Autism Unpacked

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If you've found yourself Googling "is my child autistic?" at 2am, you're not alone. In this episode, we're joined by consultant clinical psychologist, Dr Freya Spicer-White, to answer the questions that so many parents are asking — from spotting the earliest signs of autism, to navigating the diagnosis process, to knowing when to seek a second opinion.

Whether you're just beginning to notice differences in your child's development, or you're already partway through the assessment journey, this Q&A is for you.

In this episode we cover:

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This is the second in our two episodes focusing on the reality of being an autistic sibling, featuring Becky Smith and her son, Max. Together, Becky and Max have written two amazing books: I'm An Autism Brother, and I'm A Big Autism Brother.

In this episode, we delve into Max's experiences of growing up with two autistic sisters, navigating complex emotions and challenging situations, and his place in a family shaped by autism.

Whether you’re a sibling of an autistic young person, a parent wanting to better support ne...

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In this episode, we shine a light on a group quitely growing up alongside autism: siblings. Brothers and sisters who love fiercely, adapt instinctively, sometimes worry deeply and often understand more than we realise.

We're delighted to be joined by Becky and Max Smith. Becky is mum to three children - Daisy and Georgie-Rose who are autistic - and their brother, Max.

Drawing on their lived experience, Becky and Max have co-written written two books to share with others what it's like to grow up with autistic siblings.

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In this special recap episode of Autism Unpacked, we look back at some of the standout moments so far from series two, helping parents to better understand the world of their autistic child.

We revisit some powerful conversations on emotional based school avoidance, autism and eating disorders, mental health, maths anxiety and not fogetting a dash of myth-busting.

Join us as we shine a spotlight on key insights, lived experience and thought-provoking perspectives, with a focus on practical advice and real-life strategies. 

This is a chance to c...

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Maths is everywhere — but for many young people, it can be one of the biggest sources of stress. In this episode, Rosie explores maths anxiety, why maths can feel so overwhelming for many, and why autistic children in particular may experience heightened stress, avoidance or anxiety around maths. 

We're joined by James Birchenough, Educational Quality Advisor for Maths at Options Autism, who explains why the way maths is taught can make a huge difference to confidence, emotional safety and how capable children feel. 

With a big emphasis on r...

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“Everyone’s a little bit autistic.”
 “Autistic people don’t feel empathy.”

These phrases can be confusing, frustrating and even hurtful, particularly if you're a parent of an autistic child. While they’re often said casually, they can shape how autistic individuals are understood and supported at home, in school and beyond.

This episode is all about clearing the air, as we bust the most common myths about autism and explain what autism really is, and what it isn’t. 

To help unpack the truth, we're joined by Dr Freya...

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This episode of Autism Unpacked focuses on a subject that is often overlooked - the impact of autistic trauma and mental health on young people. 

We welcome consultant clinical pschologist and Head of Trauma Informed Practice at Options Austism, Dr Leanne Johnson, and together we unpack key mental health challenges like burnout and anxiety. 

And importantly, we look at how parents can recognise, understand and support their child, as well as practical strategies to help them care for their own wellbeing.

For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk...

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Welcome to the second part of our focus on Emotionally Based School Avoidance, or EBSA.

Anxiety works both ways and supporting a child struggling with EBSA can be incredibly challenging for parents also. Here, we pick up this empowering conversation with our experts - Dr Tina Rae and Dr Leanne Johnson - exploring strategies for parents to help their young person and to also help cope with the pressures they are feeling.

And if you find this conversation helpful, you could also check out the Not Fine In School...

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Welcome to the first of two episodes on Emotionally Based School Avoidance - or EBSA - a subject that many families find challenging.

We find out why EBSA is so often misunderstood as truancy or refusal, when in fact it's about anxiety and emotional distress, making school feel overwhelming or even impossible for so many young people.

We're joined by two amazing experts: Dr Tina Rae, an educational and child psychologist, passionate about helping children and parents; and Dr Leanne Johnson, a consultant clincial psychologist and Head of Trauma...

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In this episode, Rosie is joined by Natalie Raven Morris, CEO fo the Feeding Trust, as they talk about paediatric feeding and eating disorders. 

Together they uncover more about the feeding differencies and difficulties that some young people may experience, and discuss in detail how to get a diagnosis and different support strategies to help parents and families with this challenging issue.

This episode is packed full with advice, hope and reassurance for families, and for those looing for further support, please visit:

https://www.optionsautism.co.u...

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We open series two with a topic that comes up a lot, but which is still so often misunderstood - feeding and eating disorders in chilren, particularly autistic young people. 

This isn't just about 'fussy eating'.  

In this episode, we're delighted to be joined by Natalie Raven Morris, co-founder and CEO of The Feeding Trust. Natalie brings a wealth of experience and a deep personal passion for helping families navigate the tricky world of paediatric feeding and eating disorders.

For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk
or...

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Autism Unpacked is a refreshingly real podcast that dives into what it really means to be autistic in today’s world. In series 1, we unpacked everything from relationships and parenting to diagnosis, myths, sleep, and so much more. 

And the good news? We're back for more with a brand-new series, launching in September, shining a light on eating and feeding disorders, school avoidance, mental health, and more. 

This isn’t just another autism podcast - it’s a vibrant mix of expert advice, practical tips, and honest, heart-warming stories.

For...

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In this bonus clip, we talk about what it's really like taking a child with complex autism on holiday. Hear Karen, mum to Lois who has complex needs, talking about the planning, the pressure and the moments that make it all worth it.

And you can hear more from Karen about their journey as a family, in episode 6. 

For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk
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Welcome to our second compilation episode from Series 1 of Autism Unpacked. This time round we’re focusing on what helps and what’s hype. We’ll hear from autism experts with advice, strategies which could benefit us all – and even a bit of myth busting to tackle those common misconceptions.

Amongst our guests are senior clinicians and respected experts from Options Autism, including: Emma Sanderson, Dr Freya Spicer-White and Sarah-Jo Vane, (Senior Admissions Manager). Between them, Emma, Freya and Sarah-Jo give their take on navigating the diagnosis process as well as EHCPs. <...

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Welcome to this very special compilation edition of Autism Unpacked, featuring highlights from across Series 1. We are privileged to be able to listen to the voices of those with lived experience of autism – reflections on the impact it has had on them and their families, as well as uplifting insight and advice. 

We’ll hear from TV personality and professional dancer Tom Malone Jr, who was diagnosed in his 20s, from Karen Broomhead, a lecturer in Special Educational Needs and mum of two, including a wonderful little girl who has complex autis...

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Welcome back to part 2 of episode 8, as we continue to unpack the subject of autism in girls.

Here, we rejoin the conversation with our expert guests, Professor Francesca Happé, a professor in congnitive neuroscience, and Dr Freya Spicer-White, a consultant psychologist and chief clinical officer at Options Autism.

Join us as we explore:

And if you haven't already, check out part 1 of this episode to l...

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In this episode, we explore an often misunderstood subject - autism in girls. Autism can often present very differently in girls, leading to misdiagnosis, late diagnosis or even a lack of diagnosis.

We're joined by two expert voices - Professor Francesca Happé, a professor in congnitive neuroscience, and Dr Freya Spicer-White, a consultant psychologist and chief clinical officer at Options Autism - as we break down what you need to know to help your autistic girls thrive.

In part 1, we delve into:

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In this episode of Autism Unpacked, we explore sleep and why this can be a challenge for neurodiverse individuals. Rosie is joined by Dr Nicky Greaves, a consultant clinical psychologist, whose career includes time running a sleep clinical as well as extensive experience working with neurodiverse young people.

Hear Nicky and Rosie delve into why sleep can be particularly challenging for autistic individuals, and explore advice and strategies for prioritising sleep, setting the scene for sleep and falling asleep, and just as importantly, staying asleep.

For further information, visit...

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This episode welcomes to the pod Karen Broomhead, a lecturer in special educational needs and a mother of two. Karen’s daughter, Lois, is nine years old and has complex autism. Karen shares the trials, tribulations and celebrations of their journey as a family, and what it really means to be a part of Lois’ world.

For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk
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This two-part episode welcomes to the pod Kelly Guthery and Oli Masters, both from The Futures Team at Options Autism. This team is dedicated to supporting students across the UK as they prepare to leave school. The team's holistic approach goes beyond just career guidance; they focus on hobbies, independent skills, and personal interests to inspire students in planning their futures. From aeronautical experiences to robotics and sound production, their aim is to help every student find a pathway where they can thrive.

For further information, visit...

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This two-part episode welcomes to the pod Kelly Guthery and Oli Masters, both from The Futures Team at Options Autism. This team is dedicated to supporting students across the UK as they prepare to leave school. The team's holistic approach goes beyond just career guidance; they focus on hobbies, independent skills, and personal interests to inspire students in planning their futures. From aeronautical experiences to robotics and sound production, their aim is to help every student find a pathway where they can thrive.

For further information, visit...

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Welcome back to part 2 of our conversation about Demand Avoidance, as we continue to explore the impact that it can have on young people and their families. In this part of the episode, we’ll be talking advice for parents, family dynamics and encouraging understanding in others.

For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk
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This episode tackles the topic of Demand Avoidance. You may have heard of PDA or Pathological Demand Avoidance, but how much do you really know? In part 1 of this episode, we’ll discover its impact on young people and their families, share insights into their experiences and challenges and share strategies that might help.

For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk
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Joining this episode of Autism Upacked is Tom Malone Jr. Tom is probably best known for his appearances on the show Gogglebox. He's also a professional dancer whose talent has taken him all around the world, and he's autistic. 

Since his diagnosis at 28, Tom has openly shared his experience with his many social media followers, earning respect for his honesty and inspiring others to share their own stories. 

Tom is actively involved in raising awareness and changing the stigma about autism. 

In 2022, Tom was appointed as a cel...

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In this episode, we navigate our way through EHCPs – Education Health and Care Plans – from understanding their purpose to the steps involved in obtaining one. We hope this inspiring conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered and ready to advocate for your child.

For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk
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Welcome to the first episode of Autism Unpacked! 

In this episode we’re diving into a crucial topic; understanding and obtaining an autism diagnosis. This can be one of the most daunting steps for parents but it’s also a critical one in ensuring that your child receives the right support.

For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk
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Autism Unpacked is dedicated to exploring the multi-faceted world of autism.

Brought to you by Options Autism, it promises to bring fresh perspectives and inspiring stories, coupled with support, advice and practical guidance for parents, carers and families of autistic children.

For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk
or follow us on
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