This is Autism

In this episode of This Is Autism, host Kerry Highcock is joined by author and autism advocate Dr 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.

In this episode of This Is Autism, host Kerrie Highcock speaks with NEAS CEO John Phillipson about what autism acceptance truly means. John reflects on the biggest barriers facing autistic people today, shares his hopes for the future, and looks back on the key lessons he’s learned during more than 20 years leading the North East Autism Society.

Host Kerrie Highcock talks with occupational therapist and MoodLifter founder Sarah Meharg about sensory processing and its importance for autistic people. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Sarah explains how our senses shape daily life and why recognising sensory differences is empowering.

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

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.

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.

Kerrie 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.

Lauren Osbourne shares her journey as an autistic creative, from illustrating six published books to writing her own, It’s Ok to Be Me.

In this episode, Kerrie Highcock chats with Nic King—autistic trainer, consultant, and parent—about how young people can understand and embrace their autistic identity, and how families can offer support with compassion and confidence.