Our first episode! In this episode we explain what the Understanding Autism Podcast is about and what we hope to contribute to the community’s understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

How is autism defined? What impact do these definitions have on the neurodiverse community and how we understand autism? In this episode we explore the how the definition of autism impacts how we view this condition and those on the spectrum.

Why are some people on the spectrum uncomfortable with making eye contact? In this episode, we explore some of the reasons behind this and how to support those who struggle with making eye contact.

Many people with autism stim or fidget. In this episode we breakdown the causes of this behavior and its importance to those on the spectrum.

Some of the more alarming autistic behaviors for parents and caregivers are meltdowns, shutdowns, and self-harming behaviors. In Part 1 of this episode we explore what these behaviors are and why they may occur.  In Part 2 of this episode Nicole shares her experiences as an adult. We also offer some advice for managing these behaviors for teachers, parents, and autistic people in the workplace.

Some autistic people are highly sensitive to the world around them. Textures, sights, sounds, noises, and smells, can lead to overwhelm, and in some cases, physical pain. In Part 1 of this episode we explore the reasons behind Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), its impacts, and assessments that can help. In Part 2 of this episode, we explore treatments for SPD and how SPD impacts socializing for those on the spectrum. Finally, we look at some resources for adults who experience SPD.

One characteristic of autistic people is that they can develop a strong fixation on a topic or special interest, often at the expense of other tasks. Is this healthy? Why does this occur more among autistic people than with neurotypical people? What if these fixations are dangerous? In this episode, we explore these questions.

Some autistic people experience the feeling of being ‘stuck’. This can manifest itself in the form of thinking patterns, speech, and body movements. In this episode we examine what perseveration is and tips on how manage this experience.

A common challenge that many autistic people face is tolerating unpleasant or stressful situations. In Part 1 of this episode, we will explore the signs and causes of low frustration tolerance and what can be done to build tolerance around frustrating situations. In Part 2 of this episode, we will discuss how low frustration tolerance impacts teachers and classrooms, how to support neurodiverse students, and how employers and employees can work through low frustration tolerance in the workplace. 

As an autistic person, are you someone who constantly misplaces objects and lose your cool when you’re trying to find it? In this episode we examine why object permanence and working memory are such challenges for people with autism and what can be done to address it.

People with autism often experience bullying at school or stigmatization at work. That’s why many people on the spectrum ‘mask’ their autistic behaviors from neurotypical people. In this episode we explore the reasons behind masking, the physical and mental health consequences of masking, and the benefits of unmasking.

Managing transitions can be extremely frustrating for neurotypical people as well as those on the autism spectrum. In this episode we explore why change creates stress, how this may manifest into resistance to change, and some solutions around managing the stress around transitions.

Many people can suffer from phobias but how exactly are autistic people impacted by phobias and what are some methods to cope with them? In this podcast we explore causes of phobias and some strategies on how to manage and overcome them.

While many of us struggle with phobias that impact our lives, emetophobia, or fear of vomiting, can be extremely debilitating. In this episode, Nicole shares her personal experience with this phobia and the strategies she used to overcome it.

Many people on the spectrum struggle with food. What might look like picky eating habits to the neurotypical person, is actually an autistic person’s complex relationship with food. In this episode, we explore what causes ‘picky eating’, what diets that people with autism adopt, food and social gatherings, and resources for those who struggle with food.

Anxiety is a common occurrence for all of us, but how does a person on the spectrum experience anxiety? In this episode, we will do a deep dive on Nick Dubin’s book: Asperger’s Syndrome and Anxiety. We will also explore the link between autism and anxiety and focus on autistic experiences with anxiety.

Depression can be a real concern for many of us especially around the holidays, but how do people on the spectrum experience depression? In this episode we explore the causes, experiences, and treatments for autistic people and depression.

Perfectionism, or the tendency to demand flawless behavior or performance, is a challenge many with autism struggle with. In this episode, we examine the root causes of perfectionism, how perfectionism impacts those with autism, and some generally recommended solutions for addressing perfectionism.

Neurodiverse people often know they are different and that they may stand out from neurotypical people. But how does society treat those that are different? This episode explores the sensitive issue around shame, stigma and the resulting trauma that can occur. We also review examples of shame informed therapy.

In this episode we explore the sensitive topic of suicide. How does autism impact suicidal thoughts? What social and cultural factors might contribute to thoughts of suicide? Nicole shares her own struggles with this topic and shares resources and strategies that helped her overcome thoughts of suicide.

In Episode 21, we interview licensed social worker and QPR Gatekeeper Instructor, Katelyn Szymanski on the research and advocacy work she has done around suicide awareness and prevention for the neurodiverse community in Maryland.  

In this, our final episode of season 1, we reflect on how we managed to create the Understanding Autism Podcast. In Part 1, we explore our journey from what started as an idea, to content creation, to the technical aspects of putting a podcast together. In Part 2, we discuss the recording and editing process, what makes our podcast unique, offer advice for first time podcasters, and preview our ideas for season 2.