Autism Central Podcast

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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https://www.dralisonlennox.com/
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Books: Rediscovered and Still Living

In this episode, Catherine Asta is joined by Dr Helen Lawal to explore the realities of work, identity and wellbeing as a neurodivergent woman navigating a demanding career.
Together they reflect on Helen’s journey through medicine, from her early inspiration to become a doctor to the barriers she faced before understanding her ADHD and autism, and how that self-knowledge transformed the way she works and lives.
Late-discovered ADHD and autistic, she shares how years of masking, pushing through and internalising struggle led to burnout, low self-esteem and physical and mental health challenges, and how diagnosis helped her reframe those experiences with compassion rather than shame.
The conversation explores the practical realities of working life, including sensory overwhelm, information processing, travel, long shifts, memory demands and the importance of reasonable adjustments. Catherine and Helen also discuss the power of understanding strengths, recognising what support is needed and letting go of career expectations that no longer fit. 
At the heart of this episode is a hopeful and honest discussion about what helps when life feels overwhelming. Helen shares the practices that support her most, from movement and breath to time in nature, rest and nourishing food, and reflects on how parents and carers can begin to think ahead about supporting young neurodivergent people into adulthood, education and work.

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Books - Rediscovered and Still Living

In this episode, Catherine Asta is joined by Sophie Cartledge to explore the powerful intersection of perimenopause and late-discovered autism and ADHD.
Together they discuss why many autistic and ADHD women describe perimenopause as the point where ‘the wheels fell off’ and how hormonal shifts can amplify sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation challenges and burnout.
Late-discovered autistic and ADHD at 44, Sophie speaks openly about how this collision is one of the most misunderstood and unsupported phases of a woman’s life, often leading to burnout, misdiagnosis and workplace exclusion.
They reflect on the profound identity shift that can happen when decades of masking are no longer sustainable and how perimenopause can act as a catalyst for unmasking, self-advocacy and redefining what safety and wellbeing look like. The conversation also highlights gaps in healthcare and workplace understanding, the importance of tracking symptoms and the role of peer support in reducing isolation.
At the heart of this episode is a compassionate discussion about rebuilding self-trust, reframing needs as preferences and finding practical ways to navigate this often misunderstood stage of life. Sophie shares the mindset shifts and small accommodations that have helped her move towards a more sustainable, authentic way of living.
This episode is for you if:
- You’re navigating perimenopause/menopause and noticing changes in your sensory sensitivities, emotions and/or capacity.
- You’re late-discovered autistic or ADHD and experiencing unmasking or a shift in identity.
- You’re feeling dismissed, misunderstood or unsure how to advocate for yourself in healthcare or work.
- You’re looking for validation, practical strategies and reassurance that you’re not alone in this experience.
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Connect with Sophie
www.hormonesontheblink.com
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In this episode, Mike and Phil, both mental health nurses and late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD, join Catherine Asta to explore their experiences of fatherhood. They speak about feeling unseen in schools and workplaces, confronting internalised rejection and navigating the expectations placed on fathers about how they ‘should’ show up. Through their own personal reflections, they share the journey of self-discovery that followed their diagnoses alongside their children, and the importance of finding community along the way.
At the heart of this conversation is the creation of NADS (Neuroaffirming Dads and Dudes) a local peer support space created by Mike designed specifically for neurodivergent fathers. Mike and Phil discuss how spaces like these allow men to show up as their authentic selves, build connection and transform shame and isolation into strength and solidarity.
In this episode we explore:
- The challenges they have both faced in parenting, workplaces, and the SEND space.
- How societal expectations and stigma can impact fathers navigating autism and ADHD.
- The unique strengths neurodivergence brings to their parenting.
- Why peer support spaces can be life-changing for fathers.
- Tips for dads who want to get more involved in the SEND space.
- Practical ways schools, services, and workplaces can better support neurodivergent dads and families.
Listener Care:
The views shared are personal perspectives from the guests based on their lived experiences. Their reflections highlight some of the barriers they have faced when engaging with schools and support spaces. Along with practical things that dads can do to become more involved in the SEND space, while also recognising the important role many mums and carers already play in advocating for their children. We recognise that many families and professionals are working hard to support children with SEND and that experiences may vary widely. We invite listeners to approach this conversation with curiosity and care.
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In this episode, Catherine Asta is joined by Heidi and Theo, a single mother and her only son from Wakefield in West Yorkshire, for a powerful and hopeful conversation about autistic burnout, rebuilding confidence, and the power of self-advocacy.
When Theo was 15, he crashed out of school in what was later understood as significant autistic burnout. What followed were five years of navigating complex systems, challenging decisions, and fighting for his right to an education that truly met his needs. During that time, both Heidi and Theo were diagnosed as autistic and ADHD; a pivotal shift that reframed their past and reshaped their future.
Now studying zoo management at university, Theo shares how he chose where to go based not on course appeal or location, but on the level of support available. Supported by Disabled Students’ Allowance and his assistance dog, Bertie, whom they describe as life-changing and life-saving, Theo reflects on building self-knowledge, independence, and the confidence to advocate for what he needs. 
Theo speaks openly about learning to understand his nervous system, recognising his limits, and communicating them clearly, skills that have become foundational to both his wellbeing and his success.
Heidi speaks candidly about the emotional complexity of sending your neurodivergent child to a university that isn’t close to home, and why trust, safety, and the right support structures matter. Together, they explore transition, sensory worlds, and the importance of asking the right questions when navigating education systems. 
Heidi also shares practical strategies for parents and carers; how to challenge decisions constructively, how to prioritise safety, and how modelling honesty and resilience helps young people develop their own voice.
This episode offers practical insight for families supporting neurodivergent young people, alongside an honest reflection on resilience, overcoming barriers and hope. It’s a conversation about the emotional and practical considerations of transitioning to university, about building self-advocacy skills early, and about choosing the right support over the “right” course, and what can happen when someone is finally given the space and understanding to come back to themselves.
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