Despite growing awareness of autism, around 70–80% of autistic people remain unemployed or underemployed. Why is this still happening, and what needs to change?

In this episode of This Is Autism, host Kerry Heickock is joined by author and autism advocate Charlotte Aldred to discuss the barriers autistic people face when seeking and maintaining employment. Charlotte shares insights from her forthcoming book, Autistic and Unemployed: The Complete Guide to Finding and Keeping a Job, drawing on both extensive research and her personal experience raising a neurodivergent son.

Together they explore:

• Why traditional recruitment processes often disadvantage autistic candidates
• The hidden barriers within job descriptions and interviews
• Practical strategies for autistic job seekers
• The pros and cons of disclosing an autism diagnosis at work
• Workplace adjustments that can make a real difference
• What employers can do to create more inclusive workplaces

Charlotte also shares her family's journey supporting her son into meaningful employment and explains why recognising autistic strengths is key to closing the autism employment gap.

Whether you're autistic, supporting an autistic person, or looking to create a more inclusive workplace, this episode is packed with practical advice and valuable insights.

Listen now and join the conversation.

Why is it so hard for autistic people to find work?

In this episode, for Autism Acceptance Week Kerrie is joined by NEAS CEO John Phillipson, who has led the organisation for more than 20 years. John has played a central role in shaping the charity’s values, expanding its services, and championing the shift from autism awareness to true autism acceptance.

Together, Kerrie and John discuss:

 * What autism acceptance means  - John reflects on why acceptance is essential and how it influences communities, services, and everyday life for autistic people.
 * Current challenges and barriers  - Drawing on decades of experience, John talks about the obstacles that still stand in the way of genuine acceptance.
 * A vision for the future  - John shares his hopes for what the world could look like for autistic people and their families in the years ahead.
 * Lessons learned - From societal change to evolving understanding, John looks back on the key insights he has gained throughout his leadership.

This thoughtful conversation offers clarity, perspective, and a renewed call to action for anyone committed to building a more inclusive future.

Autism Acceptance 

In this episode of This Is Autism, host Kerrie Highcock sits down with experienced occupational therapist and MoodLifter founder Sarah Meharg to explore the world of sensory processing and why it matters for autistic people.

For more than 20 years, Sarah has supported individuals with their mental health and wellbeing, helping people understand how their sensory experiences shape the way they move through the world. Her work focuses on empowering people to recognise their sensory needs, build self-awareness, and develop strategies that support comfort, regulation, and confidence.

Together, Kerrie and Sarah unpack what sensory processing actually is—in simple, relatable terms and why it can look and feel different for autistic people. The conversation covers:

 * What occupational therapists do and how they support sensory wellbeing
 * A clear, accessible explanation of sensory processing
 * Common sensory differences experienced by autistic people
 * How individuals can better understand their own sensory profiles
 * The value of recognising and honouring sensory needs
 * What stimming is and why it plays an important role in self-regulation
 * The benefits of stimming for emotional and physical wellbeing

Sarah also shares a thoughtful final message for listeners about embracing sensory differences with confidence.

This episode is a warm, practical, and an insightful guide for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of sensory processing—whether you’re autistic, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in how our senses shape everyday life.

Follow Sarah on social @moodlifterpt and visit her website www.moodlifter.co.uk [https://www.moodlifter.co.uk/]

Sensory Processing  Differences

Our host Kerry Highcock sits down with Charlie Hamilton, a neuroinclusion specialist and coach supporting late-diagnosed neurodivergent women, to talk openly about the realities of receiving an autism diagnosis later in life.

Together, they unpack:

Why so many autistic women and girls are missed or misdiagnosed
The emotional impact of masking, burnout and years of feeling “different”
The grief — and the relief — that can come with late identification
The power of self-compassion, community and personal advocacy
What society still doesn’t understand about autistic women and girls

Whether you’re late-diagnosed yourself, questioning your own journey, supporting someone you love, or working within education or health services — this honest, empowering conversation will leave you feeling seen, validated and motivated to help drive change.

This Is Autism is the official podcast from the North East Autism Society, sharing real voices and lived experiences to help us all understand autism a little better.

Listen now, and join the movement towards awareness, inclusion and understanding.

Late diagnosis 

This World Menopause Awareness Day, This is Autism explores a topic that’s rarely discussed but deeply important, menopause through an autistic lens.

Our host Kerrie Highcock sits down with Rose Matthews, an autistic researcher and advocate, to talk openly about the realities of menopause and perimenopause for autistic women and gender-diverse people.

Together, they unpack:

 * Why menopause remains misunderstood — especially in the autistic community
 * The impact of sensory changes, misinformation and stigma
 * The urgent need for more inclusive research and honest conversations

Whether you’re autistic, supporting someone who is, or simply curious to learn more — this thoughtful, empowering discussion will leave you better informed and inspired to keep the conversation going.

This is Autism is the official podcast from the North East Autism Society, sharing real voices and lived experiences to help us all understand autism a little better.

Listen now, and join the movement towards awareness, inclusion and understanding.

Menopause 

In this episode of This Is Autism, we sit down with Bea, a passionate young autistic advocate, to talk about her experiences navigating the education system. From early school years through to sixth form, Bea reflects honestly on the challenges she faced — friendship struggles, masking, anxiety and burnout.

Bea shares how a lack of early understanding and support affected her mental health and school attendance, but also how finding the right environment, such as Newcastle Bridges School, helped her rebuild confidence and feel truly supported. She opens up about the pressures of fitting in, internalised ableism, and the emotional toll of constantly having to explain and justify her needs in order to access support.

The conversation also covers key themes like autistic burnout, the importance of safe spaces and special interests, and the role families play in supporting young people through education. Bea’s story highlights both the systemic issues within mainstream education and the transformative power of inclusive, compassionate approaches that value autistic voices.

Whether you’re a parent, professional, or autistic young person yourself, Bea’s journey offers insights into what needs to change to make education truly inclusive.

Education

In this episode of This is Autism, host Kerrie Highcock, Family Development Manager at the North East Autism Society, sits down with Dr Amy Pearson, a late-identified autistic researcher and assistant professor in psychology at Durham University. Amy’s work focuses on the lived experiences of autistic adults, with a particular emphasis on relationships, masking, and victimisation.

Kerrie and Amy explore the findings of Amy’s award-winning research into interpersonal victimisation—specifically the abuse autistic people may face from those closest to them. Amy explains what interpersonal victimisation means, why autistic people may be more vulnerable in relationships, and how societal framing and masking contribute to these risks.

The episode also celebrates Amy’s new book, which has already received glowing feedback. It’s an insightful conversation that sheds light on the challenges autistic people face in forming safe, meaningful connections, and what we can do to support. 

💬 Listen in to hear:

 * Why autistic people may be more vulnerable in relationships
 * The role of masking and societal expectations
 * What interpersonal victimisation really means
 * How Amy’s research is changing the conversation

Relationships

In this episode, North East Autism Society’s Family Development Manager, Kerrie Highcock, speaks with Lauren Osbourne — a talented illustrator and author who has been self-employed since graduating with an MA in Design in 2022. Lauren shares her journey as an autistic creative, from illustrating six published books to writing her own, It’s Ok to Be Me.

Together, they explore the highs and lows of self-employment, why it can be a meaningful path for autistic individuals, and how Lauren has built a career that works for her. With only 3 in 10 autistic people currently in employment, this conversation shines a light on alternative routes to success — and why creating your own path can be empowering.

Whether you're autistic, a parent, educator, or employer, this episode offers valuable insight into how self-employment can support autistic strengths and authenticity.

Building a career: self-employment for autistic people

In this episode, Kerrie Highcock, Family Development Manager at the North East Autism Society, is joined by Nic King—an autistic trainer, consultant, and founder of PANDAS Online. Nic is also a parent to two neurodivergent children and brings both lived and professional experience to today’s conversation.

Together, they explore what it means for autistic young people to understand and embrace their identity. From discussing the importance of a positive autistic identity to when—and how—families might share an autism diagnosis, Nic offers thoughtful, compassionate insights rooted in authenticity and empowerment.

Topics covered include:

· What is a positive autistic identity?

· Is there a “right” or “wrong” time to share a diagnosis?

· How can families approach these conversations?

· The story behind Neurobears—and why pandas?

· Why a strengths-based model matters

· Agency, autonomy, and future plans

Autistic young people understanding their identity

James Henderson, 33, from Sunderland, opens up on our ‘This is Autism’ podcast about life before and after receiving his autism and ADHD diagnosis at 32.   

Struggling with anxiety, frustration, and mental health challenges, it was a single Instagram post that sparked James’s journey to understanding himself. “It described this rage that starts in your stomach and spreads through your whole body. I wasn’t violent — just so irritated all the time. That’s when I realised, I needed to do something.”   

James shares how therapy and support led him to his diagnosis, and helped him finally make sense of his experiences and who he is. Around 70–80% of autistic people experience mental health conditions, yet many face misdiagnosis, stigma, and a lack of proper support.  

In the UK, 70% of people in inpatient mental health hospitals are autistic. Let’s talk about autism, mental health, and why early support matters. Special thanks to host Alex Davies and Brothers of Purpose Podcast for producing this episode.   

Time codes for this episode:  

2:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnngX2JT544&t=120s] Late diagnosis  

2:23 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnngX2JT544&t=143s] The Instagram Moment  

3:33 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnngX2JT544&t=213s] Therapy  

6:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnngX2JT544&t=390s] Anxiety  

11:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnngX2JT544&t=660s] Childhood  

12:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnngX2JT544&t=765s] Diagnosis  

18:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnngX2JT544&t=1080s] Changes after diagnosis  

20:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnngX2JT544&t=1200s] Mental health  

21:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnngX2JT544&t=1260s] ADHD and medication  

24:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnngX2JT544&t=1485s] Life after diagnosis  

28:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnngX2JT544&t=1680s] School  

33:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnngX2JT544&t=1980s] Impact of diagnosis and work 

 37:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnngX2JT544&t=2250s] Sense of justice  

40:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnngX2JT544&t=2400s] Communication  

41:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnngX2JT544&t=2460s] Masking 

 45:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnngX2JT544&t=2700s] Perception

'The Instagram moment' - life before and after my autism diagnosis

This Is Autism explores the subjects that really matter to autistic people and those who care for them, including masking, sex and relationships, puberty and wellbeing. Hosted by the North East Autism Society [https://www.ne-as.org.uk/], the podcast hears from autistic people about how they experience the world, and offers practical advice along the way. If you are autistic or love someone who is, join us as we tackle the issues that don’t often get talked about.