Brought to you by the Autism Dogs Charity, our show shares real stories, expert insights, and heartfelt conversations to support and connect the autism communit...
In this season finale episode of Autism Sparks, Charlotte and Emma explore the concept of masking in autism—when autistic individuals feel the need to hide their true selves to fit societal norms. Joined by Josie and Caroline, they share heartfelt stories about the mental and emotional toll of masking, the societal pressures to conform, and the impact it has on mental health and identity.
💬 Topics include:
The hidden cost of masking on mental health.
How societal expectations drive masking behaviour.
The importance of supportive environments for self-expression.
Practical advice for those who mask the value of self-acceptance.
This episode highlights the need for greater understanding, inclusivity, and advocacy to reduce the burden of masking and empower autistic individuals to embrace their authentic selves.
💙 Brought to you by the Autism Dogs Charity, transforming lives through their Assistance Dogs Programme. Learn more at autismdogs.co.uk.
Tune in to hear these personal and thought-provoking stories that wrap up an incredible first season of Autism Sparks!
Chapters
0:00 Introduction to Masking in Autism
3:36 Personal Experiences with Masking
9:14 Defining Masking: Perspectives from Josie and Caroline
12:27 The Societal Pressures of Masking
20:45 The Consequences of Masking
26:09 The Role of Social Expectations
30:26 Masking Across Generations
36:59 Rethinking Education for Neurodiversity
42:21 The Need for Inclusivity and Understanding
46:07 Empowering Autistic Voices and Experiences
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55:25
Am I Doing a Good Enough Job as a Parent
In this deeply personal episode of Autism Sparks, Charlotte and Emma dive into the emotional challenges parents face when raising autistic children.
Joined by guest Sandra Hooper, they discuss:💬 Navigating self-doubt and parental guilt.💬 The importance of trusting instincts and finding joy in unique experiences.💬 Advocacy, resilience, and fighting for recognition in education and healthcare.💬 Why all behaviour is communication and how to shift from parenting to partnership as children grow.
This episode is brought to you by the Autism Dogs Charity, transforming lives through the Autism Assistance Dogs Programme. 🐾 Learn more at autismdogs.co.uk.
🎧 Listen or watch the video version now and join the conversation. Together, we’re stronger.
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52:46
Unhelpful Comments and How to Deal With Them
In this episode, Charlotte and Emma dive into the unhelpful comments autistic individuals and their parents often hear. Joined by Craig, they share personal stories and discuss how these remarks can stem from misconceptions, the emotional toll they take, and the best ways to respond with grace and education.
The conversation also touches on professional comments, the importance of celebrating small victories, and how advocacy and awareness can help shift societal perspectives.
Craig shares insights from his experience and introduces his advocacy project, Edvocat on Facebook, aimed at supporting families navigating these challenges.
This episode is brought to you by the Autism Dogs Charity, transforming the lives of autistic individuals and their families through their Assistance Dogs Programme. Learn more about their work at autismdogs.co.uk.
Tune in to hear real stories, practical advice, and inspiring strategies for building understanding and support. 💙
Chapters
(0:00) Introduction to Unhelpful Comments
(3:14) Personal Experiences with Unhelpful Comments
(5:37) The Impact of Unhelpful Comments on Parenting
(8:18) Navigating Responses to Unhelpful Comments
(12:39) Understanding Autism and Misconceptions
(17:24) The Weight of Opinions
(18:56) The Emotional Toll of Unhelpful Comments
(21:19) The Weight of Professional Comments
(24:12) Addressing Unhelpful Professional Comments
(27:32) Balancing Negatives and Positives in Support
(30:00) The Challenge of Over-Helping
(32:54) The Impact of Stereotypes on Perception
(37:16) Finding the Balance in Expectations
(44:56) The Importance of Individual Learning Styles
(51:38) Empowering Parents and Advocating for Change
(57:13) Creating Supportive Communities for Families
(1:02:33) Understanding the System: A Parent's Perspective
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1:08:05
Atypical Eating Behaviours / Help, my child only eats pasta
In this episode of the Autism Sparks podcast, host Charlotte Smeet discusses the challenges of sensory issues related to food in autistic children with guests Gail and Jenny.
They share personal stories about their children's eating habits, the impact of diagnosis on food preferences, and strategies for supporting restrictive diets. The conversation emphasises the importance of understanding sensory processing, adapting meals, and creating a positive relationship with food.
The guests offer practical advice for parents navigating these challenges, highlighting the need for patience, creativity, and community support.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to Sensory Issues in Autism
1:25 Personal Stories of Food Preferences
8:27 Understanding Restrictive Diets
12:42 Navigating Guilt and Understanding
20:47 Adapting Meals and Food Waste
25:49 Transitioning Dietary Understanding
30:33 Health Implications and Family Dynamics
33:39 Sensory Processing and Food Choices
38:21 Navigating Food Preferences
42:07 Adapting to University Life and Food Independence
51:27 Parental Guidance in Food Choices
53:00 Understanding Uniformity in Food Choices
56:56 Advice for Parents of Children with Restrictive Diets
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1:05:45
Education System and Inclusive Learning Environments
Host Charlotte talks with parents and educators about the challenges autistic children face in the education system.
They share personal stories about the emotional toll on families and the need for better support, teacher training, and flexible learning environments.
A must-listen for anyone passionate about creating a more inclusive education system. 💙
Brought to you by the Autism Dogs Charity, our show shares real stories, expert insights, and heartfelt conversations to support and connect the autism community. Whether you’re autistic, a parent, carer, or simply curious, each episode offers understanding, inspiration, and practical advice.
We’re here to celebrate diversity, spark empathy, and create a space where everyone feels supported—because together, we thrive. 💙
Learn more about Autism Dogs Charity and their transformative work at autismdogs.co.uk.
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