Research shows that getting the right support early on can make a big difference to a child's experiences at school and their mental health further down the line. However, hundreds of thousands of children are currently on the waiting lists for an autism diagnosis, with their families often having to cope by themselves while they wait. In conversation with Kerrie Highcock, Family Development Manager at NEAS, Dr Helen Leonard and Mum, Lyndsey Morgan, explore how the process works, what parents can do, and why early support is so important. Find out more about our Little Stars appeal - www.ne-as.org.uk/little-stars 

Katie Toner shares her journey of self-discovery, explaining how, before her diagnosis, she often felt anxious and out of place. After receiving her diagnosis, Katie realised she wasn't broken, just different, and began to understand how to thrive in her unique way. Using her personal experiences, Katie now helps neurodivergent children and young people embrace their individuality and learn to communicate their needs. She founded Dark Sky Sleepovers, [https://www.darkskysleepovers.co.uk/] a business offering themed events, and The Wild Bunch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-toner-unite-club/], which provides training in sensory regulation. In this episode Katie talks to Kerrie Highcock, family development manager at NEAS about the diagnostic process and how it has shaped her life.

In this episode Kerrie Highcock, family development manager at NEAS chats to Amy Burgess, who was diagnosed with ADHD at 15 and as autistic at the age of 20. Amy is a psychology graduate who is passionate about sharing her experiences with others about what it is to be neurodivergent. Amy says she didn't really understand who she was or how she experienced life until she lived away from home at university. This episode talks about transition from school to adulthood. 

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is "Moving more for our mental health". Dr Patrick Jachyra  is someone who knows all about this. Patrick is assistant professor in sport and exercise sciences at Durham University and he researches how to support the physical activity and mental health of autistic people. This is all the more important since statistics show neurodivergent people experience more mental health challenges than the general population. Music: Aukestra [https://www.aukestra.com/]

Join us for our Autism Acceptance special featuring two of our Autism Activists, Ed and Lucie and NEAS Family Development Manager, Kerrie Highcock.  Ed, 18, and Lucie, 15, talk about Autism Acceptance and what it means to them. Music: Aukestra [https://www.aukestra.com/]

Anecdotally, we've known for a while that autistic people are more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+ than non-autistic people, and research is now beginning to support this. This episode will explore the intersection between autistic and LGBTQIA+ identities, looking at the issues facing autistic people as they explore their sexuality and gender identity. Erin Ekins [https://queerlyautistic.com/]talks to our Family Development Manager Kerrie Highcock about her personal journey as a queer autistic person, and what professionals and parents can do to support autistic people on their journey. Music: Aukestra [https://www.aukestra.com/]

This Christmas we're focusing on what the festive season means to autistic people and their families, and how to make the big day more inclusive. So, welcome to a Christmas takeover by pupils and teachers at our  Mackenzie Thorpe Centre school in South Bank, Middlesbrough, as they explain what Christmas means to them .. from sinister Santa to stress-free nativity shows. Music: Aukestra [https://www.aukestra.com/]

Sex and relationship coach Ness Cooper [https://nesscooper.co.uk/] - herself autistic - talks about sex education for autistic adolescents and how parents can broach the topic with young people. She also dispels the myths around sex and autistic people in her discussion with our Family Development Kerrie Highcock. Music: Aukestra [https://www.aukestra.com/] Editing: Niall Hegarty [https://www.linkedin.com/in/niall-hegarty-782b381b9/?originalSubdomain=uk]

Every child and young person is different, but it is possible to spot the signs of autistic masking.  Our guests say families should trust their instincts and be prepared to advocate for their child if professionals do not recognise their masking.  They also discuss autistic burnout and stereotypes around masking. Guests: Kieran Rose (The Autistic Advocate [https://theautisticadvocate.com/]), Dr Amy Pearson [https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/about/staff/psychology/amypearson/], Jodie Smitten [https://www.jodiesmitten.co.uk/] Website: https://www.ne-as.org.uk/podcast Email: info@ne-as.org.uk Music: Aukestra [https://www.aukestra.com/] Editor: Niall Hegarty [https://www.linkedin.com/in/niall-hegarty-782b381b9/?originalSubdomain=uk]

Masking is something we all do to project an "acceptable" version of ourselves - but for those of us who are autistic, it can feel like something we do to survive. It's hard for families and friends to spot, let alone educational and medical professions, yet masking can lead to misdiagnosis and burnout so it's vital we all understand it. Our autistic guests Kieran Rose [https://theautisticadvocate.com/], Dr Amy Pearson [https://twitter.com/dramypearson] and Jodie Smitten [https://www.jodiesmitten.co.uk/]explain what masking looks like, why people do it, and how difficult it is to stop. Music: Aukestra [https://www.aukestra.com/] Editing: Niall Hegarty

This Is Autism explores the subjects that really matter to autistic people and those who care for them, including masking, sex and relationships, puberty and wellbeing. Hosted by the North East Autism Society [https://www.ne-as.org.uk/], the podcast hears from autistic people about how they experience the world, and offers practical advice and information along the way. If you are autistic or love someone who is, join us as we tackle the issues that don't often get talked about and get your questions answered. Music: Aukestra [https://www.aukestra.com/] Email: info@ne-as.org.uk