The 10 Best Podcasts By Autistic Creators To Listen To This Autism Awareness Month
Listen, and you will hear it: the tangible dread of Autistic individuals around the globe. April is Autism Awareness Month, which kicked off with Autism Awareness Week. Circulating across Twitter and other social media platform there were puzzle piece symbols and tragedy tropes about Autistic individuals needing to be “cured.”
When it comes to the podcasting industry, I know the feeling all too well. I was diagnosed six years ago, and it took a long to accept that I am not broken, and that I am actually a “whole” person. I am not a puzzle or a mystery, or even a product of the MMR vaccine – a bizarre idea people still have.
![A screenshot from the CDC that reads: "Vaccines do not cause autism.
Some people have had concerns that ASD might be linked to the vaccines children receive, but studies have shown that there is no link between receiving vaccines and developing ASD. In 2011, an Institute of Medicine (IOM) reportexternal icon on eight vaccines given to children and adults found that with rare exceptions, these vaccines are very safe.
A 2013 CDC study [PDF – 7 pages]external icon added to the research showing that vaccines do not cause ASD. The study looked at the number of antigens (substances in vaccines that cause the body’s immune system to produce disease-fighting antibodies) from vaccines during the first two years of life. The results showed that the total amount of antigen from vaccines received was the same between children with ASD and those that did not have ASD."](https://h2q8e4u5.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image.png)
While learning more about my diagnosis, I turned to podcasts. The comforting voice would always be on the other end, reassuring me while grappling with too much sensory overload. Over time, more Autistic creators began to ‘do it for themselves’ – and I was learning so much, all the while finding an inner peace.
Podcasts are often inaccessible, and can lack representation when it comes to Autistic voices and views. These are ten of the best podcasts by Autistic folk, in time for Autism Awareness Month. Go red instead, and listen to become an ally.
Sensory Matters
(Disclosure: I have been interviewed on this podcast previously.)
ChewiGem is a brand that began in the UK; sensory products are sold to help Autistic children and adults cope with the world around them. This includes aids to help with noise sensitivity, as well as if you are a chewer.
Sensory Matters is the spin-off podcast from the people behind the brand! Lorraine is on the Autistic spectrum, and looks after the community of the “Chew Crew.” A whole host of topics is discussed, often to do with the time it is released – such as how Christmas can be incredibly overwhelming. The difference is that this podcast actually recommends strategies to help that do not cost the Earth, and are usually quite simple. Be it Autistic representation in the media, dealing with the COVID-19 restrictions while meeting your needs, it will at least make you think, this podcast.
Read more: How to make your podcast more accessible using transcripts
Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher
21andsensory
(Disclosure: I am currently working with Emily, the host, as she is illustrating my debut book. Emily also interviewed me on the podcast previously.)
Emily is the brains behind the 21andsensory and is an illustrator by trade. I found the podcast and associated blog by accident while researching the potential benefits of a weighted blanket – and have not stopped listening since. Emily has SPD, Dyslexia, and was also diagnosed with Autism while creating these podcasts. Guests are usually interviewed about specific themes and their projects; if you use the #ActuallyAutistic hashtag on Instagram, you probably know who the guests are! There are also some good tips, learnt from experience. With her dulcet, calming tones, this podcast accompanied me while using public transport prior to the pandemic; it was a great stress buster. Earlier episodes also use sound recordings as a way to illustrate the SPD life.
Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Website
1800 Seconds On Autism
The BBC decided to do it themselves – and 1800 Seconds On Autism is a monthly podcast from the viewpoint of two Autistic presenters. Diversity is also at the heart of the podcast – and is not just a tokenistic gesture. Arguably, this is where the magic of 1800 Seconds Of Autism lies – in busting so many myths about Autistic people while just, y’know, being! A host of things are discussed each episode, usually pegged round a guest interview. You will learn about support (sometimes they are stuffed) animals (including Lion) , how to measure your energy using the spoon method, favourite stims, and more. It is a ray of sunshine to your ears; I defy you to finish an episode without a smile, or laughing at the very least. There are jokes, shared humorous moments, complete with a dash of practical advice. It may be a bit too centred on the UK at times, but the US and other territories should use this as their template.
Word Of The Mouth
Word Of The Mouth is an older podcast hosted by beloved UK poet Micheal Rosen (remember “We’re All Going On A Bear Hunt?”) While it is not specific to Autistic individuals, it does have a specific remit to explore topics that are typically seen as taboo. There is a specific episode everyone should listen to, called Autism and Communication. Micheal Rosen is doing something incredibly rare, in using his Neurotypical privilege to listen, learn and advocate. His two guests for this episode are also pretty cool, too. He sits, listens, and asks the questions that everyone wants to know – such as coping with being late and how that makes Autistic individuals feels – but then goes one step further to learn even more, to enhance his own understanding. This accessible format should appeal both to Autistics and Neurotypical people alike.
The Aspie World Podcast
Are you still following bloggers and vloggers right now? Make your next follow Dan M Jones, the man behind The Aspie World. He has a YouTube channel with a weekly upload about all things Autism related – down to the basics of what is Autism and what you need to know, to hacks about Autism and school refusal. He also has quite a nifty video about meltdowns, too. But his podcast is an offshoot of all of this, with the elements of his brand his is known for – and even includes Autism in women advocacy interviewee as one of the most recent episodes. The format is universally accessible, as the host has developed a way to speak to Autistics and Neurotypicals simaltenously, all the while thinking about the listener. Because of the way he works, you will learn a lot, and quickly – all in the space of minimal minutes, too.
Read more: Seen and Not Heard: On Hearing, On Listening
Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Website
Not Neurotypical with Laura Zdan
Autistic people are often marked out as different by others around them; culturally speaking, there is an emphasis on conforming, being ‘normal’, as well as not stepping out of line. Then come the tragedy tropes, with self confessed “Autism Moms” thinking that, because their child is “different” – quote marks intended – that their life is over. Yep, really. That’s why Not Neurotypical deserves its place on this podcast list – because difference is to be celebrated and loved, not chastised and punished. Laura Zdan is the host of this podcast, and can be found across most social media networks, too. There are occasional interviews – such as with Dan from the Aspie World Podcast – but other episodes relate to specific experiences which are turned into honest accounts. Burnout is a hot topic among freelancers right now – but people hardly talk about burnout among Autistic people and Autistic style burnout. This is crucial as a podcast, as well as groundbreaking.
Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Website
The Autistic Life
What does it mean to be Autistic, and to life your life as a Neurodivergent individual who has to grapple with so many other uncertain variables? The Autistic Life is a popular Instagram account with 104,000 followers at the last count. Augustina is the person behind the account that is linked to Pateron; however, a podcast was recently released. At the time of writing there are only three episodes so far – but presumably there are more to come. Tiimo sponsors the series. Themes include dealing with the fallout of an Autism diagnosis and the rocky rollercoaster of emotions we can feel after. Another episode includes a look at burnout and what this means to Autistic individuals – it is different to Neurotypical people, in terms of how it is experienced. The lady behind this specialises in presenting complex information in the most simple of formats, while making it ultimately compelling and incredibly shareable; this has translated incredibly well to the land of podcasts and the audio industry.
Autistic Girls World
It should not be the case, but it so sadly is; Autism and the subject of diagnosis is so heavily gendered, when medically it is incredibly flawed. People who present as women are likely to be diagnosed far later in life, compared to people who present as men – and that is because of biased diagnostic criteria, stereotypes, and more. Arguably gender should have no part whatsoever in the world of Autism. I know the feeling, as my own diagnosis was incredibly delayed by years – enough so many thought I was Rain Man. Yep. This podcast is a delight for turning stereotypes, sexism and gender roles around because it is direct from somebody female. An Autistic teen looks at life on the spectrum in all its messy glory, as well as tackling the unanswered questions many of us are forced to deal with. Be it dismantling SIA’s Music or looking at misdiagnosis, this is one for younger listeners.
Autism By Autistics
Autism By Autistics seems to no longer be active, but the archive of podcasts is still available to listen to – which is always worth the while to re-listen to. Autistic individuals doing it for themselves is ultimately something very beautiful, and we are seeing more and more of this in the podcast world lately. Two friends discuss various themes from their own viewpoint and experience, including overload and meltdowns, special interests, and what it feels like to have to disclose your disability constantly. Neurotypical allies may even learn a thing or two; the first episode is simply titled What Is It Like To Be Autistic? (FYI, this questions is one we get a lot, and can be incredibly tedious.) There is a positive, upbeat tone to these episodes, and they serve as a pickup when you need it, too.
The One Percent
What does it feel like to be a member of the one percent (suspected) of the global population suspected to be on the Autistic spectrum? This is a question I have yet to be able to answer – but maybe this podcast is at least halfway there to answering that question. Autistic Tyla has an Instagram following of just over 17,000 followers – and there is a podcast to match! There are occasional special guests including Yo Samdy Sam (YouTube her) and Lauren Melissa from the Aspienelle Instagram account. The podcast is ultimately fascinating for the exploration of ideas, thoughts and the world around us. There is even a recent podcast episode featuring the very well known Dr Simon Baron Cohen. Ideas and free discussions are always an important function of a democratic society – and to have Autistic individuals take on their own remit is great, at long last.
When it comes to the world of podcasting, there is wealth of information on offer – and not all of it is necessarily accurate or supported by the people it talks about. Stick with the Autistics – they know what they are talking about, and just listening an learning is a great way to be supportive while this month is Autism Awareness Month.
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