The third series of the Autism Central podcast focuses on transitions. Host Holly Sprake-Hill meets autistic people, parents and professionals to talk about managing different life changes, from starting school, to moving into work and getting older.
With thanks to all of our contributors, including:
Dr Alice Nicholls
Dr Luke Beardon
Amanda Hind
Dr Wenn Lawson
Jamie + Lion
Dr Naomi Fisher
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Some of our podcast episodes contain specialist terms you may be unfamiliar with. We've put together a glossary to explain some of the terms mentioned.
Episode one:
Managing change
Holly Sprake Hill talks to psychologist Dr Alice Nicholls and Michelle Myers, Head of Central Services at Great Minds Together, about changes and how these affect autistic people.
Episode two:
Starting school
Holly chats to Amanda Hind about the experience of starting school. Amanda is an autism researcher, qualified SENCO and autistic mum to autistic children.
Episode three:
Moving schools
Holly talks to Hannah Molloy, Sophia Vasi and Jacob Lennon about their experiences around moving schools and dealing with transitions.
Episode four:
Puberty
Holly talks to Dr Naomi Fisher and Eliza Fricker about puberty and what parents and carers can do to support autistic young people during this period.
Episode five:
Finishing school
Holly meets autistic coach Sarah-Jane Critchley and autistic mum and veterinary surgeon Jacq Watkins to talk about the changes young people face when finishing school and how we can best support them.
Episode six:
Starting work
Holly chats to two autistic people, Andrew Carpenter and Mandy Taylor, about their experiences around starting work, with tips and advice for other autistic people.
Episode seven:
Going to university
Holly talks to Senior Lecturer in Autism Dr. Luke Beardon and autistic student Leona Laverty about starting university and how to get support.
Episode eight:
Living independently
Holly meets Jamie + Lion to talk about living independently and autonomously as an autistic person.
Episode nine:
Becoming a mother
Holly talks to autistic mothers Lynette Morgan and Sophia Abdel about their experiences in pregnancy and motherhood.
Episode ten:
Growing older
Holly chats to autistic researcher Dr. Wenn Lawson about getting older and what this means for autistic people.
Meet Holly
Holly Sprake-Hill is a children's occupational therapist specialising in neurodivergent affirming autism practice, working within the NHS and independent sector. She is a parent to two exceptional children with special educational needs and is late diagnosed autistic/ADHD.
Holly provides training, advocacy and works with schools, education authorities, voluntary services, local authorities and health commissioners to try and raise the level of understanding around autism and the needs of autistic people.
