1800 Seconds on Autism

How do you explain being in a long term loving relationship when you’ve not really had one yet? In her latest novel, The Cassandra Complex, Holly Smale attempts just that.She tells us about accidentally and then deliberately writing an autistic character, how being an autistic woman has left her vulnerable, and how being diagnosed later in life has affected her dating life.We als

Monotropism. That’s a big word isn’t it? Well for one of our hosts it’s been a massive one.Jamie says it’s changed his life, so we are joined by one of the first people to theorise it, Dr Wenn Lawson, to explain just what it is and why it could help autistic people and those around them to live happier lives.It could help explain how our minds focus so well on one thing, wh

Presenter Chris Packham has made another documentary for the BBC about autistic people. He tells us about making Inside Our Autistic Minds and the amazing people he met whilst doing it.We ask how his view of autism has changed since his last documentary,and whether he’s been trying to unmask. He explains how his thoughts can often rub up against those of other autistic people.Wat

Changes in life are hard for everyone, but for autistic people they come with that extra layer of complexity. Whether that’s your first time getting the bus alone,or going from school to college.We speak to Harvey, from the charity Ambitious about Autism, a national charity for autistic children and young people. He’s from their Ambitious Youth Network, which they describe as a

In the middle of her UK book tour, Australian actress Chloé Hayden joins Jamie and Robyn in the studio to ask about her many hats.After shooting to worldwide fame as Quinni in Heartbreak High, in between giving talks advocating for autistic people, she’s also written her first book: "Different, Not Less: A neurodivergent's guide to embracing your true self and finding your happi

Welcome to series 4! After nearly two years away, we are back, with our handbook to life for people with autism.Jamie and Robyn return to answer your questions on what they’ve been up to and how they’ve been. From health updates and adapted buggies to new jobs and e-bikes, so much has changed in the past couple of years that we’ve had to give them a whole episode to fit it al

Melissa Simmonds is black and autistic, as are her children. In this episode she talks about the anxiety she feels when her 16-year-old stims in public, and what he might do if stopped by police. How would you feel if a builder arrived an hour earlier than expected? Listener Daisy was overwhelmed when her plans had to suddenly alter and says 1800 Seconds on Autism helped her get th

This is the one where we get through some of your emails. Jamie describes how it feels when the "mouth words" won't come. Robyn explains why wearing her favourite jumper to a medical appointment helps "cocoon" her from what's happening and how a whiteboard beside her front door helps to structure the week. The two autistic presenters also bond over how confusing neurotypical people

Our podcast host Jamie attended A&E three times recently with excruciating pain but because he couldn't describe it, he was sent home. Autistic people often can't explain severity or location of discomfort and he was only admitted to hospital when outward signs, screaming and black-outs, showed it was serious. It's now thought that Jamie had sepsis and, when he stopped being ab

There is no episode this month but we’ll be back soon. Jamie has been very unwell over the last few weeks, leading to A&E visits and hospital stays. He is doing much better now though, recovering at home and managing his energy levels. We’ve spoken before on the podcast about how tricky being autistic and in hospital can be so as you can imagine, Jamie has lots of important