The Autism Podcast

About The Autism Podcast

The Autism Podcast, delivered by the London Autism Group Charity, is the definitive autism related podcast. The podcast aims to improve our understanding of autism, boost acceptance, reduce autism stigma, and generate impactful, transformative ideas ranging from practical everyday advice to thoughts on policy, practice, and wider socio-cultural challenges.

Publisher

The Autism Podcast

Category

health & fitness · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Oct 2018

Latest episode

18 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

2 of 48 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   18 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Interview with Ryan Parker (on the topics of neurodivergent connections with animals, the Disneyfication of nature, wildlife conservation, being present & more)

   Hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr. Sophia Christophi interview wildlife conservationist Ryan Parker about neurodivergent connections with animals and the importance of presence in nature.

2. 

   8 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Interview with Vijay Panchal (on the topics of neurodivergent art, cultural stigmas, navigating trauma & more)

   Hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr. Sophia Christophi interview neurodivergent artist Vijay Panchal about his AuDHD diagnosis, cultural stigmas, and art's role in healing and self-regulation.

3. 

   24 Feb 2026

   Interview with Jill Corbyn (on the topics of neurodivergent-led training, late discovery, lived experience leadership, needs-led care & more)

   Join hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi as they welcome Jill Corbyn, founder and director of the neurodivergent-led community interest company, Neurodiverse Connection. In this insightful episode, Jill shares her journey of being late-discovered autistic, a realization that slowly emerged after working alongside phenomenal autistic colleagues and experiencing a severe period of burnout. The conversation explores how hearing the authentic, insider experiences of autistic people completely shifted her understanding of autism away from traditional, deficit-based medical models. The hosts and Jill dive deep into the vital importance of lived experience leadership and neurodivergent-led training. They discuss the common assumptions professionals must unlearn, the power of using identity-first language, and the phenomenon of autistic people intuitively recognizing one another. Jill explains why we desperately need to move toward a model of needs-led care, rather than gatekeeping vital support behind years-long diagnostic waiting lists. The discussion also tackles systemic advocacy and the challenges of being a lived-experience professional navigating complex systems like the NHS. Jill sheds light on her organization's role in the Culture of Care program, working to improve the sensory environments and support systems within mental health inpatient wards. Alongside this, the trio touches on the Double Empathy Problem, the Autistic Space Framework, dealing with the "scarcity mindset" during difficult times, and the regulating joy of special interests - including Jill’s beloved working cocker spaniel, Bat (Wombat). This episode offers a deeply validating look at the power of community, self-understanding, and authentic connection. Jill’s passion for neurodivergent advocacy and transforming systemic care provides a hopeful roadmap for the future. Whether you are questioning your neurotype, looking for community support, or working in a professional care setting, this conversation is an essential listen. Jill's Recommended Resources & Mentions: Neurodiverse Connection: Jill's organization, offering neurodivergent-led training, resources, and community meetups (including groups for autistic men, Black autistic people, and late-discovered individuals). Visit at: https://ndconnection.co.uk/ The Double Empathy Reader edited by Damian Milton: The book discussed in the episode exploring the Double Empathy Problem. Jill and her colleague Kay contributed a chapter on embodied double empathy. The Autistic SPACE Framework: Created by Autistic Doctors International, a framework for understanding and meeting autistic needs in healthcare and beyond. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks: Sophia's book recommendation from the episode. Our links: The Autism Podcast instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_autism_podcast/ Simeon Thompson's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Siimthompson Dr Sophia Christophi's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autistically.sophia Guided Neurons: Simeon's personal YouTube channel dedicated to self-understanding and autistic insights: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedNeurons Please like, follow and subscribe to our social media channels to support us! It makes a big difference to our small but wonderful Charity. Please also leave us a review (hopefully positive ;) ) on Apple Podcasts - this is a huge help for us. And please consider donating to the London Autism Group Charity if you are enjoying this podcast that we produce and able to (simply go to https://donorbox.org/london-autism-group-charity-donations - thank you!) Wider Charity links: London Autism Group Charity website: londonautismgroupcharity.org Facebook page: facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharity London Autism Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272747662886046/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/london-autism-group-charity Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagcharity Instagra

Inside a recent episode

Interview with Ryan Parker (on the topics of neurodivergent connections with animals, the Disneyfication of nature, wildlife conservation, being present & more)

Published 18 Aug 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] There's something everywhere and just being present and connected. in that moment is such a relief. But you get out to nature, you've got fresh air and things as well. And not just the wildlife, but even things like seeing trees, landscapes, sunsets, all these beautiful things. For me, art, I'm not an art person. I don't understand the value. When I say the value, I mean the money value in art. I know I'll probably get destroyed for this, but the Mona Lisa, it's a huge queue to see the Mona Lisa's behind protected glass. I know it's by Da Vinci, but if I see a street artist in London painting something on the floor, I'm like, wow, that's real art. […]

Who has been a guest on The Autism Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Ryan Parker
• Vijay Panchal
• Kirsty Lavender-Newns
• Barry Davies
• John Nelson

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

486,711

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

26 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

24 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

26

Social presence

0

YouTube

86

Engagement

51

Contact The Autism Podcast

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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Questions about The Autism Podcast