Real stories and honest conversations, we bring together autistic people and the people who love, support, and care for autistic people of all ages and backgrounds to explore every aspect of life. Autism Central is the national peer education programme for families and support networks of autistic people in England, the programme is delivered by Anna Freud and commissioned by the NHS. Through education, coaching, and connection, we offer resources, webinars, one-to-one peer support, and community events that centre lived experience and build real understanding www.autismcentral.org.uk
Autism Central Podcast
Claim This Podcastby By Autism Central
4.7(22 reviews)
41 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
Real stories and honest conversations, we bring together autistic people and the people who love, support, and care for autistic people of all ages and backgrounds to explore every aspect of life. Autism Central is the national peer education programme for families and support networks of autistic people in England, the programme is delivered by Anna Freud and commissioned by the NHS. Through education, coaching, and connection, we offer resources, webinars, one-to-one peer support, and community events that centre lived experience and build real understanding www.autismcentral.org.uk
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Publishing Since
4/15/2024
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Recent Episodes
June 19, 2026
Love needs no words: Autism and fatherhood
<p>In this episode Catherine Asta is joined by award-winning autism advocate, author and founder of "Stories About Autism", James Hunt, for a heartfelt conversation about raising autistic children as they move from childhood into adulthood. </p><p>Drawing on nearly two decades of lived experience parenting his two non-speaking autistic sons, James reflects on how his understanding of autism, communication and fatherhood has evolved over time. </p><p>Together they explore the hopes and uncertainties that many families face as autistic young people transition into adulthood. James shares the realities of preparing for life beyond school, balancing hope with understandable fears about future support, independence and long-term care, while explaining why staying present has become one of the most valuable lessons he has learned as a parent. </p><p>The conversation shines a light on communication beyond spoken language, from body language and AAC as well as the realities of family life, including sleep deprivation, isolation, building community and the emotional impact of caring. They reflect on why finding other families who truly understand can make such a difference, and how peer support helps parents navigate both the challenges and the joy of raising autistic children. </p><p>This is a hopeful conversation about finding acceptance, embracing a different path, celebrating the "inchstones" alongside the milestones and discovering that a meaningful life is often found in the moments you never expected. James reminds us that while the future feels scary and uncertain, there is also joy, connection and hope to be found here in the present.</p><p><strong>What’s on at Autism Central?</strong></p><p>Subscribe to our <a href="https://www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/newsletter-sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"><u>FREE newsletter</u></a></p><p>Explore the <a href="https://www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Autism Central website</a> for FREE NHS-funded 1:1 coaching sessions, events and resources.</p><p><strong>Connect with James</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/storiesaboutautism"><u>Instagram</u></a></p><p>Jame’s Book: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Needs-Words-James-Hunt/dp/1398548588/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bRxG1KWddyFvPswPZHG-pBMfcQqqoE2khH5DQjv2adxx7IoHdTX7v_-unsJAVok_YNI60seUkOyfQk1-29tY0uDZW7CqgRztjU_ALZ-pipurCzd-mQkTL2W9HnDiqRZsmrBfgkzPEYmwQX1fQffsQpe0JF8TsIrye2jVbBQUnj0.s0pWsLIUWEHGzoWtp0zQpCleehTLSxpKu0E8uWGJFEc&qid=1781817730&sr=8-1"><u>Love Needs No Words</u></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with Catherine </strong></p><p><strong>Email: </strong><a href="mailto:hellocatherineasta@gmail.com"><strong>hellocatherineasta@gmail.com</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.catherineasta.com"><u>Website</u></a> I <a href="https://www.instagram.com/catherine.asta"><u>Instagram </u></a>I <a href="https://printumo.com/shop/catherine-asta"><u>Art</u></a> </p><p>Books: <a href="https://amzn.eu/d/0dWKTjpl"><u>Rediscovered</u></a> and <a href="https://amzn.eu/d/0i6eTcRz"><u>Still Living</u></a></p><p><br></p>
June 8, 2026
Autism and relationship breakdown: The legal basics
<p>In this episode of the Autism Central Podcast, Catherine Asta is joined by family law solicitor and neuroinclusion advocate Hannah Saxe to explore the complex realities of relationship breakdown, divorce and co-parenting through an autistic and neurodivergent lens. Drawing on both her professional expertise and lived experience as a late-diagnosed AuDHD woman and parent of two neurodivergent children, Hannah shares practical guidance for autistic people, parents and carers navigating separation and family law. </p><p>Together they discuss the legal basics of divorce, finances, child arrangements and co-parenting, while demystifying a family justice system that can often feel overwhelming and inaccessible. Hannah explains the differences between married and unmarried couples, the growing role of mediation and other out-of-court options, and why seeking the right advice early can make a significant difference. </p><p>The conversation also explores the heightened challenges many autistic and neurodivergent people face during relationship breakdown, including burnout, decision fatigue, financial worries and the increased risk of experiencing coercive control or domestic abuse. Hannah shares practical strategies for building a support network, accessing advice and creating boundaries that protect both parents and children during difficult transitions. </p><p>Catherine and Hannah discuss the importance of supporting autistic and neurodivergent children through separation, highlighting the value of structure, predictability, communication and consistent approaches across households. They also examine what neuroaffirming support looks like within the family justice system and how new guidance is helping professionals better understand and accommodate neurodivergent needs. </p><p>Hannah offers reassurance that, even in the most challenging circumstances, there are pathways forward and growing recognition that neurodivergent people deserve systems that work with them, not against them.</p><p><strong>What’s on at Autism Central?</strong></p><p>Subscribe to our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/978d5e44ef42/autismcentral-sign-up"><u>FREE newsletter</u></a></p><p>Explore our <a href="https://www.autismcentral.nhs.uk"><u>FREE support</u></a> - 1:1 sessions, blogs, events </p><p><strong>Connect with Hannah</strong></p><p><a href="https://uk.content.exclaimer.net/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.brabners.com%2F&tenantid=JPI6znjREeqpTAAD_wDF7A&templateid=f7d15a7fba8ff011a1356045bdd1686c&excomponentid=RqPK6HnpF244b1NgSozHCQgEqpNIxR5CR36FSH-z9CM&excomponenttype=Link&signature=orUwAu2sa6iHhkJdaK-AxaF2X-qDWfRebnt2H493QCVuOt1vi29HWkIzJphjAea8NaWDPxRJk1WpdRKuA3XuSG7dxs11D_szIXQX3SEELhH1s6smf_qrbVBi0NSmDGzGH4md6KPIYls44U8s1LRS_Yr79csVdWmkru9qmsrGW-sR5tw5sn4W2RoGdTnhIPMOJzcCftccmYO8PLR4eZPl9xCS_SeXJPjltEdA8Ltj-kqIvjYRcEq8-O7nmSct8SCPAYTyUOCy5H_o2iGJm0XiK8LiVQtxYNW26nznyNOdj220HtprEMpy-uHwROZJn5RtPl6Oga6n5RYZG_TwIZV2lA&v=1&imprintMessageId=dfc542d7-8a80-4b69-a4da-4292e459c56c"><u>brabners.com</u></a></p><p><strong>Connect with Catherine </strong></p><p><strong>Email: </strong><a href="mailto:hellocatherineasta@gmail.com"><strong>hellocatherineasta@gmail.com</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.catherineasta.com"><u>Website</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/catherine.asta"><u>Instagram </u></a></p><p>Books: <a href="https://amzn.eu/d/0dWKTjpl"><u>Rediscovered</u></a> and <a href="https://amzn.eu/d/0i6eTcRz"><u>Still Living</u></a></p><p><a href="https://printumo.com/shop/catherine-asta"><u>Art</u></a></p><p><br></p>
May 22, 2026
Dyspraxia and Autism
<p>In this first episode of S5, Catherine Asta is joined by award winning advocate Tumi Sotire, a British-born Nigerian with dyspraxia and founder of The Black Dyspraxic, a platform dedicated to championing intersectionality within neurodiversity.</p><p>Together they unpack common misconceptions about dyspraxia, why it is often misunderstood as ‘just clumsiness’ and how it can affect everything from movement and coordination to organisation, memory, processing and confidence.</p><p>Tumi shares his own experience of growing up as a Black dyspraxic child, reflecting on diagnosis, bullying, education and the importance of understanding neurodivergence through an intersectional lens. The conversation also explores the hidden emotional and financial costs of dyspraxia, along with the barriers many families face in accessing support.</p><p>Catherine and Tumi discuss the overlap between dyspraxia and autism, including the reality that dyspraxia is a common co-occurring condition for autistic people. They also explore practical supports and adjustments, from occupational therapy and assistive technology to breaking tasks down into manageable steps and recognising individual strengths.</p><p>This is a hopeful conversation about self-understanding, advocacy and creating environments where neurodivergent people feel supported to thrive. Tumi reflects on the importance of recognising strengths alongside struggles and why helping children believe in what is possible can make a lifelong difference.</p><p><strong>What’s on at Autism Central?</strong></p><p>Subscribe to our <a href="https://www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/newsletter-sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"><u>FREE newsletter</u></a></p><p>Explore our <a href="https://www.autismcentral.nhs.uk"><u>FREE support</u></a>, funded by NHS England - 1:1 coaching, online events and resources</p><p><strong>Connect with Tumi</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.theblackdyspraxic.com"><u>www.theblackdyspraxic.com</u></a></p><p><a href="http://www.instagram.com/theblackdyspraxic"><u>Instagram</u></a></p><p><strong>Connect with Catherine </strong></p><p><a href="https://www.catherineasta.com"><u>Website</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/catherine.asta"><u>Instagram </u></a></p><p>Books: <a href="https://amzn.eu/d/0dWKTjpl"><u>Rediscovered</u></a> and <a href="https://amzn.eu/d/0i6eTcRz"><u>Still Living</u></a></p><p><br></p>
41 total episodes available
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- What is Autism Central Podcast?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 7 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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