In this episode, I’m joined by John Clark — afilmmaker, scriptwriter, director, and advocate with lived experience of autism. Diagnosed with Asperger’s at just four years old, John’s journey has been one of self-discovery, resilience, and creative expression.
John shares how, as a child, he struggled with socialinteraction and masking, often feeling “weird” or isolated until open conversations with his mum helped him begin to understand himself. In his twenties, the constant fatigue from masking became overwhelming, but letting goof it brought him a sense of liberation.
We dive into how his lived experience has directly inspiredhis filmmaking. From Aspergers and What of It?—a finalist in the National Autistic Society’s Autism Uncut competition—to Snapshot, which highlighted the barriers autistic people face in employment, John has used film to challenge misconceptions, depict the realities of stress andanxiety, and spotlight the importance of reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
John also talks about his latest project, Idøle,inspired by research with neurodivergent and disabled communities as well as his wife’s experiences with fibromyalgia. The film addresses microaggressions,stigma around disability benefits, and the devastating impact of diagnostic overshadowing in the medical system. With crowdfunding plans in the works, Johnhopes to bring this important story to life.
Beyond filmmaking, John delivers the Oliver McGowanTraining, advocates for better understanding of hidden disabilities, and reflects on his unexpected but rewarding journey into fatherhood. We also discuss the challenges autistic people face in recruitment, the dilemma ofdisclosing neurodivergence to employers, and recent government changes to PIP.
This is a powerful conversation about creativity, advocacy,and the reality of living — and thriving — as an autistic adult in a world full of barriers.
Links:
National Autistic Society - John Clark
I have Asperger’s – And What of it? SnapshotSia film - Music Iambic 9 Poetry - Squarepusher