Autistic Licence autisticlicence

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).
 
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Karpman's Drama Triangle
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Trigger warning for mention of life threatening scenarios and maternal birthing distress. If you have particular sensitivities around your own experiences of healthcare please consider carefully whether and / or when you might listen to this episode. 
We speak about a wide range of our experiences related to being unwell and / or navigating our healthcare needs.  This ranges from planned hospital stays to emergency admissions, from managing familiar health needs to circumstances such as giving birth and receiving vaccines.  
We notice common autistic idiosyncrasies related to our perceptions of pain and discomfort. We note that many times autistic people are misunderstood and misread, which can have traumatic and isolating effects. We also reflect on self sufficiency and its limitations. And, finally!, we savour the effects of some significant interactions where we have been seen and attended to in ways which felt meaningful and profound.  
We weave in some therapeutic chat related to our own communication this week while Leo has been unwell with Covid.----more----LINKS
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Trigger warningThis episode deals with the topics of loneliness and suicide.Please take care of yourself and think about the timing and where your support is if you decide to listen.
We reflect on our experiences and relationships in the past, which led to loneliness, disconnection and feelings of life not being worth living. We also reflect on the distinctions between company, co-regulation and presence.
We recognise that these topics are heavy and in need of careful and responsible handling. At the same time, they're extremely common among the autistic community and we feel it's important to shine light on them.
 
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In this episode we talk about sensitivities to physical and sensory stimuli. We focus on challenges around noise, food and physical (dis)comfort.
We speak about the significance of autonomy. We also discuss interpersonal misunderstandings related to us not doing "what's good" for us.  We note the important distinction here between things being seen as preferences rather than (in)tolerances.
Seasonal references provided intermittently as we experience in real time the 26 minute time difference between sunset in London and Carrickfergus. And basically reflect on how we might control time were we in charge. Sure, how else would two Autistic people make meaning out of Easter?!
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Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com