dad, Ashley is a comedian and writer and has been part of numerous TV and radio shows such as Little Britain, V Graham Norton, and Fantasy Football League, as well as two Off-Broadway shows.  Ashley recorded a BBC Radio 4 show with his family, Ashley Blaker 6.5 Children, which is part stand-up, part documentary, where they discuss parenting, adoption, and raising children with special needs.  ..read more

This week I’m joined by Stephanie Vavron, who tells us her family’s story about autism. Steph lives in Scotland, is a single mum of two, and her youngest, Max, is autistic and also has Cerebral Palsy. I first became aware of Steph last year when one of her TikTok videos about the packed lunches she makes for Max went viral. Whereas many autistic kids will only eat what’s often described as beige food, Max is the complete opposite and loves spicy foods and different textures. Join us as we talk about - Max's diagnosis, and what led Steph to push for one - What autism means for Max - Meltdowns a ..read more

Today's chat is with Charlie Beswick from the blog Our Altered Life. Charlie is the mum to twin boys, and one of them, Harry, has a dual diagnosis of Autism and Goldenhar Syndrome. So we find out more about what both diagnosis means, what life is like for Harry, and how Charlie is so passionate and dedicated about making the world a more accepting place for her son. A really fascinating insight into their lives. You can find out more about Charlie and her family on her blog https://www.ouralteredlife.com/ where you can also download the first chapter of her book for free. And definitely head ..read more

A quick intro on what the Stories About Autism podcast is all about, who I am, and why you should listen. To find out more visit www.storiesaboutautism.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesaboutautism.substack.com ..read more

On this week’s episode of the Stories About Autism Podcast , I’m joined by TJ from the social media pages Nigh Functioning Autism. TJ is an autistic adult who was diagnosed in her teens, along with diagnoses of epilepsy, OCD, and ADHD. She is a single mum of 3, and two of her children are autistic.  I’ve been speaking with TJ online for years, and often picking her brain as she is such a font of knowledge, and always happy to help, as anyone who already follows her will know, especially. This is especially true when it comes to using AAC devices just like my son Tommy does. In this episod ..read more

This week I talk with Martin, an autistic adult from Denmark. Martin also has diagnoses of ADHD and Tourettes, and shares stories from his life on his Instagram and TikTok pages A Different Spectrum. Join us as we talk about Martin's autism diagnosis as a child Masking at school and what it felt like Meltdowns and shutdowns Special interests Stimming and why it's so important AAC communication Autism and the LGBTQ community How blogging has helped him find community Follow Martin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_different_spectrum TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@a_different_spectrum Fo ..read more

This week I talk with Nicola, a mum of three girls, including Hallie who is autistic. Nicola has been sharing her family's story on Instagram and TikTok for the last 18 months on her page Happy Hands With Hallie.  Join us as we talk about Early signs of autism in Hallie Fighting for an autism diagnosis Autism in girls Autism and food Sensory challenges Sleep Hallie's relationship with her sisters EHCP's and applying for a school place Follow Nicola Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyhandswith_hallie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090140610963 TikTok: https ..read more

Join me as I chat with Jan and Tabitha from Hunrosa Sleep Consultancy, discussing why so many autistic people struggle with sleep, and what we can do to make sleep better for the whole family.  In this episode we talk about Why so many autistic people struggle with sleep How our sensory system impacts sleep Melatonin - what it is and is it safe? Tips to improve the bedtime routine What to do when our kids wake up in the night Co-sleeping How to make seasonal changes easier How parents can improve their own sleep You can find out more about Hunrosa, their services, and their app : https ..read more

In this episode, me and Heidi discuss Her son Theo's mental health crisis, brought on by his struggles at school as an undiagnosed autistic student Realising that Theo was autistic, and what little she knew about autism Battling with professionals to recognise her son was autistic and needed support.  EOTAS (Education Other Than At School) and how that saved Theo Advice for parents of children who are struggling at school Heidi's own autism diagnosis, and the impact it has had on her life The importance of Sensory regulation Why you should explore an autism diagnosis even as an adult The ..read more