The Autism Infocast

Autism Info Center

Welcome to The Autism Infocast, your weekly helper for understanding and reacting to autism. Hosted by autistic author Peter J Clark and his team, this popular podcast provides a series of bite-sized episodes packed with autism and neurodivergence insights, ideas, care and support tips, advocacy plans, and ways to improve life for everyone! Whether you're autistic, have autistic loved ones, or you're in a group, a business, healthcare, government, or education, we'll help you demystify autism, bust the myths, and give you simple, practical strategies for communicating, socialising, working, learning, and integrating with the community. Take a few minutes every week to get some fresh thinking, inspiration, and ideas for building more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Tune in to learn, grow, and help build a more inclusive world!

  1. Jul 16

    The Importance of Predictability for Autistic People - The reason they stick so rigidly to their routines and habits

    In this Autism Infocast, you'll learn why routine and predictability are essential for many autistic people, offering a solid foundation for well-being. We cover how a predictable world can reduce anxiety and cognitive load, creating a crucial sense of safety and control. You'll gain insight into why unexpected changes can be so distressing and understand this need as a vital coping mechanism for navigating an often overwhelming world. We'll give you practical strategies, such as using visual schedules and providing advance warning, that can help to support this fundamental need. We'll help you to see how a predictable framework allows people to feel safer, calmer, and more in control of their lives. Support the show Get more practical advice, ideas, and knowledge... To browse hundreds of insightful articles, videos, podcasts, books, resources, and courses about Autism and Neurodiversity, all made to help both autistic and non-autistic people alike, visit these links: Read articles on autism and neurodiversityWatch videos to teach yourself and find inspirationListen to podcasts to learn all about autismExplore books on autism, neurodiversity, and careExplore a packed library of autism resources and helpful toolsBook a 1 or 2 hour training course for you, your group, or your organisationSearch the Autism Info Center for ideas, advice and learning materialsCreate a free Autism Hospital Passport to make medical care easier!

  2. Jul 2

    Understanding Meltdowns and Shutdowns in Autism - Why Autistic People Sometimes ‘Just Can’t’

    In this Autism Infocast, we delve into why autistic people sometimes feel completely overwhelmed. You'll learn that intense reactions like meltdowns and shutdowns are not deliberate choices or bad behaviour, but involuntary responses to overload. We cover what these distinct experiences look like, from outward expressions to internalised withdrawal. We'll help you to understand common triggers, such as sensory overload or unexpected changes, and how a cumulative build-up of stress can lead to these moments. We'll give you compassionate, practical strategies for supporting people during and after these profoundly distressing events, fostering empathy and safety over judgment. Support the show Get more practical advice, ideas, and knowledge... To browse hundreds of insightful articles, videos, podcasts, books, resources, and courses about Autism and Neurodiversity, all made to help both autistic and non-autistic people alike, visit these links: Read articles on autism and neurodiversityWatch videos to teach yourself and find inspirationListen to podcasts to learn all about autismExplore books on autism, neurodiversity, and careExplore a packed library of autism resources and helpful toolsBook a 1 or 2 hour training course for you, your group, or your organisationSearch the Autism Info Center for ideas, advice and learning materialsCreate a free Autism Hospital Passport to make medical care easier!

  3. Jun 18

    Romantic Relationships and Autism - How to Find Love and Keep It

    In this Autism Infocast, we delve into romantic relationships involving autistic people. You'll learn how the desire for love and connection is universal, exploring the unique strengths autistic partners bring, such as refreshing honesty and unwavering loyalty. We cover potential complexities stemming from different communication styles and sensory sensitivities, reframing them as differences to be understood. We'll give you practical strategies, like embracing clear communication and building shared interests, to cultivate strong, lasting, and deeply loving partnerships. This material will help you to replace assumptions with curiosity, fostering mutual understanding for harmonious connections. Support the show Get more practical advice, ideas, and knowledge... To browse hundreds of insightful articles, videos, podcasts, books, resources, and courses about Autism and Neurodiversity, all made to help both autistic and non-autistic people alike, visit these links: Read articles on autism and neurodiversityWatch videos to teach yourself and find inspirationListen to podcasts to learn all about autismExplore books on autism, neurodiversity, and careExplore a packed library of autism resources and helpful toolsBook a 1 or 2 hour training course for you, your group, or your organisationSearch the Autism Info Center for ideas, advice and learning materialsCreate a free Autism Hospital Passport to make medical care easier!

  4. May 21

    Do You Know Your True Autistic Self? (Understanding Autism and Other Identities)

    In this Autism Infocast, you'll learn about autism not as a standalone experience, but as a core part of a person's identity profoundly shaped by their other identities. We cover how various social identities like gender, culture, and co-occurring conditions interact, creating unique, layered experiences. You'll discover how these overlaps can lead to both compounded challenges and unique strengths, such as profound resilience and creative problem-solving. We'll help you to appreciate the power of a multifaceted identity, offering a framework for self-advocacy and more person-centred support for all people. This perspective fosters a deeper, nuanced understanding of life's complexities. Support the show Get more practical advice, ideas, and knowledge... To browse hundreds of insightful articles, videos, podcasts, books, resources, and courses about Autism and Neurodiversity, all made to help both autistic and non-autistic people alike, visit these links: Read articles on autism and neurodiversityWatch videos to teach yourself and find inspirationListen to podcasts to learn all about autismExplore books on autism, neurodiversity, and careExplore a packed library of autism resources and helpful toolsBook a 1 or 2 hour training course for you, your group, or your organisationSearch the Autism Info Center for ideas, advice and learning materialsCreate a free Autism Hospital Passport to make medical care easier!

  5. May 7

    Finding Your Tribe - The Importance of Autistic Connections

    In this Autism Infocast, we explore the vital importance of connecting with other autistic people. Navigating a world not always designed with autistic people in mind can feel isolating, and you’ll learn how finding your community offers invaluable validation and a true sense of belonging. We cover various avenues to discover these connections, from online forums and local groups to clubs based on shared interests. You'll gain insights into how these spaces provide practical advice and emotional support, fostering authentic, unmasked interactions. We’ll help you to understand the comfort of shared experiences, like navigating sensory environments, and empower you to build meaningful friendships at your own pace. Support the show Get more practical advice, ideas, and knowledge... To browse hundreds of insightful articles, videos, podcasts, books, resources, and courses about Autism and Neurodiversity, all made to help both autistic and non-autistic people alike, visit these links: Read articles on autism and neurodiversityWatch videos to teach yourself and find inspirationListen to podcasts to learn all about autismExplore books on autism, neurodiversity, and careExplore a packed library of autism resources and helpful toolsBook a 1 or 2 hour training course for you, your group, or your organisationSearch the Autism Info Center for ideas, advice and learning materialsCreate a free Autism Hospital Passport to make medical care easier!

  6. Apr 23

    Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations - Visual Tools for Better Autistic Understanding

    In this Autism Infocast, you'll learn about powerful visual tools designed to support autistic people. We cover Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations, explaining how they make complex social situations and abstract emotions clearer. You'll understand their structure and how to create them effectively using simple language and visuals. We'll give you insights into how these strategies can significantly improve social understanding, reduce anxiety, and teach new skills, fostering greater independence. We'll help you to see how these methods empower autistic people to navigate their world with more confidence and ease, making communication more accessible for everyone involved. Support the show Get more practical advice, ideas, and knowledge... To browse hundreds of insightful articles, videos, podcasts, books, resources, and courses about Autism and Neurodiversity, all made to help both autistic and non-autistic people alike, visit these links: Read articles on autism and neurodiversityWatch videos to teach yourself and find inspirationListen to podcasts to learn all about autismExplore books on autism, neurodiversity, and careExplore a packed library of autism resources and helpful toolsBook a 1 or 2 hour training course for you, your group, or your organisationSearch the Autism Info Center for ideas, advice and learning materialsCreate a free Autism Hospital Passport to make medical care easier!

  7. Apr 9

    Adjusting Your Communication for Autistic Adults – How To Understand And Be Understood

    This Autism Infocast offers neurotypical people a range of easy ideas and strategies for improving communication with autistic adults. It explains common differences in processing information, such as literal interpretation, the need for more processing time, and varied non-verbal cue interpretation. We recommend being clear, direct, and explicit, avoiding unexplained figurative language, and allowing for pauses (even if that feels a bit awkward). We also tell you about Active Listening and making written communication more accessible, along with a two-way guide for understanding and using non-verbal communication effectively. The aim here is to help you build stronger, more respectful connections through a few simple-but-thoughtful adjustments. Support the show Get more practical advice, ideas, and knowledge... To browse hundreds of insightful articles, videos, podcasts, books, resources, and courses about Autism and Neurodiversity, all made to help both autistic and non-autistic people alike, visit these links: Read articles on autism and neurodiversityWatch videos to teach yourself and find inspirationListen to podcasts to learn all about autismExplore books on autism, neurodiversity, and careExplore a packed library of autism resources and helpful toolsBook a 1 or 2 hour training course for you, your group, or your organisationSearch the Autism Info Center for ideas, advice and learning materialsCreate a free Autism Hospital Passport to make medical care easier!

About

Welcome to The Autism Infocast, your weekly helper for understanding and reacting to autism. Hosted by autistic author Peter J Clark and his team, this popular podcast provides a series of bite-sized episodes packed with autism and neurodivergence insights, ideas, care and support tips, advocacy plans, and ways to improve life for everyone! Whether you're autistic, have autistic loved ones, or you're in a group, a business, healthcare, government, or education, we'll help you demystify autism, bust the myths, and give you simple, practical strategies for communicating, socialising, working, learning, and integrating with the community. Take a few minutes every week to get some fresh thinking, inspiration, and ideas for building more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Tune in to learn, grow, and help build a more inclusive world!