The Squarepeg Podcast

Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you’ll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences.

157 [S11 E12] Talking to strangers: podcasting my way into a late autism discovery 07/18/2026

157 [S11 E12] Talking to strangers: podcasting my way into a late autism discovery Carolyn Kiel is the host of Beyond 6 Seconds, a multi-award-winning neurodiversity podcast. She started her podcast in 2018 as a general interest interview show, but in 2022 she shifted the focus to neurodiversity, after receiving an autism diagnosis in her mid-40s. Carolyn interviews neurodivergent people from around the world about their lives, identities and passions, with a focus on the intersections between neurodivergence and race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and more. Carolyn has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Industrial/Organisational Psychology. In our conversation Carolyn shares her journey from shy introvert to being a podcaster, how podcasting led to her late diagnosis of autism, what she's learned from podcasting – and the value of truly listening. She talks about social anxiety, hyperlexia, coordination and sensory challenges, navigating change, developing self-acceptance, and the role of creativity, strength training, and therapy in caring for her autistic self. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Podcast website: Instagram: LinkedIn: Facebook: YouTube: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, A-M, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Bobbi Sue, Brydie, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat, Cat Preston, C M, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre, Dennis McNulty,, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Ingrid, Jackie Allen, Jane, Janice, Jess Dwyer, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate, Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Liz P, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Rebecca Miller, Sadie Slater, Samantha, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Whitehead, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/42022735

156 [S11 E11] Coming home to myself: feeling 'good enough', unmasking and moving towards self love 07/11/2026

156 [S11 E11] Coming home to myself: feeling 'good enough', unmasking and moving towards self love Abs Lee is a carer, gardener and cleaner from Suffolk in the UK. Now 54, she was formally identified as autistic early in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic and lockdown. She's a parent to an AuDHD, queer adult human, and cares for her elderly mother. Abs has moved between multiple jobs throughout her life so far, full of potential but often finding it difficult to stay in roles due to sensory issues and lack of the right support. Now self employed, working part time due to health issues and caring responsibilities, she says that her life “has been shaped by persistence, lived experience and learning how to stay.” These days, she “measures success quietly: staying well, staying sober, keeping my home tidy, moving my body - and choosing life, again and again.” Abs has a Bachelor’s degree in Art and is a Buddhist, currently training towards Ordination. After often feeling like a failure, her Buddhist practice and prioritising self care are helping her reframe her life and move towards self acceptance. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: N/A If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, A-M, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Bobbi Sue, Brydie, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, C M, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre, Dennis McNulty,, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, H.B, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Ingrid, Jackie Allen, Jane, Janice, Jess Dwyer, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate, Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Liz P, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Rebecca Miller, Sadie Slater, Samantha, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Whitehead, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/41991265

155 [S11 E10] Unravelling: masking, personality adaptation and meeting my real self 07/04/2026

155 [S11 E10] Unravelling: masking, personality adaptation and meeting my real self Toni Borneo was formally recognised as autistic two years ago, at age 42 - something that has saved and completely changed her life. For her, the process of unmasking uncovered complex, long term mental and emotional health issues. And more recently she realised that she has developmental trauma that has led to her having a personality disorder. Toni has spent her working life in health policy advocacy, first for a mental health charity, and now for a health trade union. She lives in Guildford in the UK, where she is currently discovering her unexplored creativity, building up her physical health, and enjoying going to local meet-ups for autistic adults. In our conversation Toni shares her experiences and knowledge of developmental trauma and personality disorder in autistic people – something that is heavily stigmatised and misunderstood in the autistic community, and that she suspects is actually very common – and the things that are helping her heal. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Autistic at 40 podcast: Toni’s Instagram: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, A-M, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Bobbi Sue, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, C M, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre, Dennis McNulty,, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, H.B, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Ingrid, Jackie Allen, Jane, Janice, Jess Dwyer, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate, Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Liz P, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Rebecca Miller, Sadie Slater, Samantha, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Whitehead, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/41702075

154 [S11 E9] Finding a really cool rock: figuring out life and work without an 'autistic starter pack' 06/13/2026

154 [S11 E9] Finding a really cool rock: figuring out life and work without an 'autistic starter pack' Phoebe Taylor is a Canadian writer and artist whose work attempts to translate the experience of autism from the inside out. ‘Fired from every job she ever had’, she decided to explore self employment during the pandemic. Now 32, she was formally identified as autistic a couple of years ago, and has spent the last few years figuring out how to make a life that works better for her. Phoebe was a shortlisted finalist in the 2024 Grit List Festival for her essays on the interior experience of autism, and is currently writing about autism, feminism and disability and working on a collection of essays that explores the tensions between these marginalised identities and white privilege. She is also the co-founder and Creative Director of Do You Ever Media, a space and community giving artists and creatives the confidence to tell their story. She manages and coaches artists to bring their visions to life, and to produce and market their art. In our conversation Phoebe talks about still feeling like a 'baby autistic', returning to herself since diagnosis, and her grief over the person ‘that she thought she could be'. She shares her experience of meltdowns, being an extroverted autistic person, dealing with healthcare gatekeepers, and what happened when she ‘came out’ as autistic to family and friends. And she talks about autistic employment, her checkered history of being employed, and the pros and cons of being self employed as an autistic person - and why she made that choice. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, A-M, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Bobbi Sue, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, C M, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre, Dennis McNulty,, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, H.B, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Ingrid, Jackie Allen, Jane, Janice, Jess Dwyer, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate, Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Liz P, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Rebecca Miller, Sadie Slater, Samantha, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Whitehead, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/41612140

153 [S11 E8] Creativity, small joys and redefining success: navigating the long-term impact of autistic burnout 06/06/2026

153 [S11 E8] Creativity, small joys and redefining success: navigating the long-term impact of autistic burnout Phoenix* is 44 and from The Netherlands. She has a PhD in philosophy and worked in academia for several years, before experiencing a severe burnout in her early thirties. Phoenix started seriously considering that she might be autistic around two and a half years ago, after struggling for years with burnout, chronic fatigue and anxiety. She was formally recognised as autistic about a year ago, shortly after her young daughter. Since her burnout, Phoenix has rediscovered her creativity and has found connection with herself and others through creative writing, visual art and making clay figurines. She is currently building a website called The Autistic Notebook, where she plans to share personal essays and cartoons exploring autistic experience. In this conversation Phoenix talks about her social struggles at school, and in her career in academia, where problematic power dynamics helped put her on the path to eventual burnout. She shares the impact her burnout has had on her life, how she’s coming to terms with dependency on others and redefining what success means to her as she finds joy and inspiration in creativity, moments of beauty and raising a joyful and creative daughter. * Phoenix is a pseudonym Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Phoenix’s website: Sign up to Phoenix's newsletter: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, A-M, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Bobbi Sue, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, C M, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre Stark, Dennis McNulty,, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, H.B, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Ingrid, Jackie Allen, Jane, Janice, Jennifer Romanello, Jess Dwyer, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate, Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Liz P, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Whitehead, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/41452745

152 [S11 E7] Sparkly things and heavy loads: autistic menopause, academia and lived experience 05/30/2026

152 [S11 E7] Sparkly things and heavy loads: autistic menopause, academia and lived experience Dr Rachel Mosely was halfway through her second postdoctoral job in autism research when she learnt that she herself had been suspected as being autistic as a child. After some investigation, she was assessed and diagnosed at the Lorna Wing Centre, aged 28. Ten years on, Rachel is Principal academic in Psychology at Bournemouth University, where her research focuses on understanding the challenges faced by autistic people, primarily around mental health. She has a degree in Psychology and a PhD in cognitive neuroscience from Cambridge University. Together with colleagues she has conducted work on menopause as a time where autistic people can particularly struggle. Her book, Autistic Menopause: A Guide to the Menopausal Transition for Autistic People and Those Supporting Them, was published in January this year. The book draws on the voices of sixteen autistic experts, covering everything from understanding why being autistic will affect your experience of the menopause, to advice about finding the strategies that work for you and seeking help. It discusses how menopause can cause changes to our emotions, attention and memory, as well as affecting things like sensory issues, masking and communication, and provides tools to manage changes effectively. Above all, it provides reassurance that we’re not alone. As a child Rachel struggled with low self-esteem and poor mental health. She discovered a love for psychology and neuroscience at university, and was drawn to studying autism, as she felt a strong empathy towards other people who struggled socially, as she did. Now she understands herself as being autistic, she hopes to encourage and empower others by showing the 'less than perfect' side of things behind the professional face. Rachel lives in Bournemouth in the UK, where she is a devoted dog-mother to Frodo. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Dr Mosely’s website with accessible versions of research: Her book: Her LinkedIn: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, A-M, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Bobbi Sue, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, C M, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre Stark, Dennis McNulty,, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, H.B, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Ingrid, Jackie Allen, Jane, Janice, Jennifer Romanello, Jess Dwyer, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate, Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Liz P, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Whitehead, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/41414050

151 [S11 E6] The same type of different: autistic identity, South Asian stories and the model minority myth 05/23/2026

151 [S11 E6] The same type of different: autistic identity, South Asian stories and the model minority myth Mrinal Gokhale is an author, writer, and speaker based in Wisconsin in the United States, passionate about all things psychology and wellness. Since becoming an author, Mrinal has written for and collaborated with platforms to discuss South Asian and Asian American mental health. She has a Bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Now 35, Mrinal is the author of two books, the latest of which, Taboo: South Asian Mental Health Stories, is a collection of lived experience accounts from people of South Asian descent about navigating mental illness, neurodivergence, identity, culture, sexuality, trauma, and other topics often considered taboo in South Asian communities. In our conversation Mrinal shares how finding neurodivergent community has reshaped her sense of self, belonging, and work. She talks about navigating neurodivergence within South Asian culture, the weight of the model minority myth, and growing up under straight‑A, STEM‑focused parental expectations, when her strengths lay in reading, writing, and storytelling. We explore her move from permanent roles into contracting, what kinds of workplaces and team structures best support her autistic needs, and why self‑employment isn’t automatically a better option for us. Mrinal also describes her experience of having EMDR therapy to process years of bullying and undiagnosed autism, and the positive outcomes this has had for her. I first talked with Mrinal in Season 2 of Squarepeg. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Mrinal’s links page: Mrinal’s original SquarePeg episode (Episode 17 - S2 E5): If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, A-M, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Bobbi Sue, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, C M, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre Stark, Dennis McNulty,, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, H.B, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Janice, Jennifer Romanello, Jess Dwyer, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate, Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Liz P, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Whitehead, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/41290935

150 [S11 E5] A little candle burning: survival, healing, and the small nourishments of autistic life 05/16/2026

150 [S11 E5] A little candle burning: survival, healing, and the small nourishments of autistic life Su Scotting is a poet, writer and artist, and retired National Trust archivist, from Cornwall in the UK. Now 63, she was formally recognised as autistic at 58. Su excelled at school, going on to get a BA in Medieval English Studies, and later an MA in Art. After years as an archivist she worked in government administration. But her education and career were impacted by sensory issues, overwhelm and autistic burnout. In her 40s Su was diagnosed first with depression and anxiety, then with cPTSD. When she eventually received her autism diagnosis at 58 (along with diagnoses of Sensory Processing Disorder and dyspraxia) she says she finally “felt like a complete autistic person, rather than a broken neurotypical person”. Su has a lifelong love of poetry, writing, music and art. Her artwork has been in exhibitions, and she has won the Somerset Poetry Prize and had stories shortlisted for The Bridport Prize. She says that creativity is what has kept her going through the trauma of undiagnosed autism – that creativity was always a place where she knew who she was. In this conversation Su talks about the benefits and challenges of unexpectedly discovering her autism later in life; the struggle of being a highly intelligent person who always found employment challenging; her decision not to have children; and all the things that have helped, nourished and healed her throughout her life. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Su’s website: Dimensions for Autism (Devon, UK): If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, A-M, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Bobbi Sue, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, C M, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre Stark, Dennis McNulty,, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, H.B, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Janice, Jennifer Romanello, Jess Dwyer, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate, Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Liz P, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Whitehead, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/41277250

149 [S11 E4] Going away to come home: From outward success to an authentic autistic life 05/09/2026

149 [S11 E4] Going away to come home: From outward success to an authentic autistic life For years Emily Nyrop lived what looked on the outside like a ‘perfect’ life; after graduating from Harvard University, she spent over a decade in high-powered roles. But underneath her outward success she was quietly burning out, as she built a life and career inside systems that weren’t built for her. Then Emily hit breaking point. Feeling like she was falling apart, she decided to rip open her life and do something completely different. In 2023 she gave up her apartment in the US, packed a suitcase and booked a one-way ticket to Cape Town, for what turned into nearly a year of solo travel through Africa and the Middle East. During this journey she began to understand that the way she moves through the world isn’t broken: it’s autistic. Now 38, Emily has relocated to Porto in Portugal, where she works as a Leadership Coach for ambitious, high-performing women, especially those in STEM fields, and those who are queer, neurodivergent, or navigating systems not built for them. In this conversation Emily shares her story and her reflections on both her journey across the world and her journey of self-discovery, and how solo travel allowed her to peel back the layers of herself, discover her autism, come out as queer, and ultimately build a life that actually fits her. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Emily’s website: Her LinkedIn: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, A-M, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Bobbi Sue, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, C M, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre Stark, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, H.B, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Janice, Jess Dwyer, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Liz P, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Whitehead, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/41201560

148 [S11 E3] Unexpected autism: art journalling, mental health and reframing eating distress 05/02/2026

148 [S11 E3] Unexpected autism: art journalling, mental health and reframing eating distress Helen Shaddock was formally identified as autistic two years ago, after spending over 25 years in the mental health system. During the pandemic Helen was readmitted to mental health services for eating disorders, before receiving an unexpected autism diagnosis. Now 39, Helen is a multidisciplinary artist and PhD researcher. She lives in Newcastle in the UK, where her work as a multidisciplinary artist focuses on themes related to her lived experience. In 2024 she launched artED, a digital space to share experiences and stories about eating distress, neurodivergence and mental health through art. artED evolved out of the graphic-art diaries that she began making at the start of the pandemic to stay connected to family and friends, and to keep herself mentally stimulated and motivated to take a walk, watch a film, listen to a podcast, or make a drawing. Helen has recently begun a practice-based PhD which will explore the role of storytelling in processing the experience and management of eating distress and its link to neurodivergence. She hopes that by being open about her experiences she can support others in similar situations and raise awareness and understanding. In our conversation Helen shares how she was completely taken by surprise when a therapist suggested she might be autistic; the impact of her autistic traits on her eating disorder, and how she’s been able to reframe what had been seen as eating disorder 'behaviours' in the light of her autism discovery; the significance of her daily journals, and the impact they’re having. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Website: Website: Instagram: Instagram: Facebook: Facebook: X: X: Vimeo: YouTube: LinkedIn: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, A-M, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Bobbi Sue, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, C M, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre Stark, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Janice, Jess Dwyer, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Liz P, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Whitehead, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/41072110

147 [S11 E2] Complex lives in a binary world: reflections on the autistic experience 04/25/2026

147 [S11 E2] Complex lives in a binary world: reflections on the autistic experience Hannah Breslin runs her own business, Coaching for Difference, offering neuroaffirming coaching support for late-identified neurodivergent professionals, and education and consultancy for organisations looking to deepen their understanding of neurodiversity. Originally from Dublin, she lives in London and was formally recognised as autistic in 2022, with dyscalculia following in 2023 and ADHD in 2024. Now 42, Hannah spent 15 years working in Higher Education in teaching, research, academic and leadership roles and is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE. She was previously a practicing artist specialising in performance, video and installation. Hannah is also learning to embrace the fact that she is, in her words, “a mostly overwhelmed parent, an unreliable friend, an inattentive partner, an emotionally unavailable family member and a messy perfectionist.” This episode is a beautiful deep dive into Hannah’s experiences and her reflections on many aspects of being autistic in a world that’s not set up for us and often doesn’t meet us where we are. She talks about how she hasn’t experienced 'relief' after being identified as autistic; reconnecting with joy after masking from a very young age; discovering and unpacking her internalised ableism; how she relates to the ideas of achievement, success and reward; and how autism affects every aspect of our lives. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: LinkedIn: Medium: Email: hannah@CoachingForDifference.com If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Bobbi Sue, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, C M, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre Stark, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Janice, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Liz P, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/40799125

146 [S11 E1] The rhythm of nature is my natural rhythm: autism, conservation and being a ‘tenacious comet’ 04/18/2026

146 [S11 E1] The rhythm of nature is my natural rhythm: autism, conservation and being a ‘tenacious comet’ Emma Marsh works at the RSPB (the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), where she is Executive Director of Digital Technology, Campaigns and Communications. She lives in North Warwickshire in England. Emma was formally recognised as autistic in 2023, in her late 40s. She says that her autism has given her an innate connection to nature which drives her passion for conservation. She grew up on a farm in a rural, working class household, but rebelled against this lifestyle in favour of city life initially, only to later find it again. She is a passionate wildlife friendly gardener and grower on a journey towards being as self-sufficient as possible. She says that her garden and growing keep her on an even keel. Emma did International relations at University, began her career in administration and technology programme management, then moved to the UK Government to work with WRAP, where she headed up the 'Love Food Hate Waste' campaign. In 2016, Emma joined the RSPB. In our conversation Emma shares her deep connection to nature and how it helps her as an autistic human. She talks about her rural childhood, her lifelong challenges with misophonia, about ‘coming out’ as autistic at work, and about some of the challenges around perfectionism and rejection-sensitive dysphoria that she's overcome to achieve in her career. She shares her excellent advice for navigating workplaces. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️ My Thrive program is open for enrolment until Monday 20 April! Find out more or enrol here: ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Emma’s LinkedIn: Her BlueSky: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, AM, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Bobbi Sue, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, C M, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre Stark, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Janice, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Liz P, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/40782830

145 [Bonus] "An overarching, big life project": interconnecting special interests, memory and mental health 03/21/2026

145 [Bonus] "An overarching, big life project": interconnecting special interests, memory and mental health Laura Richmond is a writer, researcher and doll restorer from Southampton in the UK. She was my guest on the podcast in 2023. When we spoke then, it was just a year on from her autism diagnosis, and she was on the brink of publishing her memoir. So I was delighted to catch up with her three years on and find out what’s been happening for her since then. Now 38, Laura was formally recognised as autistic in 2022 after an extremely difficult set of experiences. Social and emotional struggles in childhood led to her being in and out of the psychiatric system for 15 years, misdiagnosed and spending time in various psychiatric hospitals. The turning point came when her son was born: after a traumatic birth she developed PTSD and spent time in a psychiatric mother and baby unit. Her positive experience there, so unlike her previous time in hospital, led her to begin writing about her experiences and unravelling her own history, leading to her autism diagnosis and her memoir, All My Worldly Joy, which was published earlier this year, and which I highly recommend. As well as a memoir of birth trauma and experiences dealing with mental health services, Laura’s book is also a story of self discovery and, ultimately, her journey to autism diagnosis. If you haven’t already listened to Laura’s first episode - or you don’t remember it too well, because it’s been three years! - I invite you to go back and listen first, so you’ll have some context for this new conversation. I’ve republished the episode as episode 144. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Laura’s Instagram: Buy Laura’s book: Waterstones link: Laura’s LinkTree (all her links): If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Bobbi Sue, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, C M, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre Stark, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Janice, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Liz P, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/40559955

144 [Re-release] From psychiatric trauma to autistic joy: a journey of healing and self discovery 03/21/2026

144 [Re-release] From psychiatric trauma to autistic joy: a journey of healing and self discovery Laura Richmond is a writer, researcher and doll restorer from Southampton in the UK. This episode is from 2023 - I’ve re-released it because Laura just recorded a new episode with me, episode 145. At the time this re-released episode was recorded it was just a year on from Laura’s autism diagnosis, and she was on the brink of publishing her memoir. Now 38, Laura was formally recognised as autistic in 2022 after an extremely difficult set of experiences. Social and emotional struggles in childhood led to her being in and out of the psychiatric system for 15 years, misdiagnosed and spending time in various psychiatric hospitals. The turning point came when her son was born: after a traumatic birth she developed PTSD and spent time in a psychiatric mother and baby unit. Her positive experience there, so unlike her previous time in hospital, led her to begin writing about her experiences and unravelling her own history, leading to her autism diagnosis and her memoir, All My Worldly Joy, which was published in January 2026, and which I highly recommend. Laura and I covered so many different things in this conversation! Although some of the topics we discuss are not easy, I believe it’s so important that these stories are told. Some of the things we talk about are: ➡ Why she was initially cautious about getting an autism diagnosis ➡ Her mental health challenges, self harm, and her time in psychiatric services ➡ Hyperlexia, sensory issues and the double empathy problem ➡ Her journey of self discovery through writing her memoir and tapping into autistic joy CONTENT WARNING: Please be aware that there is discussion of self harm, mental health difficulties, the psychiatric system and birth trauma from the start and at various points throughout this episode, so if you don’t wish to hear about these topics, you may want to skip this one. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Laura’s Instagram: Buy Laura’s book: Waterstones link: Laura’s LinkTree (all her links): If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Bobbi Sue, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, C M, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre Stark, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Janice, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Liz P, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/40559875

143 [Bonus] Beyond diagnosis: Self‑trust, masking, and the continuing autism journey 01/24/2026

143 [Bonus] Beyond diagnosis: Self‑trust, masking, and the continuing autism journey I first met today’s guest, Vera, nearly five years ago, when we recorded a podcast episode early in 2021. A lot has changed for Vera since then, so we decided it was time for a catch up. Now 46, when we last spoke Vera had very recently been formally identified as autistic. Over the years since, her initial excitement - that she describes as sounding ‘practically giddy’ after listening back to that first episode - has evolved into a different perspective. Vera is originally from the Czech Republic, and now lives in Bristol in the UK. She has a background in mathematics, computer science and life coaching, and she currently works in corporate research. She describes herself as an extrovert whose special interest is people watching. In this conversation we explore all sorts of aspects of our autistic experience and our thoughts about all sorts of things, including why Vera needed a break from autism spaces for a while, masking, perimenopause, self trust, bravery and resilience. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Listen to Vera’s original Squarepeg episode: The Brené Brown book Vera mentions: The podcast where the ‘close enemy’ is mentioned: The Czech coach / Self-Trust being the opposite of Fear: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre Stark, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Helen Horgan, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jo, Jennifer Romanello, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/39848400

142 [Re-release] Being an autistic extrovert, people watching and managing our energy 01/24/2026

142 [Re-release] Being an autistic extrovert, people watching and managing our energy This episode was recorded in early 2021 and originally released as part of the third season of Squarepeg. I was delighted to get to speak to Vera again recently, in 2026, and that new episode is now available for you to listen to. So I'm re-releasing my original conversation with Vera here, so that anyone who wants to can refresh their memory before listening to our more recent conversation in episode 143. At the time this was recorded Vera was in her 40s, had just been diagnosed autistic and was working as a life coach. Originally from the Czech Republic, she lives in Bristol in the UK. Vera has a background in maths and computer science, and describes herself as an extrovert whose special interest is people watching. In this conversation we talk about: ➡ Being an autistic extrovert ➡ How living in a different country can work out well for autistic people ➡ Autistic fatigue, burnout and managing our energy ➡ Learning and play, and having a rich inner world ➡ How she's turned a fascination with people into a business she loves Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: N/A If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre Stark, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Helen Horgan, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jo, Jennifer Romanello, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/39814700

141 [Bonus] A deeper dive into our experiences and attitudes around AuDHD - with Sam Brown (AKA Mrs AuDHD) 12/20/2025

141 [Bonus] A deeper dive into our experiences and attitudes around AuDHD - with Sam Brown (AKA Mrs AuDHD) After the Season 10 episode with Sam Brown, AKA Mrs AuDHD, was released in the summer, a lovely listener got in touch to share their feelings about being disappointed by some of the comments Sam and I made about how we felt about having ADHD. Sam and I thought it was worth discussing our responses and reflections to the email, as it raised some really interesting questions around internalised ableism, and where any unconscious negative bias may have come from. This is our unedited conversation about it. If you missed the original episode with Sam, you might want to listen to that first - it’s (Season 10 Episode 1). Sam is late-diagnosed AuDHD, a trustee of the ADHDadultUK charity and co-presenter of The ADHD Adults podcast, that deals with a different ADHD related topic each episode. Sam loves to collect hobbies, adores animals and inanimate objects and is ridiculously over-enthusiastic about almost everything apart from the sound of people eating, the feeling of someone breathing on any part of her, and anything gelatinous that isn’t jelly. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS Sam’s original Squarepeg episode: Sam’s personal Instagram Her podcast website Podcast Instagram Facebook ADHD Adult charity website Charity Instagram If you think you may be autistic or have ADHD, these online tests can give an initial indication: AQ50 quiz ADHD quiz If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Delaney, Helen Horgan, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jenn W, Jo, Jennifer Romanello, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/39466615

140 [S10 E12] Working with autism, not against: Mental health, masking and giving ourselves grace 11/01/2025

140 [S10 E12] Working with autism, not against: Mental health, masking and giving ourselves grace Kara Nash is a registered nurse and autism consultant who focuses on creating positive change in how the healthcare system treats people on the spectrum. Kara has over twenty years’ experience working in the field of autism and mental health. Now 50, she was diagnosed autistic herself at 37. During her career Kara has supported autistic people across the lifespan in hospitals, residential programs, schools, and community settings, and she now runs a private consulting practice in Western North Carolina. She is also a public speaker, writer, and educator, creating practical resources for families and professionals and sharing insights about autism, neurodiversity, and the intersection of mental health and everyday life on YouTube and other platforms. In this conversation Kara shares her personal experience with autism-centred therapy, why she was drawn to working in mental health and why she loves her work, and some of the frustrating aspects of being an autistic patient. She also talks about new drug therapies for autistic people, aimed at creating pro-social behaviour, and how we can advocate for ourselves better in medical scenarios. And the joy of learning to love our stims and give ourselves grace to let go of the things we're not organically wired to do. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Website: YouTube: Instagram: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (book mentioned in this episode): If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Delaney, Helen Horgan, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jenn W, Jo, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Gillespie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tamsen Staniford, Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/38858260

139 [S10 E11] Creating space to show up without shrinking: how we can thrive at work as autistics 10/25/2025

139 [S10 E11] Creating space to show up without shrinking: how we can thrive at work as autistics Hassani Turner is an executive coach for neurodivergent professionals and the founder of MyNeuroCompass, a coaching service and app that helps neurodivergent people understand how their brains work, identify their strengths, stop masking and start leading authentically – as Hassani puts it, ‘finding space to show up without shrinking’. Hassani has spent 15 years in the corporate world. She was formally recognised as autistic at age 36, and her work is influenced by both her lived experience and her role as a corporate leader, where she helps organisations recognise and value their neurodivergent people. She’s also a speaker, writer, and advocate for inclusive leadership and accessibility – and creating workplaces where neurodivergent talent isn’t just accommodated, but genuinely valued. Hassani is 40 years old and lives in New York with her beloved little dog, Lola. In this conversation Hassani talks about her childhood experience of internalised meltdowns and masking, being the ‘uncool’ kid at school and taking her social cues from the shows she watched on TV. And she shares the workplace experiences that led her to create the app she had always wanted to have – using frameworks she created for herself that she is now using to help other autistic people navigate work. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Delaney, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jenn W, Jo, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Gillespie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tamsen Staniford, Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/38768105

138 [S10 E10] Working with our ocean and our tides: the impact of autism self identification 10/18/2025

138 [S10 E10] Working with our ocean and our tides: the impact of autism self identification Lara Schaeffer taught high school English for 28 years until her autism identification at age 47 - and her school’s resistance to her being open about her autism to her students. She waited three years for them to change their stance, before eventually leaving the secure, well paying job she thought she would one day retire from. Now in her early 50s, these days Lara works as a counselor to autistic adults and young adults. She is a twice divorced mother of an autistic daughter, and describes herself as having ‘lots of life rockiness’ - which she has no doubt has a lot to do with her previously unidentified autism. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. In our conversation Lara shares some of her experiences of an undiagnosed childhood and adolescence, always seeming to be on a different track to her peers, thinking or acting differently and never sticking with the pack. She talks about her strongly held belief in self identification - and her journey from established high school teacher to finding new purpose, fulfilment and a new sense of self advocating for other late identified autistics. She explains the guided self assessment process, and also tells me about her psychological service dog. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: LinkedIn: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Delaney, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane Galloway. Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jenn W, Jo, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Gillespie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tamsen Staniford, Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/38620370

137 [S10 E9] Meeting myself again: sensory needs, autistic joys and building stronger relationships after autism diagnosis 10/11/2025

137 [S10 E9] Meeting myself again: sensory needs, autistic joys and building stronger relationships after autism diagnosis Marian Schembari is an author and essayist whose first byline was at age eleven. It was a poem about dragons. Since then, her essays about travel, friendship, money, and love have appeared in many well known publications, including The New York Times and Marie Claire. Marian was formally recognised as autistic at 34, and spent the next couple of years writing a memoir about it, A Little Less Broken, which came out last year. Marian grew up in an Italian/Puerto Rican family and has lived all over the world, including in New Zealand and Germany. She now lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and daughter, where she now writes full time. In this conversation Marian talks about the positive impact of her diagnosis on her relationships, and learning to express her needs; her experience of living abroad, being seen as the 'quirky, charming foreign friend'; and the contradictions of different facets of ourselves, and how our capacities and needs evolve and change over time. Marian also shares her writing process and how writing a memoir prompted some honest conversations about past events and relationships. She also gives a unique and beautiful answer to the 'go back in time to your former self' question, which might just be my favourite so far (if I’m allowed to have a favourite!). Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Dennis McNulty, E, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Delaney, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane Galloway. Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jenn W, Jo, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Gillespie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tamsen Staniford, Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/38536240

136 [S10 E8] 'Undercover autistic': shaping a more just and inclusive future for autistic care users & practitioners 10/04/2025

136 [S10 E8] 'Undercover autistic': shaping a more just and inclusive future for autistic care users & practitioners Shazzy Tharby is a Disability & Neurodiversity Leader, Mental Health & Neurodivergence Consultant, counsellor and psychotherapist, the Founder of Positively Living, a worldwide therapeutic service, and Vice President of the Australian Clinical Supervision Association. Shazzy describes herself as “Autistic, disabled, a wheelchair user, and Muslim”. They are 49, the parent of two autistic children, and they live in Perth in Western Australia, where their mental health leadership is transforming people’s understanding of neurodiversity, trauma, and inclusion. A multicultural and multilingual neurodivergent Muslim woman, Shazzy sees disability and neurodivergence not as deficits, but as powerful forms of human diversity. Guided by lived experience, anti-colonial practice, and liberation psychotherapy and care, her aim is to ensure that advocacy, services and leadership reflect our realities, and help shape a more just and inclusive future. In our conversation we talk about how neurodivergent people are treated in crisis and medical situations, and the changes that are needed; the need for distinct clinical supervision for neurodivergent clinicians; how autism is viewed among the medical profession, and the idea of autistic culture. Shazzy also shares the delightful concept of autism birthdays! Although there are difficult topics in this episode, the fact that people like Shazzy exist and are working in these spaces fills me with hope for us all. CONTENT WARNING: There is mention and discussion of suicide at various points throughout this episode, so if this is a topic that’s difficult for you, you might want to give this one a miss. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Website: Linkedin: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Dennis McNulty, E, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Delaney, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane Galloway. Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jenn W, Jo, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Gillespie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tamsen Staniford, Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/38452935

135 [S10 E7] A blessing and a curse: autism, masking and miscommunication 09/27/2025

135 [S10 E7] A blessing and a curse: autism, masking and miscommunication My guest this week is Clara Törnvall, an author and journalist who lives in Stockholm, Sweden with her two children. Clara was diagnosed autistic five years ago at age 42, leading her to write her first book, The Autists - Women on the Spectrum, a personal essay and cultural history of autism, which has been sold to 13 countries. In 2023, she published a second book, The Autist's Guide to the Galaxy, which places autistics as the ‘normal’ ones and neurotypicals as the outsiders. Clara’s background is in radio and TV presenting and she has also been the editor of several Swedish national TV shows. Since 2021 she has worked as a cultural journalist for television, radio and newspapers, covering literature, music and film. She also lectures on autism and inclusion. Clara shares her experience of growing up undiagnosed in Sweden, a ‘silent, too intense’ child, feeling ‘out of step’ with others and filled with ever-present anxiety. We talk about Swedish attitudes to neurodivergence and equality, masking, the communication differences that can cause autistics so much trouble - despite our best intentions - reactions to Clara’s books from autistic and neurotypical readers, and why it’s never too late to get an autism diagnosis. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Instagram: Website: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Dennis McNulty, E, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Delaney, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane Galloway. Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jenn W, Jo, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Gillespie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tamsen Staniford, Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/38364480

134 [S10 E6] Making your body a nicer place to live: autism and a different approach to physical fitness 09/06/2025

134 [S10 E6] Making your body a nicer place to live: autism and a different approach to physical fitness ** We’re taking a 2-week mid-season break – new episodes will start again on Saturday 27 September ** Leighanne Stephens is a fitness and lifestyle coach for neurodivergent women and non binary people. Now 27, she was diagnosed autistic two years ago, with as she puts it, ‘a surprise addition of ADHD’. Leighanne lives in London and has been self employed since leaving college, niching down to work exclusively with neurodivergent folk last year. In our conversation we talk about the effects of burnout, how Leighanne has come to accept her spiky profile, the relationships between dyspraxia, coordination, rhythm and auditory processing, how she has gradually built a business that works for her and meets her needs, and why neurodivergent people need a different approach to fitness coaching. Leighanne also shares some interesting and useful thoughts and tips for anyone wanting to get fitter but facing some barriers due to autistic or ADHD traits. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Instagram: TikTok: LinkedIn: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Dennis McNulty, E, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Delaney, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jenn W, Jo, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Gillespie, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martha Everett, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tamsen Staniford, Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/38100070

133 [S10 E5] The Mess and the Magic: from the good girl narrative to autistic self compassion 08/30/2025

133 [S10 E5] The Mess and the Magic: from the good girl narrative to autistic self compassion Dr Michelle McQuaid is a wellbeing researcher in her early 50s. She lives and works in Melbourne, Australia, where she is an honorary fellow at Melbourne University's Center for Wellbeing Science. Michelle was diagnosed autistic nearly ten years ago, after her then five year old son was diagnosed. By then, Michelle’s autistic brain had turned perfectionism into an all-consuming mission, and by 34 this relentless intensity ended in burnout. She had assumed a ‘good girl’ persona - perfect performance, constant people-pleasing, and protecting others at any cost - and, as she puts it, turning herself into “a human ATM of generosity”. For Michelle, an autism diagnosis wasn't just an explanation – it was liberation. Understanding her autistic brain helped her recognise that her patterns weren't personal failings, but the result of trying to force her neurodivergent brain into a neurotypical world. This realisation transformed how she navigates both her autism and the 'good girl' expectations, by uncovering evidence-based practices we can all use. In this conversation we talk about burnout, masking and self-compassion. We explore the impact of societal expectations on autistic women, the concept of the ‘good girl’ and how Michelle learned to embrace her autistic traits and developed strategies for understanding her neurodiversity and practices that can transform the way we see ourselves and the lives we build. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Good Girl resources: Website: The Perfectly Imperfect Little Girl: The Ordinary Princess: Character strengths: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine, Cathy Oliver, C B, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Dennis McNulty, E, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, H Arena, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Delaney, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jenn W, Jo, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Gillespie, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martha Everett, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, NC, Nicola Neil, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tamsen Staniford, Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/37860290

132 [S10 E4] “Layers of unravelling”: autism, leadership and belonging with Kirsty Cullen-Campanelli 08/14/2025

132 [S10 E4] “Layers of unravelling”: autism, leadership and belonging with Kirsty Cullen-Campanelli Kirsty Cullen-Campanelli is Head Of People Ops, Comms And Employee Engagement at Apple. She was diagnosed autistic two years ago at 38. Kirsty’s story began on a council estate in southern England, where she grew up in a working-class family alongside foster siblings from the age of three. Her journey into mental health and self-understanding began early - navigating life with a narcissistic, psychologically-abusive mother, and losing her father to suicide at 18. She left school with modest grades, worked multiple jobs to put herself through community colleges and university, and left England at 21 to begin again in the Middle East. In 2017, she took a leap of faith, moved to the U.S, and now lives in the Californian mountains with her husband. Kirsty is passionate about creating space for neuroinclusivity and acceptance, particularly for those who’ve ever questioned where or whether they belong: as women, as leaders, or simply as human beings in the world. Kirsty’s lived experience sits at the heart of everything she does. Her story is one of resilience, humility, and hope, and shows how, with intention, effort, and compassion, it’s possible not only to find your place, but to help build one where others can belong too. In our conversation Kirsty shares her diagnosis journey and the complex emotional landscape of late diagnosis, the impact of her childhood experiences, and how understanding her neurodivergence has reshaped her self-perception. Kirsty talks about her ‘spiky’ cognitive profile, and her approach to leadership as an autistic professional. We talk about self-compassion, therapy, workplace dynamics, and the ongoing process of self-discovery. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Linkedin: Instagram: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine, Cathy Oliver, C B, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Dennis McNulty, E, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, H Arena, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Delaney, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jenn W, Jo, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Gillespie, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martha Everett, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, NC, Nicola Neil, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tamsen Staniford, Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/37818384

131 [S10 E3] Working at the edge of what we know: autism, trauma and identity 08/11/2025

131 [S10 E3] Working at the edge of what we know: autism, trauma and identity My guest today is Dr Stephanie Aspin - a therapist, educator, and writer in her late 50s, based in Norwich, UK. Originally from Willesden in London, her background in a multicultural, working-class community has shaped how she thinks about ableism and intersectionality. After nearly 20 years at the University of East Anglia, where she ran an MA in Higher Education Practice, Stephanie moved into private practice as a therapist and coach, working mainly with neurodivergent adults. She has two PhDs (in her words, ‘super autistic’!) and her latest book, Poetry + Therapy: why words help, came out earlier this year. Stephanie discovered she was autistic in 2019, which helped her make sense of a lot - and now she’s passionate about creating neuroaffirming spaces, including through co-founding a neurodivergent collective called A-typicats, which offers training and consultancy to organisations seeking to become more neuroaffirming. She lives with her husband and cats, and, like all of us, is still figuring things out. I’m delighted to share my conversation with Stephanie. She shares her journey of unexpectedly discovering her autism in her 50s and the impact of late diagnosis on her identity and self-understanding. Stephanie talks about her experiences as a working-class academic and the challenges of navigating social and professional spaces as an autistic person. We talk about her therapeutic work, her recent book on poetry and therapy, and her involvement with A-typicats, and she shares her thoughts on systemic invalidation, the power of language, the struggle with internalised ableism, and the ongoing process of building a positive self-identity. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Website: Instagram: A-typicats: Princeton University autism research: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine, Cathy Oliver, C B, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Dennis McNulty, E, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, H Arena, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Delaney, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jenn W, Jo, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Gillespie, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martha Everett, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, NC, Nicola Neil, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tamsen Staniford, Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/37757290

130 [S10 E2] “Whenever I fell, autism caught me”: autism, intersex and gender 08/09/2025

130 [S10 E2] “Whenever I fell, autism caught me”: autism, intersex and gender Deborah discovered they were autistic in their 60s, after a lifetime of not fitting in anywhere. Their sense of difference was not just social, but physical, as in their teens they were diagnosed with CAUV – congenital absence of uterus and vagina. Because of their then-undiagnosed autism, Deborah says they “always felt different anyway – I wasn't upset when I was diagnosed [with CAUV]; I thought it just made me extra-different.” They have come to understand their condition as intersex and to identify as autigender. Deborah is originally from the US, but has spent the last thirty years in Ireland, where they live with their husband. Deborah is an artist and writer, participating in worldwide exhibitions, writing short fiction collections and publishing anthologies of other writers. Deborah says: “Art is my world. It is my way of processing, regulating and making sense of life. I can't go a day without being in my studio.” In this conversation Deborah shares their journey of self-discovery and their lifelong experiences of feeling different and not fitting in. We talk about their childhood as an introspective, creative child, and the discovery of their congenital absence of a uterus and vagina (CAUV) at 16, their subsequent surgery and their exploration of gender identity as an intersex autistic person. Deborah shares their path to self-acceptance and how understanding their autism has enabled them to reshape their self-perception. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you’ll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER Episode links: Website: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine, Catherine Paul, Cathy Oliver, C B, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, E, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, H Arena, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Delaney, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jenn W, Jo, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Gillespie, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lowney, Katherine Meizel, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Leisa Reichelt, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martha Everett, Meg c, MelissaS, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, NC, Nicola Neil, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Seth Williams, Shauna Schramke, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Stefan Mundt, Talia's Nature,Tamsen Staniford, Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/37717890

129 [S10 E1] "I thought I was just disorders": navigating autistic and ADHD traits and challenges - with Mrs AuDHD 08/02/2025

129 [S10 E1] "I thought I was just disorders": navigating autistic and ADHD traits and challenges - with Mrs AuDHD Sam Brown, AKA Mrs AuDHD, is late-diagnosed AuDHD, a trustee of the ADHDadultUK charity and co-presenter of The ADHD Adults podcast, that deals with a different ADHD related topic each episode. On the podcast she is known as Mrs AuDHD, or the Queen of Chaos, because in her words “perimenopause has helped to transform her into the chaotic, emotionally dysregulated mess that she had mostly managed to hide for way too many years!” Sam loves to collect hobbies, adores animals and inanimate objects and is ridiculously over-enthusiastic about almost everything apart from the sound of people eating, the feeling of someone breathing on any part of her and anything gelatinous that isn’t jelly. In this conversation we talk about our different experiences with autism and ADHD, and how these intersect.(I’m the inattentive type; Sam's the hyperactive type). Sam shares how her ADHD symptoms have been amplified by perimenopause. We talk about the impact of masking, the struggle of feeling like our authentic selves are hidden behind coping mechanisms, Sam’s experience of ADHD medication, the joy of connecting with others who share similar experiences, and the evolving journey of managing our traits and challenges. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you’ll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER EPISODE LINKS: Personal Instagram Podcast website Podcast Instagram Facebook ADHD Adult charity website Charity Instagram If you think you may be autistic or have ADHD, these online tests can give an initial indication: AQ50 quiz ADHD quiz Book: The Lost Girls of Autism: How Science Failed Autistic Women, and the New Research That's Changing the Story – Gina Rippon If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine, Catherine Paul, Cathy Oliver, C B, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, E, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, H Arena, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jenn W, Jo, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Gillespie, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lowney, Katherine Meizel, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Leisa Reichelt, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martha Everett, Meg c, MelissaS, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, NC, Nicola Neil, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Seth Williams, Shauna Schramke, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Stefan Mundt, Talia's Nature,Tamsen Staniford, Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. . If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/37633090

128. Art and autism math: healing and connecting after a late autism diagnosis 05/03/2025

128. Art and autism math: healing and connecting after a late autism diagnosis Elinor Trier describes herself as a “Sparkly Champion of Neurodivergent and Queer Joy”. She’s a neuroqueer AuDHD artist, writer, podcaster, YouTuber, and founder of Elinor Trier Studio, where she creates artwork that reminds us that we’re not the 'odd one out', we’re 'one of a kind’. Elinor says, “It wasn’t until I became a certified weirdo by getting an official autism diagnosis in my mid-thirties that my life started to actually make sense.” In this conversation we talk about the power of art to heal and connect us, the relationship between her art and her autism journey, and how she has changed her working life since becoming conscious of her autism. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they’ve learned along the way. I’m Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I’ve been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they’ll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. EPISODE LINKS: You can find out more about Elinor here: YouTube: Substack: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Ash McBudd, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine, Catherine Paul, Cathy Oliver, C B, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, E, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Grace, H Arena, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jo, Julie, Julie Gillespie, Karen, Jenn W, Karin Parker, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lowney, Katherine Meizel, Ken K, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Leisa Reichelt, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, MelissaS, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, Natalie Orner, NC, Nicola Neil, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Russell Phillips, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Seth Williams, Shauna Schramke, Shea, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Stefan Mundt, Talia's Nature,Tamsen Staniford, Tara Blue, Tris, Vic Wiener and Vicki Temple. If you’re enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: /episode/index/show/squarepeg/id/36419280

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