Autism Central Podcast

In this episode Catherine Asta is joined by writer, birthkeeper and filmmaker Lucy Baena to explore the often-overlooked intersection of autism and epilepsy. Drawing on her lived experience as an autistic and epileptic woman, Lucy shares a deeply personal account of growing up with epilepsy, receiving a late autism diagnosis at 38, and how understanding both has transformed the way she understands herself. 
Together they discuss the hidden realities of living with epilepsy beyond seizures, including stigma, disclosure, trauma and the emotional impact of navigating a world that often misunderstands invisible disabilities. Lucy reflects on the challenges of being dismissed by professionals, the overlap between epilepsy and autistic experiences such as shutdowns, meltdowns and burnout, and why listening to lived experience is essential to providing person-centred care. 
The conversation also explores practical ways families, friends and professionals can offer meaningful support and Lucy reflects on how self-compassion has become life-changing, why disability does not diminish the possibility of a joyful and meaningful life.

What’s on at Autism Central?
Explore the ⁠⁠⁠Autism Central website⁠⁠⁠ for FREE NHS-funded 1:1 coaching sessions, events and resources for families of autistic people in England and their support networks.
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Connect with Lucy
⁠Instagram ⁠

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Email: hellocatherineasta@gmail.com
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Books: Rediscovered and Still Living

In this episode of the Autism Central Podcast, Catherine Asta is joined by AuDHD coach, researcher and positive psychology practitioner Dr Rebecca Jackson to explore practical strategies and everyday tools for daily living.
Drawing on both her lived experience and her work supporting neurodivergent adults, she shares why understanding yourself is the foundation for finding tools and approaches that genuinely work. 
Together they explore the power of taking a strengths-based approach to neurodivergence, discussing why recognising what comes naturally can improve wellbeing, reduce burnout and help people build lives that feel more aligned with who they really are. 
The conversation also explores practical tools and technology that can support daily living, from productivity systems and AI to sensory support, energy management and simple planning strategies. They discuss why there is no one-size-fits-all solution, how to experiment with different approaches without judgement, and why the most effective support is the one that works with your brain rather than against it. 
Whether you're autistic, ADHD, AuDHD or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical ideas emphasizing self-awareness, realistic strategies and the importance of permission and self-compassion.

What’s on at Autism Central?
Explore the ⁠⁠Autism Central website⁠⁠ for FREE NHS-funded 1:1 coaching sessions, events and resources for families of autistic people in England and their support networks.
Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠FREE newsletter⁠⁠

Connect with Dr Rebecca Jackson
LinkedIn
Website
Instagram

Connect with Catherine 
Email: hellocatherineasta@gmail.com
Website I Instagram I Art 
Books: Rediscovered and Still Living

In this episode Catherine Asta is joined by AuDHD psychotherapist, author and researcher Alexis Quinn to explore what pregnancy, birth and early parenthood can look like for autistic people. Drawing on both her lived experience and the research behind her book Autistic and Expecting, Alexis reflects on how understanding her own neurodivergence transformed her experience of becoming a parent and why autism cannot be separated from the journey into parenthood. 
Together they discuss the unique challenges autistic people can face throughout pregnancy, from sensory changes and communication differences to navigating healthcare appointments, uncertainty and the emotional impact of becoming a parent. Alexis shares why understanding your own sensory and communication needs before birth can make a significant difference and explains how planning ahead can help create a more positive and empowering experience. 
The conversation explores what autism-inclusive maternity care really looks like, including reasonable adjustments, birth rights, continuity of care and the importance of being listened to without judgement. Catherine and Alexis also discuss practical tools such as maternity passports, preparing for different birth scenarios and building supportive relationships with healthcare professionals and family members throughout pregnancy and beyond. 
This is a much needed conversation about informed choice and creating birth experiences where autistic parents feel seen, understood and supported. Alexis reminds us that while pregnancy and birth can feel overwhelming and unpredictable, with the right adjustments, knowledge and support, autistic people can have positive, transformative experiences of becoming parents.

What’s on at Autism Central?
Explore the ⁠Autism Central website⁠ for FREE NHS-funded 1:1 coaching sessions, events and resources.
Subscribe to our ⁠⁠FREE newsletter⁠⁠
Episode Reference Links:
⁠Birth Rights⁠
⁠Autistic Parents⁠
Connect with Alexis:
https://alexisquinn.co.uk/
Books:
UNbroken
Autistic and Expecting

Connect with Catherine 
Email: hellocatherineasta@gmail.com
Website I Instagram I Art 
Books: Rediscovered and Still Living

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.
What’s on at Autism Central?
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Explore the Autism Central website for FREE NHS-funded 1:1 coaching sessions, events and resources.
Connect with James
⁠Instagram⁠
Jame’s Book: ⁠Love Needs No Words⁠

Connect with Catherine 
Email: hellocatherineasta@gmail.com
Website I Instagram I Art 
Books: Rediscovered and Still Living

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.
What’s on at Autism Central?
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Explore our FREE support - 1:1 sessions, blogs, events 
Connect with Hannah
brabners.com
Connect with Catherine 
Email: hellocatherineasta@gmail.com
Website
Instagram 
Books: Rediscovered and Still Living
Art