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.
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127. Autism's healing mechanism: an autism and OCD journey
03/08/2025
127. Autism's healing mechanism: an autism and OCD journey
Anna has been on a real journey of self discovery, from refusing to entertain the idea that she might have a diagnosable condition, to devouring every book she could get her hands on that might help her understand her autism and OCD. Now in her thirties, Anna talks to me about her experiences of the autism diagnostic process, having OCD and receiving treatment in various forms, and becoming housebound following the Covid pandemic. She also shares her fascinating internal world of synaesthesia, and the solace she finds in her many intense interests. 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: In this episode I mention autistic savant Daniel Tammet's book Born on a Blue Day, about his autism journey and his remarkable synaesthesic abilities. 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, Eleni, 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, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lowney, Katherine Meizel, Ken K, Lana MacEachern, 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, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Seth Williams, Shauna Schramke, 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:
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126. Letting go of self hatred: the impact of an autism diagnosis
03/01/2025
126. Letting go of self hatred: the impact of an autism diagnosis
Hannah Brockway is a violinist in her thirties from Australia; music has been her lifelong special interest. Since discovering her autism Hannah has realised that many of the people she’s gravitated towards in her life are neurodivergent too. In this episode Hannah shares some of her experiences around chronic fatigue, anorexia and panic disorder, needing to take two assessments before finally getting her autism diagnosis, and some of the difficulties she’s faced as an autistic professional musician. 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: Hannah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannah_unmasked/ Her book: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=VeAHEQAAQBAJ&fbclid https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-cautionary-tale-hannah-brockway/book/9780648399919.html If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Facebook:
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125. Autism is the easiest piece: starting over after years of misdiagnoses
02/22/2025
125. Autism is the easiest piece: starting over after years of misdiagnoses
Malori talks about her experience of spending seven years being given various misdiagnoses and being medicated and treated for conditions that she didn't have. Now, with the knowledge that she is autistic, Malori reflects back on her journey through the mental health system, what she's learned, and what's changed for the better since she first sought help for the difficulties that she was experiencing back in 2015. Content warning: in this episode, Malori shares some of her experience of getting treatment for an eating disorder. 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. 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: Abby, Abi Hunter, Alex Williams, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, 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, Eleni, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, Grace, H Arena, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jo, Julie, Julie Gillespie, Karen, Jenn W, Karin Parker, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lowney, Katherine Meizel, Ken K, Lana MacEachern, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Leisa Reichelt, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, LQ, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, MelissaS, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Monica Toohey, Natalie Orner, NC, Nicola Neil, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Rhodes, Seth Williams, Shauna Schramke, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Stefan Mundt, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tara Blue, Tara Finlay Art, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, and Zephyrine Craster. 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:
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124 [Bonus] Autism and therapy: connection, validation and using our strengths to heal our lives
09/21/2024
124 [Bonus] Autism and therapy: connection, validation and using our strengths to heal our lives
This is the third and final in my miniseries of bonus ‘revisit’ episodes, in which I reconnect with guests from previous seasons. This week, I talk with psychotherapist Cloie Parfitt, who I first talked to a couple of years ago, in the summer of 2022. Cloie is originally from Tennessee in the United States, and now lives in Norwich in the UK, where she has a private practice working with mainly neurodivergent clients. Cloie’s doctoral research in counselling and psychotherapy at the University of Edinburgh focused on autistic women’s experience of psychological trauma and trauma therapy, and that’s the main focus of our conversation in this episode. If you’d like to know more about Cloie’s story, or refresh your memory, I’ve released her original episode again along with this one - that’s episode 123. In this episode we talk about: ➡ Cloie’s experience of processing her formal autism diagnosis ➡ Her research into autistic women’s experience of trauma and therapy ➡ What trauma informed counselling means ➡ How do we tell if it’s autism or trauma? ➡ What impacts our recovery from trauma, and the power of connection and community Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Cloie’s website: Her Instagram: Dr Freya Rumball - article about trauma in autistic people: And related information from the National Autistic Society: Find a neurodivergent counsellor: If you’d like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abby, Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alex Williams, Alice Kemp, Amanda Ford, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Basia, Becca Lee, Becki Bodey, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine Paul, Cathy Oliver, Catrin Green, C B, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Claire, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, DK, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Eleni, Elizabeth Williams, Em, Emilie Morris, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Fiona Ross, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jess Dwyer, Jo, Julie, Karen, Karin Parker, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lowney, Katherine Lynch, Kathy Crabbe, Ken K, Lana MacEachern, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Leisa Reichelt, Leo Ricketts, Lesley McKenzie, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, LQ, Lula Cork, Lyb, Lynn Vieira, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, MelissaS, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Michelle Penny, Monica Toohey, Monique Francis, NC, Netty, Paul Harris, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Swanton, Seth Williams, Shauna, Shauna Schramke, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Stefan Mundt, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tara Blue Meyer, Tara Finlay Art, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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123 [Re-release] Autism, psychotherapy and trauma: why many autistic people need a different approach
09/21/2024
123 [Re-release] Autism, psychotherapy and trauma: why many autistic people need a different approach
I first released this episode in July 2022, as part of Season 6. And this week I’ve released a brand new episode with Cloie, as part of a miniseries of revisits, where I reconnect with some of my guests from previous conversations. So here’s Cloie’s original episode, for those of you new to the podcast, or in case you’d like to refresh your memory before listening to the new episode (that’s episode 124). Cloie Parfitt is a psychotherapist, originally from Tennessee in the United States, now living in Norwich in the UK. A former nurse, she switched to psychotherapy when she realised that she found the hospital environment and long shifts too much of a sensory challenge. She now works with many neurodivergent clients, and is currently undertaking a professional doctorate in counselling and psychotherapy at the University of Edinburgh, where she works collaboratively with autistic women to explore their experience of psychological trauma and trauma therapy. In our conversation we talk about ➡ Her experiences of social isolation, sensory overload, burnout and depression ➡ Psychotherapy and autism ➡ Why some types of therapy don’t always work for autistic women ➡ Barriers to effective treatment, and how mental health practitioners can better mitigate these challenges. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Cloie’s website: Her Insta: Samantha Craft’s list of traits: If you’d like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abby, Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alex Williams, Alice Kemp, Amanda Ford, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Basia, Becca Lee, Becki Bodey, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine Paul, Cathy Oliver, Catrin Green, C B, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Claire, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, DK, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Eleni, Elizabeth Williams, Em, Emilie Morris, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Fiona Ross, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jess Dwyer, Jo, Julie, Karen, Karin Parker, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lowney, Katherine Lynch, Kathy Crabbe, Ken K, Lana MacEachern, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Leisa Reichelt, Leo Ricketts, Lesley McKenzie, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, LQ, Lula Cork, Lyb, Lynn Vieira, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, MelissaS, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Michelle Penny, Monica Toohey, Monique Francis, NC, Netty, Paul Harris, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Swanton, Seth Williams, Shauna, Shauna Schramke, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Stefan Mundt, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tara Blue Meyer, Tara Finlay Art, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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122 [Bonus Episode] Softening and bracing: autism, loneliness and how we can find connection
08/31/2024
122 [Bonus Episode] Softening and bracing: autism, loneliness and how we can find connection
I am thrilled to bring you this conversation with somatic therapist Aisha Edwards, in which we talk about autism and loneliness. This continues a short series of revisits, where I reconnect with some of my guests from previous episodes. I first met Aisha two years ago, in 2022, when we recorded the bonus episode at the end of Season 6. Aisha is a somatic trauma therapist, podcaster and writer from Vancouver, Washington, USA and was diagnosed autistic in 2021. Since we last spoke, she has been focusing largely on her nonprofit, Radical Rest, providing communal healing spaces for BIPOC folk. Somatic trauma therapy is a body-centred approach to treating post-traumatic stress disorder that, rather than focusing only on thoughts or emotions associated with a traumatic event, expands to include the natural bodily responses. This is a bit of a different episode, focused on a single topic. After a quick catchup we jump pretty much straight into it. But if you’d like to learn more about Aisha’s story, or refresh your memory, I’ve re-released her original episode with this one - it’s episode 121. And in this episode we talk about: What loneliness means to us, and the sorts of connections autistic people want and need What impacts our ability to connect How we can improve our connection to others and feel less lonely Aisha is such a joy to talk to, and I hope you get as much out of this conversation as I did. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS Instagram: The Other Significant Others - the book Aisha mentions If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abby, Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alex Williams, Alice Kemp, Amanda Ford, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Basia, Becca Lee, Becki Bodey, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine Paul, Cathy Oliver, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Claire, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, DK, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Eleni, Elizabeth Williams, Em, Emilie Morris, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Fiona Ross, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jess Dwyer, Jo, Julie, Karen, Karin Parker, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lowney, Katherine Lynch, Kathy Crabbe, Ken K, Lana MacEachern, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Leisa Reichelt, Leo Ricketts, Lesley McKenzie, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, LQ, Lula Cork, Lyb, Lynn Vieira, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, MelissaS, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Michelle Penny, Monica Toohey, Monique Francis, NC, Netty, Paul Harris, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Swanton, Seth Williams, Shauna, Shauna Schramke, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Stefan Mundt, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tara Blue Meyer, Tara Finlay Art, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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121 [Re-release] Grief and validation: repairing the damage of autistic masking and finding a sense of self
08/31/2024
121 [Re-release] Grief and validation: repairing the damage of autistic masking and finding a sense of self
I first released this episode in the summer of 2022, at the end of Season 6. And this week I’ve released a brand new episode with Aisha, as part of a short series of revisits, where I reconnect with some of my guests from previous conversations. So here’s Aisha’s original episode, for those of you new to the podcast, or in case you’d like to refresh your memory before listening to the new episode (that’s episode 122). Aisha Edwards is a somatic trauma therapist, podcaster and writer from Vancouver, Washington, USA, and was diagnosed autistic last year, aged 39. Somatic trauma therapy is a body-centred approach to treating post-traumatic stress disorder that rather than focusing only on thoughts or emotions associated with a traumatic event, expands to include the natural bodily responses. I’m delighted to bring you this special bonus episode of the Squarepeg Podcast. This was recorded as a collaboration with the Emergent Liberation Collective podcast, a podcast about somatics and spirituality as instruments for personal healing and collective transformation. In my conversation with Aisha we talk about: ➡ The grief and validation of a late autism diagnosis ➡ Masking and unmasking ➡ Meltdowns ➡ Attracting our neurokin ➡ The impact of intergenerational autism If you’re interested in somatic healing you might like to explore Aisha’s , a nine part guide for integrating those traumatised parts of the self that’s full of trauma-informed education, spiritual practices, skills, tools and interventions. You can find the link to this in the show notes and on my website. And if you are one of my Patrons, you’ll find a special free download waiting for you from Aisha – her Ritual for Self Compassion. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Emergent Liberation Collective podcast: Aisha’s therapy website: Instagram: Within From Without: Trauma Informed Soul Journeying: If you’d like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abby, Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alex Williams, Alice Kemp, Amanda Ford, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Basia, Becca Lee, Becki Bodey, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine Paul, Cathy Oliver, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Claire, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, DK, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Eleni, Elizabeth Williams, Em, Emilie Morris, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Fiona Ross, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jess Dwyer, Jo, Julie, Karen, Karin Parker, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lowney, Katherine Lynch, Kathy Crabbe, Ken K, Lana MacEachern, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Leisa Reichelt, Leo Ricketts, Lesley McKenzie, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, LQ, Lula Cork, Lyb, Lynn Vieira, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, MelissaS, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Michelle Penny, Monica Toohey, Monique Francis, NC, Netty, Paul Harris, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Swanton, Seth Williams, Shauna, Shauna Schramke, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Stefan Mundt, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tara Blue Meyer, Tara Finlay Art, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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120 [Bonus Episode] A magic key? Deeper learnings 4 years on from a late autism diagnosis
08/10/2024
120 [Bonus Episode] A magic key? Deeper learnings 4 years on from a late autism diagnosis
I recorded this special episode with former Squarepeg guest Sophie Longley. I last spoke with Sophie at the end of 2020, when she was working as an English teacher in Singapore and was about to start her Masters in Experimental psychology at the University of Sussex. (If you’d like to go back and listen to her original episode again to refresh your memory, that’s episode 15 - Season 2, Episode 3). Since graduating, Sophie has done a lot of things, trying out different career paths while processing her 2020 autism diagnosis in a deeper way. Some of her work is in academia, where she’s been involved in autism research, including looking at the post-diagnostic experiences of late diagnosed women, and exploring the language used around autism in the news and media. And she’s also a career mentor for autistic women who are stuck in a rut with their careers or need guidance navigating the workplace. In this episode we talk about: What it’s been like for Sophie processing her autism diagnosis on a deeper level, over the past 4 years The benefits and challenges of getting a late diagnosis, and the post-diagnostic experience of late diagnosed women Her experience of trying to get accommodations at uni - and her expectations vs reality, and whether we need to disclose our autism to get our needs met What it’s like working in autism research roles in teams with a mix of other autistic and NT people The benefits and drawbacks of masking, unmasking privilege, and what unmasking actually looks like And we explore the concepts of ‘grelief’ and ‘autism fatigue’. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. LINKS Sophie’s original Squarepeg episode: Linkedin: Mentoring: Research article: Language Matters in British Newspapers: A Participatory Analysis of the Autism UK Press Corpus If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abby, Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alex Williams, Alice Kemp, Amanda Ford, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Basia, Becca Lee, Becki Bodey, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine Paul, Cathy Oliver, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Claire, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, DK, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Eleni, Elizabeth Williams, Em, Emilie Morris, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Fiona Ross, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jess Dwyer, Jo, Julie, Karen, Karin Parker, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lowney, Katherine Lynch, Kathy Crabbe, Ken K, Lana MacEachern, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Leisa Reichelt, Leo Ricketts, Lesley McKenzie, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, LQ, Lula Cork, Lyb, Lynn Vieira, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, MelissaS, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Michelle Penny, Monica Toohey, Monique Francis, NC, Netty, Paul Harris, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Swanton, Seth Williams, Shauna, Shauna Schramke, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Stefan Mundt, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tara Blue Meyer, Tara Finlay Art, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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119 [Re-release] Autism and work culture: masking, socialising and finding the right work
08/10/2024
119 [Re-release] Autism and work culture: masking, socialising and finding the right work
This episode was recorded in the autumn of 2020 and originally released as part of the second season of Squarepeg. I was delighted to get to speak to Sophie again recently, in 2024, and that new episode is now available for you to listen to. So I’m re-releasing my original conversation with Sophie here, so that anyone who wants to can refresh their memory before listening to my update with Sophie, episode 120. Sophie Longley is an English teacher and reading specialist. She was diagnosed autistic in 2020, aged 28 and is based in Singapore, where she works with children with reading difficulties. She has spent the last four years living and working in Asia, after suffering from severe burnout from a corporate career in London. Her recent Autism diagnosis and the ongoing struggles she has faced being autistic in the workplace have prompted her to change careers to become a clinical psychologist. She will be pursuing a Master's in Experimental psychology at the University of Sussex in 2021, with a goal to improve how clinicians diagnose autistic women. She has a special interest in researching autistic women's experiences in the workplace. In our conversation we talk about: ➡ What it was like getting a diagnosis in Singapore ➡ Her experiences of working in corporate job roles, including losing a series of jobs due to her undiagnosed autism, masking in interviews, and the pressure to be social at work ➡ The challenges of being autistic at work ➡ Achieving diversity in the workplace ➡ What it’s like being autistic in the classroom - for teachers and students Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Sophie’s blog: Her Instagram: Books mentioned in this episode: Neurodivergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn't Designed for You, Jenara Nerenburg Born on a Blue Day, Daniel Tammet Quiet, Susan Cain If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: Support Squarepeg on Patreon: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abby, Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alex Williams, Alice Kemp, Amanda Ford, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Basia, Becca Lee, Becki Bodey, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine Paul, Cathy Oliver, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Claire, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, DK, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Eleni, Elizabeth Williams, Em, Emilie Morris, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Fiona Ross, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jess Dwyer, Jo, Julie, Karen, Karin Parker, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lowney, Katherine Lynch, Kathy Crabbe, Ken K, Lana MacEachern, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Leisa Reichelt, Leo Ricketts, Lesley McKenzie, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, LQ, Lula Cork, Lyb, Lynn Vieira, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, MelissaS, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Michelle Penny, Monica Toohey, Monique Francis, NC, Netty, Paul Harris, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Swanton, Seth Williams, Shauna, Shauna Schramke, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Stefan Mundt, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tara Blue Meyer, Tara Finlay Art, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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118. Bonus: Building a happy and authentic autistic life
05/04/2024
118. Bonus: Building a happy and authentic autistic life
In this bonus episode I share more about my own autism journey, and talk about my career-ending burnout and creating authentically autistic lives we don't want to escape from. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: If you're interested in joining me for Thrive, you can find out more and sign up here: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abby, Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alex Williams, Alice Kemp, Amanda Ford, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Basia, Becki Bodey, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catherine Paul, Cathy Oliver, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, DK, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Emilie Morris, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Fiona Ross, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jess Dwyer, Jo, Julie, Karen, Karin Parker, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lowney, Katherine Lynch, Kathy Crabbe, Ken K, Lana MacEachern, Laura, Laurin Aman, Leisa Reichelt, Leo Ricketts, Lesley McKenzie, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Lynn Vieira, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, MelissaS, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Monica Toohey, Monique Francis, NC, Paul Harris, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Swanton, Shauna, Shauna Schramke, Shelia Smith, Stefan Mundt, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tara Blue Meyer, Tara Finlay Art, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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117. S9 E12: Transcendence, reinvention and self discovery: reconnecting with our essential autistic self later in life
04/06/2024
117. S9 E12: Transcendence, reinvention and self discovery: reconnecting with our essential autistic self later in life
Rose Matthews is an Autism Researcher, peer reviewer, consultant, presenter, trainer, and writer from Durham in the UK. Now 64, they first realised they might be autistic at 58 - and finally ‘found the answer to a lifetime of confusion’. Their long journey to diagnosis included an extremely varied career, leaving their marriage, living apart from their children, and being arrested and detained in a police cell following a ‘catastrophic’ meltdown. In recent years they have gone from a job as a crossing guard to their current role as an autism researcher. They are interested in exploring the autistic experience of motherhood, menopause, retirement, death and dying. In our conversation we talk about: ➡ How clothing and fabrics are important to Rose’s self expression and their sensory experience ➡ The 'catastrophic’ meltdown that led to a traumatic night in a police cell - and a very useful and important piece of advice about the legal process ➡ Their decision to leave their young children with their father in their thirties, and how their autism diagnosis has helped them to forgive and heal the past ➡ Their research into autistic people's experience of menopause ➡ Autism and ageing, and their experience of what they describe as the ‘transcendence, reinvention and self discovery’ of post-menopause. CONTENT WARNING: Two very brief references to suicide (not explored in any detail) Rose talks about an experience of sexual assault at approx. 37 mins in, for about 2 mins. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Rose’s website: Their LinkedIn profile: Their Twitter account: Bridging the Silos Autistic Menopause study: Bridging the Silos Autistic Menopause Study: First published paper: Science on the Spectrum (the research by Dr Rachel Moseley that Rose mentions): Information on autism and menopause from the National Autistic Society: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abby, Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alice Kemp, Amanda Ford, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, B Martinez, Basia, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, DK, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Fiona Ross, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jess Dwyer, Jo, Julie, Karen, Karin Parker, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lowney, Katherine Lynch, Kathy Crabbe, Ken K, Laura, Laurin Aman, Leisa Reichelt, Leo Ricketts, Lesley McKenzie, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Lynn Vieira, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, MelissaS, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Monica Toohey, Monique Francis, NC, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Stefan Mundt, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tara Blue Meyer, Tara Finlay Art, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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116. S9 E11: Rekindling our dimmed spark and reclaiming autistic joy
03/30/2024
116. S9 E11: Rekindling our dimmed spark and reclaiming autistic joy
Dani Rodwell is a licensed Clinical Social Worker, therapist, and Co-founder of NeuroSpark Health. She lives in New Jersey, USA. She has worked in the field of autism and neurodevelopmental conditions for over 7 years - including working with neurodivergent youth, a brief period in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), then internships at The Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health, in mental health programming for neurodivergent adults and a support group for parents of neurodivergent adult children. Now 29, Dani self-identified as autistic for five years, before being informally diagnosed in 2023. In our conversation we talk about: ➡ Advocating for herself and others, and the support within the ND community ➡ How she ended up being referred to a psychiatrist as a preteen, diagnosed with Oppositional Defiance Disorder and how her experiences and treatment ended with her being sent to a so-called 'therapeutic' boarding school for troubled teens ➡ Her short lived experience of using the controversial ABA with children, and later of working with adult ABA survivors with high support needs in residential settings ➡ Why she loves her current work providing autism assessments, therapy and support through Neurospark Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Website: Instagram: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abby, Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alice Kemp, Amanda Ford, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, B Martinez, Basia, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, DK, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Fiona Ross, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jess Dwyer, Jo, Julie, Karin Parker, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lynch, Kathy Crabbe, Ken K, Laura, Laurin Aman, Leo Ricketts, Lesley McKenzie, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Lynn Vieira, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Monica Toohey, Monique Francis, NC, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Stefan Mundt, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tara Blue Meyer, Tara Finlay Art, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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115. S9 E10: An outcast in thick armour: from not fitting in to finding autistic pride and community
03/23/2024
115. S9 E10: An outcast in thick armour: from not fitting in to finding autistic pride and community
Nigel Rising is the Founder and CEO of Autistic Women Emerging, a charity that aims to change the lives of undiagnosed and newly diagnosed autistic women. The charity was born out of her own personal struggle with depression and suicidal ideation, and it is her hope to help prevent autistic women taking their lives because they believe they are bad people, or a burden to others. Nigel says: “My post-diagnosis journey has become a mission to understand and address why it took so long to discover why I had suffered a lifetime of painful isolation and loneliness. I cannot bear the thought that there are other people in the world right now experiencing the same dark pain I felt. I want other Autistic women to know that they are not alone in the pain, loneliness and isolation they feel when they are experiencing suicidal ideation.” Nigel was born in Germany to a military family, raised in Texas, and now lives in Denver, Colorado, in the United States. Her MENSA-level intelligence led to a corporate career, but her social limitations and heavy masking took their toll. Now 53, she was diagnosed autistic with ADHD in early 2023. We talk about: ➡ The impact of her indigenous American upbringing, religious schooling, and her dad's military background ➡ Masking, hierarchies, her difficulties forming relationships, and her experience of suicidal ideation ➡ Her experience of asking for accommodations in a new role as an openly autistic person ➡ Her growing sense of autistic pride and community after a lifetime of not fitting in anywhere, and the conference for Autistic women she is running in Denver in October 2024, called Autistica Palooza. CONTENT WARNING: Suicidal ideation. Nigel talks at some length about this, from around 0:48 minutes in to around 0:58, so if you don’t want to hear about this topic, you might want to skip this section Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Nigel’s website: Autistica Palooza event page: Her LinkedIn: Referenced article on suicide and suicidal ideation in autistic people from the National Autistic Society: Warning signs of suicide in autistic people: Autism in Heels, by Jennifer Cook: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abby, Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alice Kemp, Amanda Ford, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, B Martinez, Basia, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Corinne Cariad, DK, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Fiona Ross, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jess Dwyer, Jo, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lynch, Ken K, Laura, Leo Ricketts, Lesley McKenzie, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Lynn Vieira, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Monica Toohey, Monique Francis, NC, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Stefan Mundt, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tara Blue Meyer, Tara Finlay Art, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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114. S9 E9: Playing on ‘hard mode’: accepting our autistic challenges while anchoring to our brilliance
03/16/2024
114. S9 E9: Playing on ‘hard mode’: accepting our autistic challenges while anchoring to our brilliance
Anissa Ljanta is a writer, a neurodivergent specialist coach, educator and equity and inclusion advocate living in the remote hills of a wild surf beach in West Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. She grew up in Samoa and South Auckland in Aotearoa New Zealand, where she was deemed a gifted child but was unable to deliver results. Her inability to live the expected 9-5 life led her to step out of life as most people know it, spending 18 years going from one adventure to another in various corners of the globe. Now 52, Anissa is a single mother to a neurodivergent teen. She was diagnosed autistic in 2021. Anissa was such a delight to talk with, so gentle and thoughtful as she reflected on her life, her struggles and autistic joys. She touched on many different topics, some of which are: ➡ Being unable to work full time, not being able to live a consistent life, and accepting that sometimes we can't live the life we want ➡ Being debilitated by burnout - its ongoing and accumulative effects, and the importance of having a plan ➡ Making a haunting neurodivergent discovery in her family history ➡ The power of reframing past experiences through a neurodivergent lens, and finding a sense of connection within her family. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: NEW for 2024: Anissa's book, Wild of Brain is available! Hardback: Kindle (UK): Kindle (USA): Wild of Brain substack: Wild of Brain Facebook page: Hannah Gadsby interview on We Can Do Hard Things podcast: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abby, Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alice Kemp, Amanda Ford, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Fiona Ross, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jess Dwyer, Jo, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lynch, Ken K, Laura, Leo Ricketts, Lesley McKenzie, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Monica Toohey, NC, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Raine, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Stefan Mundt, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tara Blue Meyer, Tara Finlay Art, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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113 [S9 E8] Making the invisible visible: getting comfortable with a late autism diagnosis
03/09/2024
113 [S9 E8] Making the invisible visible: getting comfortable with a late autism diagnosis
Marisa Hamamoto is a leading voice in disability inclusion, professional dancer and founder of Infinite Flow, an award-winning dance company and nonprofit that employs disabled and nondisabled dancers with a mission to create a more inclusive world, one dance at a time. Marisa is a stroke survivor, and a proud fourth-generation Japanese American. She was diagnosed autistic in 2022, which she describes as bringing a mixture of ‘Relief and confusion’ - being a seasoned leader and ally in the physical disability space, then discovering she was autistic and working out what that means for her and for her company. In our conversation we talk about: ➡ Why she set up an inclusive dance company ➡ Examining own ableism/internalised ableism ➡ Being a visible Asian-American autistic, intersectional representation and stigma ➡ Her positivity around being autistic ➡ Her experience of lifelong social challenges, and how she’s found belonging and social connection through dance ➡ Physical and invisible disabilities, autism and whether we identify as disabled Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Marisa’s website: Her Instagram: Infinite Flow website: Infinite Flow Instagram: If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: Patreon: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abby, Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alice Kemp, Amanda Ford, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Fiona Ross, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jo, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lynch, Ken K, Laura, Leo Ricketts, Lesley McKenzie, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Monica Toohey, NC, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Raine, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Stefan Mundt, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tara Blue Meyer, Tara Finlay Art, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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112 [S9 E7] Why the system is thwarting autistic people: reimagining neurodivergent health - with Dr Mel Houser
03/02/2024
112 [S9 E7] Why the system is thwarting autistic people: reimagining neurodivergent health - with Dr Mel Houser
Dr Mel Houser is a family physician in Montpelier, Vermont in the United States, with a clinical focus on providing medical care for neurodivergent patients across the lifespan. Now 40, she was diagnosed autistic two years ago, following a burnout - and at the same time was diagnosed as ADHD, dyspraxic, dyslexic, and dyscalculic. She is also the parent of an autistic 6 year old. Dr Houser is the Founder and Executive Director of All Brains Belong, a nonprofit organisation in Montpelier that provides neurodiversity-affirming medical care, social connection opportunities for all ages, and educational training. Their ‘community village’ model is reimagining health for neurodivergent people by unlearning many of the ‘defaults’ of the healthcare system. In our conversation we talk about: ➡ How the healthcare system is thwarting autistic people, and what can be done about it ➡ Reconnecting with our intuition around our health, and removing the distinction between healthcare and the rest of life ➡ How we can identify and learn to manage our ‘unnamed constellation of intertwined medical problems’ as autistic people ➡ The overlap of autism and ADHD and outwitting the shame narrative around our abilities and needs Dr Houser also talks about the statistic that stopped her in her tracks and prompted her to start her nonprofit. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Dr Houser’s 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: Twitter: Facebook: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abby, Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Fiona Ross, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jo, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Lynch, Ken K, Laura, Leo Ricketts, Lesley McKenzie, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa Joy Powley, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Monica Toohey, NC, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Raine, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tara Blue Meyer, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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111 [S9 E6] A magnet pulling me out of darkness: thinking through my body into autistic expression
01/27/2024
111 [S9 E6] A magnet pulling me out of darkness: thinking through my body into autistic expression
Dana Michel is a live performance artist and choreographer in Montreal, Canada, where she creates experiences based on a mixture of improvisation, choreography, hip-hop, cinematography, techno, poetry and social commentary. Now 47, she self identified as autistic in 2020. She also has a diagnosis of ADHD. Before graduating in Contemporary Dance in her late twenties, Dana was a marketing executive, competitive runner and football player. During her career as a performance artist she has received several awards, including an award for outstanding artistic accomplishments, the Silver Lion for Innovation in Dance and an International Prize for Live Art. She has been highlighted among notable female choreographers of the year by the New York Times, and was the first ever dance artist in residence at the National Arts Centre, Canada. Dana is currently touring four solo performance works. We talk about: ➡ Why 'autism pants' feel more comfortable to her than 'ADHD pants' ➡ Her reaction to being diagnosed as 'twice exceptional' and 'gifted' ➡ Needing people to believe and accept our autism ➡ Being in another world as a child, and struggling to fit into the professional world as an adult ➡ Burnout, and how Dana feels that she was saved from the professional grind by following her autistic joy, and how she's found ways to overcome her feelings of not wanting to live in the world. Content warning: Suicidal ideation Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Instagram: Facebook: Video: Websites: If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Fiona Ross, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jo, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine Lynch, Ken K, Lara, Laura, Leo Ricketts, Lesley McKenzie, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa Joy Powley, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Monica Toohey, NC, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Raine, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Suzanna Chen, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Victoria Routledge, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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110 [S9 E5] ‘My autism journey came out of my trans experience’: Navigating gender and autistic identities
01/20/2024
110 [S9 E5] ‘My autism journey came out of my trans experience’: Navigating gender and autistic identities
Vic Weiner is a youth justice attorney and lifelong social justice activist in the USA. They were brought up by a college professor mother in an unconventional home without a TV, and as a child they always felt like an outsider. However, as they grew up and continued to struggle socially, they realised it wasn’t just their unusual upbringing - there was something else going on. They were diagnosed autistic at 34. Vic attended Warren Wilson College, a unique university where the students work and undertake community service in addition to their studies. After struggling to find suitable employment after graduation, including trying teaching and youth work, Vic decided to go to law school, where they finally found something that worked for their neurodivergent brain. We talk about: ➡ Autism and gender, and their experiences of being transmasculine, genderqueer, queer and asexual. ➡ Imposter syndrome, being an outsider, and not fitting in, and finding groups exhausting and lonely ➡ Generational autism ➡ Attending a university that attracts a large number of neurodivergent students ➡ Navigating emerging gender and autistic identities Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. LINKS: If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Amy Sullivan, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Fiona Ross, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jo, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine Lynch, Lara, Laura, Leo Ricketts, Lesley McKenzie, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa Joy Powley, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Monica Toohey, NC, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Suzanna Chen, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Victoria Routledge, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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109 [S9 E4] Little glimpses underneath the mask: unravelling people-pleasing and imposter syndrome
01/13/2024
109 [S9 E4] Little glimpses underneath the mask: unravelling people-pleasing and imposter syndrome
Gemma Gray is a strategic marketing consultant from Edinburgh in Scotland. She left her long-term role following a burnout two years ago and became self-employed. She is a parent to an autistic daughter, and was diagnosed herself in March this year, aged 46. Still in the early days of her diagnosis, she says she is unravelling being a people-pleasing professional masker with chronic low self esteem and imposter syndrome. Eight years ago, before her own diagnosis, Gemma set up a Facebook group for parents of autistic children, which is still going strong, and she has recently been awarded funding to research employment opportunities for autistic women. We talk about: ➡ Ableism and work, and finding freedom in self employment ➡ People pleasing, hating confrontation, and learning to say no ➡ Her rural childhood, being bullied at school, and befriending an elderly shepherdess and the school janitor ➡ Her journey to getting her daughter diagnosed, and not seeing her own autism because she was comparing herself to her young daughter Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Gemma’s LinkedIn: Her private FB group for parents of autistic children, Colouring Outside The Lines: Instagram: Churchill Fellowship: If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Amy Sullivan, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jo, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine Lynch, Lara, Laura, Leo Ricketts, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa Joy Powley, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Monica Toohey, NC, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Suzanna Chen, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Victoria Routledge, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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108 [S9 E3] Told I couldn’t be autistic: BPD misdiagnosis, mental health negligence and finally getting justice
01/06/2024
108 [S9 E3] Told I couldn’t be autistic: BPD misdiagnosis, mental health negligence and finally getting justice
Naomi Ghafoor is a mental health activist who has spent over a decade battling the mental healthcare system and dealing with misdiagnoses, negligence and systemic abuse, which recently led to her suing her NHS mental health trust earlier this year. Now 26, she works as a Lived Experience Leadership Officer for a mental health charity in London, UK and is passionate about sharing her experiences and using her voice to uplift and empower others. She was diagnosed autistic at 24. In our conversation we talk about: ➡ Being misdiagnosed with BPD and told she couldn't be autistic ➡ Finally getting her autism DX after several years of negative experiences in the mental health system ➡ The impact of intensive outpatient treatment for BPD and being unnecessarily medicated ➡ Suing her NHS Trust over her misdiagnosis and trying to prove their negligence ➡ Her experiences of employment, including with a mental health charity CONTENT WARNING: one very brief mention of a death by suicide and one brief mention of suicidal ideation Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: Her self-produced short video, Creative Therapies as a response to self harm: PMDD and autism: If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Amy Sullivan, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Frederike, Galina, Grace, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jo, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine Lynch, Lara, Laura, Leo Ricketts, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa Joy Powley, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Monica Toohey, NC, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Suzanna Chen, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tessa Valyou, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Victoria Routledge, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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107 [S9 E2] Autism deep-dive: examining the literature and ourselves, and reflections on burnout
12/30/2023
107 [S9 E2] Autism deep-dive: examining the literature and ourselves, and reflections on burnout
Dr Alexandra Johnston is an academic and social anthropologist from Melbourne, Australia. Now 49, she was diagnosed in March 2023. She lives with her wife, Cherie, who she describes as the first person she ever truly unmasked with. She has several degrees, including a Masters and PhD in Psychology, and her special interests include writing, writing and… writing! So much so, that she self-diagnosed by conducting a literature review of autism, and writing a 45,000 word report on her findings. I found Alexandra really interesting to talk to. I hope that you enjoy this episode as much as I did. We talk about: ➡ her deep dive into the literature as she discovered her autism ➡ uncovering neurodivergence across generations of her family ➡ the very different reactions of her parents to her diagnosis ➡ having the support of her wife since her DX, and how their relationship has strengthened ➡ clusters of traits and co-occurring conditions ➡ our experiences of burnout and its impact Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS LinkedIn: Reframing Autism: The ALIVE National Centre for Mental Health Research Translation: Autism centre of Excellence: Paper on Autistic Burnout - "Having All of Your Internal Resources Exhausted Beyond Measure and Being Left with No Clean-Up Crew": Defining Autistic Burnout Self-determination theory for autistic people: If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Amy Sullivan, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Clare Holmes, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Frederike, Galina, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, JF, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jo, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine Lynch, Lara, Laura, Laurencia Saenz Benavides, Leo Ricketts, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa Joy Powley, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Monica Toohey, NC, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sarah Jeffery, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Suzanna Chen, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tegan Bailey, Tessa Valyou, Tree Hall, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Victoria Routledge, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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106 [S9 E1] ND-affirming therapy: sensory regulation, integrating identity and understanding diffuse experiences
12/23/2023
106 [S9 E1] ND-affirming therapy: sensory regulation, integrating identity and understanding diffuse experiences
Dr Megan Anna Neff is a neurodivergent Clinical Psychologist from Portland, Oregon, in the USA. She has a small private practice specialising in neurodivergent-affirming therapy and is the founder of Neurodivergent Insights, where she creates education and wellness resources for neurodivergent adults. She is also co-host of the Divergent Conversations podcast. Dr Neff is dedicated to educating the mental health field on non-stereotypical presentations of autism and ADHD. Now 39, she was diagnosed autistic over two years ago, and also has ADHD. She is also a parent to two neurodivergent children. She regularly provides trainings on neurodivergent-affirming practices and is the author of the forthcoming book Self-Care for Autistic People. I’m delighted to share my conversation with Dr Neff. We talk about: ➡ What happened after she discovered she was autistic a few weeks before completing her PhD - and realised that a lot of what she’d been taught about autism was incorrect. ➡ OCD, PTSD, learning difficulties, dyslexia, and difficulties at school ➡ Misdiagnosis, what autistic people often get misdiagnosed with, and why ➡ Autistic people and CBT, what neurodivergent-affirming therapy can look like and the importance of the sensory aspect ➡ The challenges of being a content creator in the autism space ➡ Identity and terminology, and integrating our intersecting identities and unexplained experiences TRIGGER WARNING: brief mentions of mental health and self harming throughout, but not in any detail. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. Links Instagram: Facebook: Website: Podcast: Book: Self-Care For Autistic People: If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Amy Sullivan, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Charlotte Keen, Cindy Bailey, Clare Holmes, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Deborah Cullinan, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Frederike, Galina, Gwyneth, H Arena, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, JF, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jo, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine Lynch, Lara, Laura, Laurencia Saenz Benavides, Leo Ricketts, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Lisa Joy Powley, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Monica Toohey, NC, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sarah Jeffery, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Suzanna Chen, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tegan Bailey, Tessa Valyou, Tree Hall, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Victoria Routledge, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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105. Bonus: Eating disorder recovery, autistic self discovery and releasing ourselves from labels that limit us
06/24/2023
105. Bonus: Eating disorder recovery, autistic self discovery and releasing ourselves from labels that limit us
Livia Sara is an eating disorder survivor, mental health coach, autism advocate and author from the Netherlands. Diagnosed autistic at 20, she now helps other neurodivergent people recover from disordered eating through learning to embrace their unique traits. She takes a holistic approach to health and healing, supporting each individual on their own journey to recovery and living life to their fullest potential. She shares autism and eating disorder related content on her popular YouTube and Instagram accounts, hosts her own podcast, the Liv Label Free podcast, and is publishing three books in 2023 - one of which is coming out next month. I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview before we recorded this episode. In our conversation we talk about: ➡ Her experiences of developing an eating disorder as a preteen ➡ How autistic traits can be mistaken for eating disorder ‘behaviours’, and how this can make treatment and recovery harder ➡ Labels, stigma and diet culture, and why discovering she was autistic has helped her in her recovery ➡ The work she does now, her book, and how she has been able to use her experiences to help others CONTENT WARNING This episode contains discussion of disordered eating and eating disorders from the start. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Website: Podcast: Liv Label Free YouTube: Instagram: Information on eating disorders and autism from the National Autistic Society: If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Amy Sullivan, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Carly Melling, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Cindy Bailey, Clare Forrest, Clare Holmes, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Pineapple, Ewan McNeill, Felicia Libo, Fiona Connor, Galina, Gwyneth, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, JF, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Jo, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine Lynch, Kenneth Knowles, Laura, Laurencia Saenz Benavides, Lea Li, Leo Ricketts, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, MN, Paul Harris, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Rebecca Kemp, Sadie Slater, Sarah Cottrell, Sarah Jeffery, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Suzanna Chen, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tegan Bailey, Tessa Valyou, Tree Hall, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Victoria Chang, Victoria Routledge, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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104. S8 E12: Permission slip: embracing an authentically autistic life with no blueprint
06/17/2023
104. S8 E12: Permission slip: embracing an authentically autistic life with no blueprint
Gem Kennedy is a Coach and podcaster from Essex in the UK. They are non-binary and queer, and self identified as autistic and ADHD last year, at 35. They are a Transformational Coach, facilitator and advocate, supporting neurodivergent and queer folk, present a podcast called Queers & Co., and are also co-parent to two home educated autistic children. They are passionate about body liberation, queering things, spirituality, children's rights and playing the ukulele! We covered a lot in this conversation! But a few of the things we talk about are: ➡ Gem’s early experiences of anxiety and school refusal ➡ Gender expectations and connecting with gender ➡ Masking and unmasking – when and where to unmask, situations they avoid and thinking about where to spend our energy, and how to be social and actually enjoy it! ➡ Balancing life, work and homeschooling, and meeting needs in a neurodivergent household ➡ Queering things and seeking out counter-cultural wisdom CONTENT WARNING Before we begin, I need to let you know that there a couple of brief mentions of disordered eating in this conversation, but the topic isn’t explored in any detail. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Gem’s website: Their Instagram: Queers & Co podcast: If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Amy Sullivan, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Cindy Bailey, Clare Forrest, Clare Holmes, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Pineapple, Ewan McNeill, Felicia Libo, Fiona Connor, Galina, Gwyneth, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, JF, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine Lynch, Kenneth Knowles, Laura, Laurencia Saenz Benavides, Lea Li, Leo Ricketts, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, MN, Paul Harris, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Rebecca Kemp, Sadie Slater, Sarah Cottrell, Sarah Jeffery, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Suzanna Chen, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tegan Bailey, Tessa Valyou, Tree Hall, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Victoria Chang, Victoria Routledge, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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103. S8 E11: From feeling 'deficient' to self acceptance, research and advocating for autistic colleagues
06/10/2023
103. S8 E11: From feeling 'deficient' to self acceptance, research and advocating for autistic colleagues
Kirstie Pickles is an equine vet, academic, mum and mental health advocate from Derbyshire in the UK. Now 49, she was diagnosed autistic at 47, following her daughter’s diagnosis. She is passionate about sharing her story and raising the awareness of neurodiversity to allow for better self-advocacy and reduce the stigma associated with autism, and is currently researching autism within her profession, and is involved in an autism awareness training programme for medical professionals as an expert by experience. In our conversation we talk about: ➡ Her lifelong special interest and determination to become a vet, and her experience of thriving at school and university – but finding the transition from academia to the workplace difficult, and struggling to cope as a newly qualified vet ➡ How her diagnosis has helped her get accommodations at work ➡ The findings of her research into autistic vets, including ‘shocking’ statistics around their mental health and wellbeing ➡ How the research – that has relevance to all autistics who work or want to work – can be applied to better support autistic professionals and employees ➡ How she’s now advocating for herself and other autistic adults CONTENT WARNING During this conversation there’s a very brief mention of statistics around suicide. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Kirstie's LinkedIn: If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Cindy Bailey, Clare Forrest, Clare Holmes, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Pineapple, Ewan McNeill, Felicia Libo, Fiona Connor, Galina, Gwyneth, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, JF, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine Lynch, Kenneth Knowles, Laura, Laurencia Saenz Benavides, Lea Li, Leo Ricketts, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, MN, Paul Harris, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Rebecca Kemp, Sadie Slater, Sarah Cottrell, Sarah Jeffery, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Suzanna Chen, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tegan Bailey, Tessa Valyou, Tree Hall, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Victoria Chang, Victoria Routledge, Wendy Walker, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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102. S8 E10: From ABA to understanding an autism diagnosis as a unique pathway to a fulfilling life
06/03/2023
102. S8 E10: From ABA to understanding an autism diagnosis as a unique pathway to a fulfilling life
Maisie Soetantyo is the founder of a nonprofit with a mission to improve employment prospects for autistic jobseekers and aspiring business owners. Now an openly autistic advocate and inclusivity trainer, she has been working with neurodivergent people since her undergraduate studies in 1991, but it would be many years before some of her clients started suggesting that she might be autistic, too. A former Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) practitioner, she moved away from ABA after realising that supporting her client's authenticity as autistic individuals should be the goal. She set up Autism Career Pathways in San Francisco, USA in 2019, and now works to foster a meaningful understanding and acceptance of an autism diagnosis as a unique pathway to self advocacy and a fulfilling life. In our conversation we talk about: ➡ Her experiences growing up with learning difficulties and processing disorders in a neurodivergent family ➡ Her thoughts on autism and employment, and how our special interests and even our stims can hold the key to what we should be doing with our lives. ➡ Her experiences as an ABA practitioner, how her thinking has evolved, and the work she now does to support autistic people. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Maisie’s Instagram: Autism Career Pathways website: Her LinkedIn: If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Cindy Bailey, Clare Forrest, Clare Holmes, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Pineapple, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Galina, Gwyneth, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, JF, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine Lynch, Kenneth Knowles, Laura, Laurencia Saenz Benavides, Lea Li, Leo Ricketts, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, MN, Paul Harris, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Rebecca Kemp, Sadie Slater, Sarah Cottrell, Sarah Jeffery, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Suzanna Chen, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tegan Bailey, Tessa Valyou, Tree Hall, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Victoria Chang, Victoria Routledge, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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101. S8 E9: From psychiatric trauma to autistic joy: a journey of healing and self discovery
05/27/2023
101. S8 E9: From psychiatric trauma to autistic joy: a journey of healing and self discovery
Laura Richmond is a writer and researcher from Southampton in the UK. Now 35, she was diagnosed autistic last year. She had an extremely difficult road to diagnosis. 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, eventually leading to her autism diagnosis and a book about her experiences that will be published very soon. 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 neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Laura’s Instagram: Her Twitter - Her Linktree - Pre-order/buy her book - Information on autism and self harm from the National Autistic Society: If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Cindy Bailey, Clare Forrest, Clare Holmes, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Pineapple, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Galina, Gwyneth, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Hegatronix, Jackie Allen, JF, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine Lynch, Kenneth Knowles, Laura, Laurencia Saenz Benavides, Lea Li, Leo Ricketts, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, MN, Paul Harris, Pete Burke, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Rebecca Kemp, Sadie Slater, Sarah Cottrell, Sarah Jeffery, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Suzanna Chen, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tegan Bailey, Tessa Valyou, Tree Hall, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Victoria Chang, Victoria Routledge, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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100. S8 E8: A sense of purpose: finding our own path and place in the world as autistic adults
05/20/2023
100. S8 E8: A sense of purpose: finding our own path and place in the world as autistic adults
Rosie Smith is the owner of a non-profit radical bookshop in Canton in Cardiff, just a couple of miles from where I live. Now 32, she grew up just outside Cardiff with her mum and sister. Leaving school at 16 due to anxiety, eating disorders and mental health issues, she found her people in music, joining bands and doing various different jobs until she decided to open the bookshop in 2019, after quitting her 27th job. Rosie’s wonderful shop, Shelf Life, works with independent publishers to stock a range of fiction and nonfiction books centering neurodiversity, disability and mental health, anti-racism, anti-capitalism, LGBT+, feminism and gender. It’s a little beacon of hope and diversity on the corner of Cowbridge Road East. Rosie was diagnosed autistic in March last year, and says that diagnosis has helped put her lifelong anxiety, panic attacks and depression into a new perspective, and and building relationships with autistic people has been life-affirming. We talk about: ➡ Some of the challenges Rosie experienced growing up and trying to find her place in the world. ➡ Navigating the challenges of employment as an undiagnosed autistic employee ➡ Her wonderfully serendipitous path to owning her own bookshop - and the pros and cons of being an autistic business owner ➡ The joys of finding community, knowing herself better, and finding a sense of purpose Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Cindy Bailey, Clare Forrest, Clare Holmes, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Pineapple, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Galina, Gwyneth, Hannah Breslin, Jackie Allen, JF, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine Lynch, Kenneth Knowles, Laura, Laurencia Saenz Benavides, Lea Li, Leo Ricketts, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, MN, Paul Harris, Pete Burke, Rebecca Biegel, Rebecca Kemp, Sadie Slater, Sarah Cottrell, Sarah Jeffery, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Suzanna Chen, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tegan Bailey, Tessa Valyou, Tree Hall, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Victoria Chang, Victoria Routledge, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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99. S8 E7: Finding freedom after autism diagnosis and embodying the spirit of our unmasked selves
05/13/2023
99. S8 E7: Finding freedom after autism diagnosis and embodying the spirit of our unmasked selves
Kay Louise Aldred is a writer, facilitator, teacher, mentor, and resource creator from North Yorkshire in the UK. Now 49, she was diagnosed autistic quite recently, last November. A former teacher, just like me she suffered burnout, left her career and became self employed before discovering her autism. Now she and her husband are co-authoring a book, Embodied Education: Creating Safe Space for Learning, Facilitating and Sharing, which will be available late autumn 2023. She has worked with children and adults in educational, retreat and wellness settings throughout her career, has taught 11-18 year old neurodiverse students and has parented neurodivergent children of her own. She is an advocate for safe, nervous-system-friendly structures in education, learning and sharing spaces and is passionate about increasing awareness of the gifts of neurodivergence. In our conversation we talk about: ➡ Being undiagnosed autistic teachers ➡ Learning to advocate for herself with her family ➡ Her experience of burnout and recovery, and tools for self-regulation ➡ What autism-informed education looks like ➡ Her thoughts and ideas about autism and trauma, religion and spirituality and masking CONTENT WARNING: towards the end of our conversation Kay talks briefly about a sexual assault. She doesn’t go into detail, but if this is something you’d rather not hear about, you should skip from 50:39 to 52:53. Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Kay’s website: Her book: Instagram: Facebook: Twitter: LinkedIn: If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Cindy Bailey, Clare Forrest, Clare Holmes, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Pineapple, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Galina, Gwyneth, Hannah Breslin, Jackie Allen, JF, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine Lynch, Kenneth Knowles, Laura, Laurencia Saenz Benavides, Lea Li, Leo Ricketts, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, MN, Paul Harris, Pete Burke, Rebecca Biegel, Rebecca Kemp, Sadie Slater, Sarah Cottrell, Sarah Jeffery, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Swanton, Shauna Schramke, Suzanna Chen, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tegan Bailey, Tessa Valyou, Tree Hall, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Victoria Chang, Victoria Routledge, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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98. S8 E6: The fight for equity in education and work: an inspiring story of autistic self advocacy
05/06/2023
98. S8 E6: The fight for equity in education and work: an inspiring story of autistic self advocacy
Rosie Weldon is a Senior Financial Analyst and author whose memoir, ‘My Autistic Fight Song’, tells the story of how she fought to get her accountancy degree and find her place in the world of work, despite her struggles with mental and physical health and the challenges that come with being autistic. Now 31, she was diagnosed aged 25. Since graduating from Chester University - where she received some incredibly supportive accommodations - she became an account, finding her first job with Bank of America. But she found herself having to make the decision to leave after developing a neurological disorder due to the demands of a role that wasn’t able to meet her autistic needs. Rosie now lives in Dorset, where she works full time from home as a Senior Financial Analyst, and shares her life online to help raise awareness of daily autistic life. She says that she “wants to raise awareness of the daily struggles we face as autistic people, but also our ability to thrive in an environment that is suited to us, when support is in place, because a lot of young autistic people think life's doors are closed to them, and they aren't.” In our conversation we talk about: ➡ Her difficulties at school and university ➡ The accommodations that helped her achieve her degree and find work she loves ➡ Her challenges being out and about in the world and dealing with change ➡ Why working from home has been a game-changer for her ➡ How employers can best support autistic employees Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes. I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit. EPISODE LINKS: Rosie’s website: Instagram: Facebook: Twitter: LinkedIn: If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Or on my website: THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Adam Klager, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Anika Lacerte, Annette, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Cindy Bailey, Clare Forrest, Clare Holmes, Corinne Cariad, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Dawn Trevellion, Dennis McNulty, Elizabeth Williams, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Pineapple, Fiona Connor, Galina, Gwyneth, Hannah Breslin, Jackie Allen, JF, Jayne Hutchinson, Jeff Goldman, Jen Bartlett, Julie, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kate and Kathryn, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine Lynch, Kenneth Knowles, Laura, Laurencia Saenz Benavides, Lea Li, Leo Ricketts, Lilli Simmons, Linda Brown, Liz, LQ, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Martine, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, MN, Paul Harris, Pete Burke, Rebecca Biegel, Rebecca Kemp, Sarah Cottrell, Sarah Jeffery, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Swanton, Suzanna Chen, Suzanne, Talia's Nature, Tammie Fabien, Tamsen Staniford, Tegan Bailey, Tessa Valyou, Tree Hall, Vic Wiener, Vicki Temple, Victoria Chang, Victoria Routledge, Zephyrine Craster and Zoe Lee. 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:
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