This Is Autism

What is monotropism, and how does it shape the way many autistic and ADHD people experience the world?
In this episode of This is Autism, Kerry Highcock, Family Development Manager at the North East Autism Society, is joined by autistic teacher, writer and advocate Helen Edgars, the voice behind Autistic Realms. Together, they explore the theory of monotropism – an autistic-led, neurodiversity-affirming framework that helps explain deep focus, flow states, sensory experiences, transitions and attention.
Helen shares how discovering monotropism transformed her understanding of autism, moving away from deficit-based thinking and towards a more positive and authentic perspective. The conversation explores what monotropic thinking can look like in everyday life, why transitions and interruptions can be so challenging, and how embracing flow can support wellbeing and help prevent burnout.
Whether you're autistic, ADHD, a parent, educator, professional or simply interested in learning more about neurodiversity, this episode offers practical insights and strategies to better understand and support monotropic thinkers at home, in school and in the workplace.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What monotropism is and why it matters
The difference between monotropic and polytropic attention
Why flow states are so important for many autistic people
How monotropism influences learning, communication and wellbeing
Practical ways to create more neurodiversity-affirming environments
Listen now and discover how understanding monotropism can help us move beyond stereotypes and create spaces where autistic and neurodivergent people can truly thrive.

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.

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.

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

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.