Autism Central Podcast

In this episode Catherine Asta is joined by award-winning autism advocate, author and founder of "Stories About Autism", James Hunt, for a heartfelt conversation about raising autistic children as they move from childhood into adulthood.
Drawing on nearly two decades of lived experience parenting his two non-speaking autistic sons, James reflects on how his understanding of autism, communication and fatherhood has evolved over time. 
Together they explore the hopes and uncertainties that many families face as autistic young people transition into adulthood. James shares the realities of preparing for life beyond school, balancing hope with understandable fears about future support, independence and long-term care, while explaining why staying present has become one of the most valuable lessons he has learned as a parent. 
The conversation shines a light on communication beyond spoken language, from body language and AAC as well as the realities of family life, including sleep deprivation, isolation, building community and the emotional impact of caring. They reflect on why finding other families who truly understand can make such a difference, and how peer support helps parents navigate both the challenges and the joy of raising autistic children. 
This is a hopeful conversation about finding acceptance, embracing a different path, celebrating the "inchstones" alongside the milestones and discovering that a meaningful life is often found in the moments you never expected. James reminds us that while the future feels scary and uncertain, there is also joy, connection and hope to be found here in the present.
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In this episode of the Autism Central Podcast, Catherine Asta is joined by family law solicitor and neuroinclusion advocate Hannah Saxe to explore the complex realities of relationship breakdown, divorce and co-parenting through an autistic and neurodivergent lens. Drawing on both her professional expertise and lived experience as a late-diagnosed AuDHD woman and parent of two neurodivergent children, Hannah shares practical guidance for autistic people, parents and carers navigating separation and family law. 
Together they discuss the legal basics of divorce, finances, child arrangements and co-parenting, while demystifying a family justice system that can often feel overwhelming and inaccessible. Hannah explains the differences between married and unmarried couples, the growing role of mediation and other out-of-court options, and why seeking the right advice early can make a significant difference. 
The conversation also explores the heightened challenges many autistic and neurodivergent people face during relationship breakdown, including burnout, decision fatigue, financial worries and the increased risk of experiencing coercive control or domestic abuse. Hannah shares practical strategies for building a support network, accessing advice and creating boundaries that protect both parents and children during difficult transitions. 
Catherine and Hannah discuss the importance of supporting autistic and neurodivergent children through separation, highlighting the value of structure, predictability, communication and consistent approaches across households. They also examine what neuroaffirming support looks like within the family justice system and how new guidance is helping professionals better understand and accommodate neurodivergent needs. 
Hannah offers reassurance that, even in the most challenging circumstances, there are pathways forward and growing recognition that neurodivergent people deserve systems that work with them, not against them.
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In this first episode of S5, Catherine Asta is joined by award winning advocate Tumi Sotire, a British-born Nigerian with dyspraxia and founder of The Black Dyspraxic, a platform dedicated to championing intersectionality within neurodiversity.
Together they unpack common misconceptions about dyspraxia, why it is often misunderstood as ‘just clumsiness’ and how it can affect everything from movement and coordination to organisation, memory, processing and confidence.
Tumi shares his own experience of growing up as a Black dyspraxic child, reflecting on diagnosis, bullying, education and the importance of understanding neurodivergence through an intersectional lens. The conversation also explores the hidden emotional and financial costs of dyspraxia, along with the barriers many families face in accessing support.
Catherine and Tumi discuss the overlap between dyspraxia and autism, including the reality that dyspraxia is a common co-occurring condition for autistic people. They also explore practical supports and adjustments, from occupational therapy and assistive technology to breaking tasks down into manageable steps and recognising individual strengths.
This is a hopeful conversation about self-understanding, advocacy and creating environments where neurodivergent people feel supported to thrive. Tumi reflects on the importance of recognising strengths alongside struggles and why helping children believe in what is possible can make a lifelong difference.
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In this final episode of Season Four of the Autism Central Podcast, Catherine Asta is joined by Emma Kluibenschadl, a passionate advocate, experienced professional and National Group Learning Facilitator Associate with Anna Freud who shares how Autism Central is creating a revolutionary space where families find community, understanding and practical support to help them thrive. 
Emma shares a behind the scenes look at what Autism Central offers autistic people, parents, carers and families - from live educational webinars and reflective sessions to one-to-one peer support designed to help people feel less alone.
Together, Catherine and Emma explore the emotional realities of parenting and supporting neurodivergent children and young people, including the isolation many families experience, the grief and uncertainty that can come with diagnosis journeys, and the pressure parents often feel to ‘get it right’ in systems that are not built for autistic people.
The conversation focuses on the importance of neuroaffirming support, self-care through a neurodivergent lens and creating safe spaces where parents feel heard without judgement - as well as how small shifts in understanding can transform family life.
Emma also talks about her son Stefan - who she sadly lost to suicide in March 2022 - and the legacy she and her husband Tristan continue through their work supporting neurodivergent young people and families. 
Together, they discuss the power of lived experience, compassionate connection and peer support and why being seen, heard and understood can make such a profound difference to autistic people and the people who love and support them.

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In this episode, Catherine Asta is joined by Dr Alison Lennox, a Consultant Neurodevelopmental Psychiatrist to demystify the adult autism assessment process and explore what a good assessment should really offer. Together they unpack common misconceptions about diagnosis along with the fear and uncertainty many people carry into the process.
As one of only a few UK psychiatrists working exclusively in adult autism, Alison shares her perspective on what a comprehensive assessment can involve. She reflects on how assessments can be shaped around the individual, why there is no single “gold standard” pathway and how safety, trust and curiosity are central to helping people feel seen and understood.
The conversation also explores the realities of masking, invalidation and the emotional weight of seeking an assessment after years of misunderstanding or self-doubt. Catherine and Alison discuss the impact of family dynamics, the challenges of asking others to contribute to the process and the importance of creating space for people to bring their own notes and evidence in whatever form feels right to them.
This episode is an honest and compassionate discussion about what an autism assessment can mean, not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of making sense of yourself with greater clarity and self-compassion. Alison also reflects on what happens after assessment, the limits of post-diagnostic support, the need for thoughtful, individualised reports and why understanding autism alongside trauma and mental health requires care, nuance and humanity.
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