21andsensory Podcast

Hello! It's time for an episode with just me* - grab a drink and snack and let's have a catch-up!

This episode will cover all things life, job and mental health related as well as some books I have been reading, dog-sitting and I answer some listener questions!

*TW: Discussion includes mental health issues such as dissociation, anxiety, medication.

Links mentioned:

On todays episode I have the lovely Marianne Eloise. Marianne is a writer and journalist who lives in Brighton in the UK. She writes about things such as TV, wellness, disability, film, business, digital culture, sex and alt music for outlets including The Cut, The New York Times, Courier, Dazed, Vulture, i-D and the Guardian to name a few both in print and online. 

Sophie Broadgate is an Autistic Writer, Director and Filmmaker based in Cumbria and Manchester. Sophie's work spans across Narrative, Documentary and Art Film. She started her career in production, working as a Production Assistant and independent Producer. As a Producer she has seen her work screen at BFI Flare, Queer Lisboa and Palace International film festival and soon at the BIFA Manchester film festival. 

Over time Sophie has transitioned to work more as a Writer / Director, focusing on personal subjects. Her debut short film “The Water Tower” was developed through “Lost Stations”, a residency programme for artists with Cumbrian roots. The film was produced independently and self funded, later receiving a grant for festival distribution. Sophie is currently developing a slate of short films with the aim of moving into features and has been working on addressing accessibility in the film industry for autistic people.

Sophie's Links:

On todays episode I have the lovely Ashleigh Thompson. Ashleigh is 24 and works full-time as a project manager remotely. Ashleigh is Autistic and lives with her boyfriend Charlie who is also Autistic. Now you might know Ashleigh from her fab Tiktok videos @ashleighfare where she has over 35,000 followers. She also has a blog where she talks a lot about her experiences realising she is autistic and has lots of helpful advice (which I'll link below!)

Ashleigh's Links:

On todays episode I have the lovely Rosemary Richings.  Rosemary is a Dyspraxic Pro writer, editor, author, and neurodiversity advocate. Currently Rosemary is serving on the board of trustees of Dyspraxic Me, a UK-based charity providing peer support for dyspraxics ages 16-25. She is also a founding member of Dyspraxic Alliance, along with a Dyspraxia Magazine Panel member. Rosemary is originally from Toronto, Canada, but moved to Marrakech (which is in Morocco) in 2021.

In this episode I was joined by special guest Lydia Wilkins. This is the third time I've had Lydia on my podcast (she was the special guest on Episode 21 and Episode 40). Lydia is a freelance NCTJ qualified journalist, with bylines in The Independent, Readers Digest, The Metro, Refinery 29, Debut Careers, BN1 Magazine, and more. Lydia was diagnosed as being on the Autistic Spectrum in January 2015, two months shy of her sixteenth birthday.

Lydia is back on the podcast today* to chat about the new book she has written called 'The Autism Friendly Cookbook' with Jessica Kingsley Publishers which is out November 21st 2022! I am super excited to chat to Lydia about the book (particularly because Lydia chose me to be the book's illustrator!!!).

*Content / Trigger Warning: We talk about Eating Disorders and sensory issues to do with food.

Podcast marked as explicit due to two swear words.

Lydia's Links:

On today's show I have the awesome Matt 💫. Matt is an AuDHD parent, partner, and self-taught artist currently located near Baltimore. They specialise in things like ads, album covers, packaging, merch design, social posts/stories, marketing collateral & branding. I’ve been following Matt for a while on their epic Instagram account called @prettycoolstrangers and at this point I’m basically obsessed with Matt's design video tutorials on how they make posters (and posts on recommendations for cool fonts) so can’t wait to chat to them!

Matt's links:

I am really excited to chat to today's special guest which is the lovely Chloe Tear. Chloe is 24-years-old and is an award winning disability blogger and freelance writer with 9 years experience. On her blog she documents her lived experiences as a disabled young woman and she currently works in the charity sector as a Content Designer.

Hi everyone! On today's episode I have the very lovely Cheryl who you may know as @_thislineismine on TikTok and Instagram!

This is the second time Cheryl has been on my podcast, we last spoke in December 2020 (Episode 28) about their autism diagnosis and journey on TikTok. Cheryl had 200,000 followers on TikTok at that time and they now have over HALF A MILLION (524,000) followers!

So Cheryl is here for a catch-up about everything they have been up to and there's been some hugeeeee things happening recently!

Cheryl's links:

On today's show I have a very special guest, the wonderful Ruby Woods. Ruby is an Autism activist, blogger and a disabled theatre maker who is currently developing her practice in disability arts and inclusive theatre working as a lead practitioner.

You may know Ruby from her wonderful TikTok (where she has over 100,000 followers!) and her Instagram both called @rubyofmyeye. She also has a brilliant youtube channel named Ruby Woods, so I think I'm going to have a lot to chat about with Ruby today!

Ruby's Socials:

On today's episode we are having another little catch-up, so just me no guests (but keep an eye-out because I've got some exciting guests coming on soon!).

I wanted to chat through some life updates, some autism-related books I have been reading, a Sensory Street project update, and how to make your own DIY Sensory Box.

Links:

Sensory Street (Oxford University Project):

On today's episode I am very excited to chat to special guest Dr James Cusack. James is the Chief Executive at Autistica which is the UK’s leading national autism research charity. He joined the charity in September 2015 as Director of Science following a career in autism research at the University of Aberdeen, and he later became Chief Executive there in 2020 and is the first openly autistic CEO of a major charity.

Autistica focus on enabling autistic people to live happy, healthy, long lives. They do this by by working with autistic people to understand their needs, funding research and shaping policy.

Welcome back to another 21andsensory Podcast! On this episode I'll be chatting about an Oxford University project called Sensory Street. I am very lucky to be part of the project team and I thought it would be great to base an episode around the project and speak to some lovely people who are on the team! I chat to Becky from Sensory Spectacle, Dr Keren MacLennan and Catherine Woolley about their project roles.

On today's episode I have special guest Dr Camilla Pang. Camilla holds a PhD in Biochemistry from University College London and is a Postdoctoral Scientist specialising in Translational Bioinformatics. At the age of eight, Camilla was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and ADHD at 26-years-old. Her career and studies have been heavily influenced by her diagnosis and she is driven by her passion for understanding humans, our behaviours and how we work. 

Camilla is the award winning author of 'Explaining Humans' which through a set of scientific principles, examines life's everyday interactions. Her book won the Royal Society Insight investment science book award in 2020 - she was the youngest writer ever to win the prize, and the first writer of colour. She has a new children's book out in March 2022 which is super exciting! She is also a speaker and neurodiversity advocate, and does a range of charity and voluntary work.

TW for this episode: We chat about Exercise and Anorexia between 33:43 - 38:20

We chat about:

Camilla's links:

On today's episode I have a very special guest...my brother! We chat about his FASD and Autism diagnoses and a bit about his life and growing up. We also chat about his special interests and hobbies. This episode was recorded in mid 2021.

If you haven't heard of FASD it stands for Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. It is a term used to describe the permanent impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol during pregnancy resulting in a spectrum of physical, emotional, behavioural and neurological characteristics. I spoke on the podcast about my experiences growing up with my brother and how he made my parents realise my sensory processing difficulties. 

Hi everyone! Welcome to another 21andsensory Podcast. On today's episode I have Chris and James from the London Autism Group Charity!

A quick intro to Chris and James:

Dr Chris Papadopoulos is a Principal Lecturer in Public Health at University of Bedfordshire and director of health research in the School of Society, Community and Health. He teaches on a range of post-graduate health courses in particular the MSc in Public Health. He founded the London Autism Group in 2014 and London Autism Group Charity in 2017 and he is the Charity lead. Chris has 3 children, 2 of whom are Autistic.

James Gordon is an Autistic adult and a London Autism Group charity trustee as well as a dad and carer to his own Autistic son. He is also the mastermind behind the London Autism Services Map which I'll get him to chat about in the episode!

London Autism Group Charity links:

EPSIODE 50! WOOP!

To celebrate episode 50 of my podcast it's just me chatting today...

Links to everything I spoke about:

Sensory Street (Oxford University Project):

On today's episode I have special guest Sarah O’Brien. Sarah is an autistic writer and engagement professional currently working within the charity sector. She is known for her witty remarks and commitment to giving those who face disadvantage a voice.

Sarah lives and works in London and in her free time she can be found reading, crafting and planning future projects. She is currently writing a post-diagnostic book for Jessica Kingsley publishers which is super exciting and something I am definitely going to ask her more about!

This episode is marked as explicit due to a couple of occasions where we said swear words!

We chat about:

Sarah's Links:

On today's episode I have special guest Pete Wharmby. Pete is an Autistic writer, speaker, parent, teacher, tutor and advocate who has immersed himself in working to improve autistic awareness, acceptance and making the world a more suitable place for the neurodivergent community. Pete is most active on Twitter where he has over 45,000 followers, which is how I reached out to him. His first book on autistic special interests is out next spring so we will definitely be having a chat about that!

We chat about: 

Pete's Links:

I am super excited for today's episode as I have special guest Abigail Balfe. Abigail is a Brighton-based writer, illustrator and Emmy Award winning creative producer. Abigail is an author and has just had her first book published. It's called 'A Different Sort of Normal' and it documents how Abigail didn't realise she was autistic until she was an adult. The book includes funny stories including her love of cats, fear of toilets, and an amusing story featuring her dad and a tub of ice cream. There are also more serious ones: a very difficult experience at a swimming pool, and her experience of navigating the overwhelming stimuli of a crowded train.

Along the way, there is also crucial information about autism, including commonly held misconceptions. She also includes tips to help readers navigate key milestones – attending ‘big school’, puberty, and making friends – especially if you do differ from the ‘norm’ around you.

I reached out to her to ask if she might like to come on my podcast to chat a little more about her book!

We chat about:

Abigails's links:

Hi everyone! Welcome to today’s episode, I have special guest Ella Tabb, who you might all know as PurpleElla. Ella is an Autistic adult with ADHD who is a Public Speaker, Content Creator and YouTuber. She makes fantastic videos sharing thoughts, ideas and tips on life as a proud neurodivergent adult. Ella lives with her husband, three children, a cat called Katsu and Coco who is an adorable autism service dog!

We chat about:

Ella's Links:

Hi everyone! Welcome to today’s episode, I have special guest Sara Gibbs. Sara is a UK-based comedy writer, author and notorious cat lady. She is a graduate of the National Film and Television School's Writing & Producing Comedy course and her comedy writing credits include the Daily Mash, Dead Ringers, the News Quiz, the Now Show, Sketchtopia, the Mash Report, Greatest Ever TV Blunders, Greatest Ever Movie Blunders and Have I Got News for You amongst many others.

Sara was recently diagnosed as Autistic and has a new book out called 'Drama Queen: One Autistic Woman and a Life of Unhelpful Labels' which is described as a 'memoir of a woman's life that didn't make a lot of sense until she was a third of the way through it'. We chat about so much in this episode including:

Sara's social media:

On today's episode I have special guest Luke Poulton who some of you may know as @veganluke across social media. Luke is (as his username suggests) vegan, he is 30 years old and is an Autistic stand-up comedian who was awarded Essex Comedian of the Year in 2019. At the time of recording Luke has over 60,000 followers on TikTok which is insane and I'm going to be asking him more about his brilliant videos in this episode!

We chat about:

In this episode we mentioned:

My guest on today's episode is Jane Green. Jane is an educationalist and adviser on Autism, Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility (HSD). Jane is autistic, and is a single parent of two, one with severe medical issues and one autistic. Jane was diagnosed as autistic aged 54 and we chat a bit about autism in women and late diagnosis. 

Jane has volunteered with all ages to gain experience and study for her degrees. Jane worked in all phases of education, including epilepsy and autism schools. Unfortunately, her illness worsened, and she had to retire “medically unwell” in 2015. Following this, she finally received diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndromes (EDS), but sadly had no support as her illness was not officially recognised at that time. She started volunteering for the national EDS charity, but wanted to do more, so founded SEDS (Sussex Ehlers-Danlos and Hypermobility Support) in 2018. 

Outside SEDS, Jane also volunteers her skills as a carer trustee for a local carers charity, and is an “expert patient” for various other committees, patient ref. groups, clinical commissioning groups, NICE advisory committees, and social care round tables. She has sat on various guidance on autism from child to adult transitions, and has overseen new co-production autistic led social care tool kits to embed the NICE capabilities. 

Jane's links: 

I am super excited for today's episode as I have special guest Holly Smale on to chat! Holly is the author of Geek Girl, Model Misfit, Picture Perfect, All That Glitters and Head Over Heels and Forever Geek as well as two seasonal Geek Girl supplements, Sunny Side Up and All Wrapped Up.

Geek Girl was the no. 1 bestselling young adult fiction title in the UK in 2013 and was shortlisted for several major awards and has been translated into a whopping 28 languages worldwide!

Holly was recently diagnosed with Autism and has written some fab articles on her diagnosis for The Times and The Sun as well as being interviewed on multiple radio and TV shows. I reached out to her to ask if she might like to come on my podcast to chat a little more about her diagnosis.

We chat about: 

Holly's links:

In this episode I was joined by special guest Lydia Wilkins. This is the second time I've had Lydia on my podcast (she was the special guest on Episode 21). Lydia is back on the podcast today to chat about the new book she is writing called 'The Autism Friendly Cookbook' with Jessica Kingsley Publishers. I am super excited to chat to Lydia about the book (particularly because she has asked me to be the book's illustrator!!!). Also we chat about her new podcast she is working on called The Disability Collab with journalists Eloise Barry and Izzie Jani-Friend.

Lydia is a freelance NCTJ qualified journalist, with bylines in The Independent, Readers Digest, The Metro, Refinery 29, Debut Careers, BN1 Magazine, and more. Lydia was diagnosed as being on the Autistic Spectrum in January 2015, two months shy of her sixteenth birthday.

We chat about:

On today's episode I have special guest Daisy Shearer. Daisy is a PhD candidate in experimental condensed matter physics at the University of Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute. Her PhD research focuses on semiconductor spintronics for quantum technology applications.

You might know Daisy from her amazing Instagram page @notesfromthephysics lab. She is passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion in STEM with a focus on disability and neurodiversity as she is autistic herself.

We chat about:

Daisy's links:

On today's episode I have special guest Amy Chrissy. Amy is a 21 year old autistic homous enthusiast (which I'll definitely be asking her more about!) she is an Autism advocate who creates amazing and really informative educational videos on her TikTok @amuwamu where she has over 40,000 followers!

We chat about:

So on today's episode it's just me! I thought I'd do a catch-up episode, I will be chatting about:

In this episode I speak to Glenn who is the manager of Waltham Abbey Focus which is a disability and SEN football team at the top of their game! Glenn chats about all things football-related and we discuss a documentary that's being made about the team with the intention of raising awareness of disability football, and promoting it as an inclusive sport that can be enjoyed by everyone.

We talk about:

Waltham Abbey Focus FC Links:

On today's episode I have the super lovely Georgia Lock. Georgia is an actor, presenter, poet and an OCD advocate. She is hugely creative having written her own poetry collection book and is also a singer so we are definitely going to have a lot to chat about in this episode!

We chat about:

Georgia's Links:

On todays episode I have the lovely Zara as my special guest. Zara is 15 and lives in the UK and has Tourettes Syndrome. She raises awareness of Tourettes and tics and educates people via her hugely popular social media platforms! Zara hit 1 million followers on TikTok this month (link below to her profile!) This episode contains some swearing so has been marked as Explicit. 

We chat about: 

Zara's Links: 

My last bath-running relaxation episode (after episode 1) was super popular so I thought I'd do a longer looped recording with a higher quality microphone - enjoy!

My 21andsensory links: 

On today’s episode, I have special guest Nick Ransom joining me! Nick works as a freelance television researcher / digital video producer.

Since 2018 he has secured a number of contracts at the BBC, working at Children in Need, Radio Manchester, A Question of Sport and most recently BBC Bitesize! Nick is now freelance researcher and has worked with the likes of Studio Lambert, Viacom International Studios and Purple Productions. In the workplace, neurodiversity can offer real potential and Nick is a big supporter of ensuring those with disabilities are accommodated to help create an equal, diverse and fair society. 

We chat about:

Nicks Links:

On today's episode I have the lovely Abi Lewis. Abi is 16 and is studying ALevels at Sixth Form College in the UK. Abi has also been a phone out guest on the BBC's '1800 Seconds on Autism' Podcast (link below). We chat about: Her autism diagnosis and studying at a mainstream secondary school Online learning and the uncertainty of school exams during a pandemic  What ALevels she is taking and what she might like to study at uni Her special interests and hobbies (such as her cute dog Harvey!) 

Abi's Links: 

Hi everyone! On today's episode I have the very lovely and super creative Cheryl from @_thislineismine. Many of you will recognise Cheryl from the autistic videos she creates on TikTok where she has over 200,000 followers!!! 

We chat about:

..and some great personal stories!

Cheryl's links:

Hi everyone! On today's episode I talk to the super lovely Lily! Lily runs @shortie.autie on instagram, she is autistic and is an autism advocate sharing her thoughts and experiences online through instagram posts and her fab podcast 'Autism and Positivity'. 

We chat about:

Lily's links:

So on today's episode I have not 1 but 2 (YUP TWO!) guests joining me for the first time. I'm speaking to Larrnell and Onikage from The Autistic Delicatessen Podcast! 

We chat about:

Be sure to check out both my guests links below...

The Autistic Delicatessen links:

In this episode I was joined by the the super lovely Allie. Allie is an autistic creative and advocate who alongside her current postgraduate study (a masters degree in Education Research at the University of Oxford) is also a research consultant for Neuropool which is a start-up for supporting neurodivergent people run by neurodivergent people. Allie has a special interest in creative writing and is a published poet. She is currently writing a novel and also drafting her first ever play script, which features an autistic protagonist.

So here's what we chat about:

All things autism related...her journey to diagnosis and her autism assessment experience

Life throughout secondary school and university and coping in a sensory world

We touch on relationships with friends, family and partners

And...annoying noises we both can't tolerate!

Allie's links:

In this episode I was joined by the very lovely Vicky, a neurodivergent advocate and blogger who runs @actuallyaspling on Instagram. Vicky and I chat about how we were both diagnosed autistic at the age of 25 and discuss assessments and other diagnoses. We also talk about uni experiences, blogs, daily life before and during the COVID-19 situation and lockdown. We later mention all things sensory related (and what foods we seek and avoid) as well as some special interests and fidget/stim toy collections!

Find Vicky online here:

In this episode I was joined by special guest Lydia Wilkins! Lydia is a freelance NCTJ qualified journalist, with bylines in The Independent, Readers Digest, The Metro, Refinery 29, Debut Careers, BN1 Magazine, and more. Lydia was diagnosed as being on the Autistic Spectrum in January 2015, two months shy of her sixteenth birthday. 

A sound recording of a motorway car journey I took. I love the calming sound of being on the road (when there isn't traffic and beeping!).

(Disclaimer in terms of safety: I was a passenger, not driving)

My 21andsensory links:

Welcome to episode 19 of the 21andsensory Podcast. Today I thought I'd do a podcast on all things working from home / working remotely. I talk about :

• How I have found working from home and the process from the very beginning 👀 • struggling with meltdowns, overwhelm, change and routines 🧠 • my current work set-up and how I'm coping ✏️ • the pros and cons of working remotely 👩🏻‍💻 • an advice section for those working/studying/revising/teaching/generally trying to live and survive at home during lockdown 🏠

I had the chance to speak to the very lovely Sophie. Sophie tells tales of burnout recovery, life as a late diagnosed autistic & her love for video games via her Instagram account @curiosophie. She tries to give a glimpse into the the mundane side of everyday life on the spectrum, with all it's happy, sad and boring moments. (Episode marked as explicit due to some swearing)

Hope you enjoyed our chat and you can find Sophie at the links below:  

I had the chance to speak to Thomas Henley in this episode who is the founder of the Aspergers Growth channel, a hub for teaching others about autism and mental health. With a wealth of experience in public advocacy and local media, Thomas inspires autistic individuals across the globe with his athletic endeavors, personal experiences and scientific insights! Hope you enjoyed our chat and you can find Thomas at the links below: 

Follow Thomas on Social Media: 

Welcome to Episode 16 of the 21andsensory podcast. As I promised in Episode 15 today's podcast is all about....my Autism diagnosis! 🧠 

My links:

This is an absolutely jam packed episode reviewing the whole of 2019 and explaining why I've been absent in terms of creating podcasts for so long! • I've been interviewed on some podcast shows 🎙 • The classic ' Guess the noises' segment 📣 • What is masking? 🎭 • Sensory Mapping at the Royal College of Arts 🎨 • Attending a wedding 💍 •  Books I've been reading 📚 • and lots more!

My 21andsensory links:

Hello to everyone and an update 👋 • A big Q&A session 💭  • Describing what a sensory hangover is😴 • 'Guess the noise' feature is back🎙 • The hint for the perfect noise-cancelling headphones 🎧 • I visited a zoo! 🐘 • Sharing a story for the doctors👨‍⚕️• Autism Awareness Week 1st-7th April and recording some audio for Chewigem! 🗣 • A chat including drawing more ✏️ Birthdays 🎂 Books I have read/am reading 📚 Granola Gate 🥣 and Emma Watson? 🤷‍♀️

My links:

Hello again! 👋 • I read out my latest blog posts 🗣 (you’re a limited edition🏅and you're not a mess 😨) • Sensory Festive Season and New Illustrations? 🌲 • I was on another podcast called 'The Sensory Matters Show' 🎙 • My fidget and stim sensory box! 🎬 (and should I do more on YouTube or even try ASMR?!) 🔊• Emailing me and have a Happy New Year! 🎉

My 21andsensory links:

Hello again 👋🏻 • Mental health 🧠 • Walking to and from work 👣 • My sensory box and filming 📷 • Medication chat 💊 • Exercise plans🚶🏻‍♀️• Guess the noises 🎤 (the feature returns!) • Conclusion ✏️

My 21andsensory links:

Hello 👋🏻 • Listen to the environments I've been in 🎧 • Chewigem Product Review ✅ • Books I've been reading 📚• 'Odd Girl Out' by Laura James book review 📕 • The Autism Show 🎤 • iPads? 📱 • Hot weather ☀️ and clothing woes 😎 •

My 21andsensory links:

Episode 10: Trying out a new style of podcasting 🎤 • New and noisy environments 🥁 • Sunny weather and heat rash! ☀️ • Driving and talking 🚙 • Discussing Autism in the workplace 📚 • Answering your blog questions❓

My 21andsensory links:

Handling emotions and annoying thoughts 💭 • My sensory DIY box video 🎬 • My latest blog post on Urticaria 😱 • Noisy office and lunchtimes 🍽 • Work outfits for each week 👔 • Finding an exercise that works for me! 🏃🏼‍♀️

My 21andsensory links:

Happy New Year and Hello 👋🏻 • Christmas Party Updates ✅ • Work colleagues at parties? 🎈 • Fidgety Christmas present review 🎁 • Noise cancelling ear buds 👂🏻 • Sensory box and wave machine! 🌊 • Stress and mood swings 😬 • Drinking more water💧and signing off!

My 21andsensory links:

Welcome to Episode 7 👋🏻 • I never know what to wear 🤷🏻‍♀️ • Noise at Christmas time 🌲 • A new segment?! 😮 • What's in my bag? • Fidget cubes and Fidget Spinners! 💡

My 21andsensory links:

Hey Everyone 👋🏻 • Family events 🎂 • Why I don't feel full 🤔 • The Wilbarger Brushing Technique 🙌🏻 • Hand washing 🖐🏻💦 • My new glasses 👀 • Aspergers & Me Documentary ✅ •

My 21andsensory links:

Hey everyone 👋🏻 • Teeth brushing 😬 • The trouble with new shoes 👣 • New bathrooms / mysterious door handles 🛀🏻 • and why I blog... 💻

My 21andsensory links:

On this weeks podcast: Hey! 🙂 • Fluorescent Jackets? 🚴 • Eye tests 👀 • and making new friends 👋🏻

My 21andsensory links:

A little check in ✅ and my first Anchor call-in 📞

My 21andsensory links:

Quick check-in to say I will be posting my Sensory Q&A post on my blog this weekend - feel free to ask me more questions via social media! Also I discuss how I cope with my SPD in my work place 📚

My 21andsensory links:

ASMR-style relaxation sound of a bath running. Super soothing to listen to whilst working, on a break or before bed.

My 21andsensory links:

Quick Check in and Sensory Q&A: feel free to ask me any questions!

My 21andsensory links: