Autistic Licence autisticlicence

"Echolalia" might seem like mere mimicry to some but, for many autistic individuals, it's a profound way to connect and communicate. In this episode we challenge the often-pathologised views of echolalia, highlighting its role in creating warmth and fostering joint attention.
Join us as we celebrate the nuances of language, accents, and sensory experiences in autistic communication. Through personal stories and reflections we explore how unconscious speech adaptations and repetitive behaviours provide consistency, creativity and joy.
As well as the similarities in our experiences, this episode also showcases some differences between us in relation to the ways our hyper-connected brain pathways respond to the world.  It's always good to be reminded of the old adage "If you know one autistic person, you know one autistic person!"
LINKSRadiolab - Stravinsky's Rite of Spring
Synaptic pruning
ABA PBS - critical article
Neuroclastic - What is ABA?
AMASE - On ‘Positive Behaviour Support’
ABA Kindle book
Francis Bourgeois on TikTok
Francis Bourgeois on Instagram
Francis Bourgeois on YouTube
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The general theme of this episode is gender and sexuality.
As usual we blend personal anecdotes with some theory and reflection. We shine some light on asexuality as an orientation which is often invisible and / or invalidated by both heteronormative and queer communities. 
We then discuss the concept of neuroqueering and apply this to our own evolving identities markers and practices. We acknowledge and explore the impact of imposter syndrome and shame on our processes.
This recording is in two parts and the sound quality in the second half is a little different. The fact that it is in two parts means that you will get an in situ insight into the dynamic and ever changing nature of our dialogue.
We reflect on the vulnerability of being transparent in this way, particularly in relation to this topic and with reference to our therapeutic practices.  The way in which we do this may actually be "neuroqueering" in the moment?!  
Let us know what you think at autisticlicence@gmail.com We love to hear from you 💛🧡
 
LINKS
Photo of Dave Matthews Band
Neuroqueer glossary
Ace & Aro spectrum definitions
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The complexities of food and eating - the latest episode in our occasional mini-series on autistic senses and sensitivities.
You'll hear about our experiences of eating in a range of contexts throughout our lives. We notice the degree of shame and misattunement which is often attached to this - so much so that Siana was too uncomfortable to discuss the topic in any detail until we were actually together in person and needed to eat.
As if in an effort to 'join in' the conversation, Leo's tummy starts rumbling at around 36':30". We were going to try and edit it out, but left its contributions in to honour the "stomach as another brain" theory!
If you would like to connect with us about this topic or anything else, you can reach us at autisticlicence@gmail.com. We love to hear from you 🧡💛
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This conversation came out of a few messages we have received around the theme of disclosing our autistic identities.
We discuss our experiences and notice there is often a distinction between our professional and personal lives.  We reflect and speculate on why this might be, with particular regard to long standing relationships.
We reference the impact of ableism, recognising that unmasking is both a choice and a political move which unfortunately nowadays is not always safe, helpful or desirable. Yet.
It doesn't stop us doing a podcast though! 
We love to hear from you - please get in touch at autisticlicence@gmail.com if you would like to join the conversation.
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Ok, so this episode may be a bit niche 😉
Leo has been searching for the perfect socks and he believes he has found them ... (time will tell).
Somehow, Siana's autistic brain tendrils manage to link his fervour with evangelical Christian zeal and she goes down and round about that rabbit warren for a while.
We speak about our own experiences of religion as autistic people and wind up reaching quite a profound moment towards the end when we consider the significance of autistic-to-autistic mirroring on actualisation (becoming truly ourselves).
We considered not releasing this episode but we realised there was quite a lot of internalised NT perceptions driving our concern, namely that it could be seen as "dull" or "boring". So we have overridden that in the interests of authenticity and in the hope that some of you might relate. Enjoy (or skip!!!)
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Leo (still) has Covid. Through this conversation we wind up exploring a drive he has to be useful, to serve.
We notice how this shows up between us and reflect on how it may have developed. We also consider how it might change in the future so that it becomes less of a default and more of a mindful choice. 
Along the way you can expect some typical autistic literalism and a discussion about the "Drama Triangle" (roles people play).
 
LINKS
Karpman's Drama Triangle
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