In Episode 40 of Neurotypicals: Don’t Juggle Chainsaws, we explore the idea that things like truth, justice, and mercy aren’t just abstract ideals, they’re deeply felt emotions for many neurodivergent people.
Kate and Nic reflect on the strong sense of right and wrong that so often shapes autistic identity, activism, and everyday life. From personal ethics to social expectations, this episode gets right into what drives us and why it matters.
In this week’s Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws, Nic and Kate take on the nonsense so you don’t have to. From the latest nonsense to paracetamol panic and vaccine conspiracies, they call out the wildest (and most persistent) myths about the cause of autism.
Expect proper facts, sharp wit, and the kind of laughter you need when the world keeps asking the wrong questions.
🧬 Spoiler alert: it’s genetic.
This week on Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws, Kate and Nic take on the tricky topic of friendship.
What does it mean to be a good friend as a neurodivergent adult? Why is it so hard to make new ones? And is it OK to just want low-maintenance WhatsApp friendships and heated car seats?
Expect honest chat, gentle humour, and some very relatable reflections on energy, expectations, and why being “undemanding” might just be the dream.
In the second part of our special episode with Fergus Murray and Sonny Hallett, we focus on the practical aspects of living as a neurodivergent individual, including the challenges and strategies related to neurodivergent privilege, identity construction, and community support.
Fergus and Sonny share their insights on creating supportive environments through counselling, advocacy, and mutual aid, which facilitate better understanding and acceptance of neurodivergent identities.
This week, we’re talking memory—and how it can affect relationships, expectations, appointments, and everything in between when you’re neurodivergent.
Kate and Nic explore forgetfulness that’s not personal, missed calendar dates, and why reminders aren’t about assuming incompetence, they’re about care.
We get into prompting culture, inconsistent systems, and how many of us are walking around with brains too full to remember it’s Thursday.
In the final part of our conversation with the brilliant Kieran Rose, we continue exploring the deep stuff—trauma, safety, diagnosis, and the stories that shape how autistic people are seen, treated, and understood.
We talk about the real impact of unsupported neurodivergence across a lifetime, what’s missing in many professional approaches, and why pushing for understanding isn’t just about “awareness”—it’s about challenging systems.
Expect compassion, realism, and a healthy dose of challenge to the status quo. Because, as Kieran puts it, you can’t separate autism from the world it exists in—and the stories we tell matter.
Pain can be hard to describe, hard to measure—and even harder to manage when you’re neurodivergent.
This week, Kate and Nic dive into the realities of pain, fatigue, and how it shows up (or doesn’t) for autistic people.
From hot water bottles for your soul to boiling showers, we’re sharing the warmth, the honesty, and a few laugh-out-loud moments along the way.
In the second part of our special with Dr. Amy Pearson, we’re focusing on the practical challenges and societal expectations faced by autistic individuals, particularly autistic women and mothers.
Dr. Pearson elaborates on the concept of 'masking' and its profound effects on personal and professional life, emphasising the intense pressures and unrealistic standards imposed on autistic mothers.
This episode sheds light on the need for greater understanding and support for the autistic community, discussing how societal norms and gender roles significantly impact the mental health and well-being of autistic individuals.
This week on Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws, Kate and Nic take on one of the most persistent—and frankly exhausting—narratives in the world of autism representation: the “superpower” myth.
Is it flattering?
Is it helpful?
Or is it actually just another way of misunderstanding autistic experiences?
From shiny capes and hyperlexia to real-life differences in how we think, learn, and process the world, this episode dives into what gets lost when autism is painted as magical, mysterious, or superhuman.
In this special episode, Nic King is thrilled to welcome Dr. Amy Pearson, an assistant professor at Durham University, who shares her insights into autistic identity, masking, and victimisation among autistic individuals.
Dr. Pearson, a late-diagnosed autistic woman, dives deep into her research and discusses her co-authored book on autistic masking.
This discussion not only highlights the complexities of autistic experiences but also explores the impact of stigma on identity management within the autistic community.
LIVE Part 2: The Future Awaits…
We’re back with the second half of our first-ever live show at Gosforth Civic Theatre!
This time, we’re looking ahead – to the future of neurodivergent life, support, and understanding.
What needs to change? What gives us hope? And what do we absolutely not want to see happening?
Expect deep thoughts and big laughs, plus, some real-time audience reactions and slightly too much honesty, as always.
This week on Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws, Kate Fox and Nic King wade into a slightly controversial topic—one that’s been on the list for a while but needed just the right moment. That moment is now.
Yes, you can be autistic and be an a******.
Just like any other group, we have our fair share of people who display manipulative, toxic, or outright abusive behaviours. And it’s time we talked about it.
From spotting red flags to understanding why autistic and ADHD people can be more vulnerable to manipulation, this episode tackles the complex dynamics of trust, abuse, and community accountability.
And, crucially, while every community has one (or several), the vast majority of autistic people are kind, justice-driven, and deeply caring.
In this episode of Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws, Kate Fox and Nic King finally tackle a topic they’ve been meaning to dive into for ages—autistic-coded characters. And what better way to do it than through Patience, Channel 4’s new show featuring an explicitly autistic protagonist played by autistic actor Ella Maisy Purvis?
Kate and Nic break down what Patience gets right, where it stumbles, and how it compares to the long history of autistic-coded but never explicitly autistic characters.
They also dig into the ongoing issue of autistic representation in media.
LIVE from Gosforth Civic Theatre!
For the first time ever, we took Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws to the stage – and now, you get to hear it too!
This special episode is all about schools – the good, the bad, and the ‘why is this still happening?!’ From rigid rules to neurodivergent survival tactics, we dive into what works, what doesn’t, and how things could be better.
Expect the usual mix of insight, laughter, and slightly too much honesty – plus, a real-life audience reacting in real-time. Just us, a microphone, and a room full of lovely people.
🎧 Tune in now and relive the chaos!
In this episode of Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws, Kate Fox and Nic King talk about the world of Artificial Intelligence—how it thinks, how it learns, and why Kate feels a surprising kinship with it.
As monotropic flow takes over, Kate loses all track of time, leading to the inevitable conclusion: this might need a Part 2.
Tune in and let your pattern-spotting brain process this one!
Purhcase tickets to see Nic and Kate live at Gosforth Civic Theatre tonight!
https://bit.ly/42QScrq
How do you feel about silence?
In this episode of Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws, Kate Fox and Nic King dive into the topic of silence, co-regulation, and the very different ways neurodivergent people experience them.
They explore the role of silence in relationships, whether quiet togetherness can be a form of co-regulation, and why some neurodivergent people find peace in silence while others find it unbearable.
Plus, if you’d like to experience some live, non-silent co-regulation with Kate and Nic, don’t forget to grab your tickets for their live podcast recording at Gosforth Civic Theatre on March 6th!
Purchase tickets here:
https://bit.ly/42QScrq
No enforced silence required.
Join us for Part 2 of the captivating two-part special of Neurotypicals Don't Juggle Chainsaws, where hosts Nic King and Kate Fox continue their enlightening conversation with Jac and Amy from Autism Level UP!
This episode dives deeper into the concepts of atypical burnout and the unique sensory challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.
Our guests share personal insights and professional expertise on navigating sensory environments and advocating for more inclusive practices.
Don't miss these vital discussions that aim to empower and inform our community and beyond.
Purhcase tickets to see Nic and Kate live at Gosforth Civic Theatre on the 6th march.
https://bit.ly/42QScrq
Love is in the air—or is it? In this special Valentine's episode of Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws, Kate Fox and Nic King dive into the highs, lows, and neurodivergent realities of Valentine’s Day.
From love languages and communication styles to the social expectations surrounding romance, they unpack what works (and what doesn’t) for neurodivergent relationships.
They also challenge the traditional Valentine’s narrative—because love isn’t just about being in perfect alignment, it’s about communication, trust, and understanding each other’s needs (with or without a glittery M&S chocolate bubble bath).
And if you’re still stuck for Valentine’s date ideas, why not take your loved one to see Kate and Nic LIVE at Gosforth Civic Theatre on March 6th? Nothing says romance like a live neurodivergent podcast recording.
Purchase tickets here: https://bit.ly/42QScrq
Happy Valentine’s Day—however you choose to spend it!
Join us for Part 1 of an engaging two-part special of Neurotypicals Don't Juggle Chainsaws, where hosts Nic King and Kate Fox welcome Jac and Amy from Autism Level UP!
This episode delves into the nuanced world of sensory experiences and empathy within the neurodivergent community.
Our guests discuss the importance of sensory joy and how different stimuli can be soothing for some and overwhelming for others.
This conversation not only explores individual sensory needs but also promotes a deeper understanding of how neurodivergent individuals navigate their environments.
www.neurotypicalsdontjugglechainsaws.co.uk
www.autismlevelup.com
In this episode of Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws, Kate Fox and Nic King discuss the complexities of behaviour as communication.
Building on insights from previous episodes, they unpack how neurodivergent behaviours are often misinterpreted through neurotypical lenses and how ingrained behaviourist views can lead to oversimplified assumptions.
With a mix of personal anecdotes and sharp observations, this episode highlights the importance of challenging conventional narratives and advocating for deeper, more empathetic approaches to understanding neurodivergent experiences.
