Send us a text In this episode, Rosie is joined by Natalie Raven Morris, CEO fo the Feeding Trust, as they talk about paediatric feeding and eating disorders. Together they uncover more about the feeding differencies and difficulties that some young people may experience, and discuss in detail how to get a diagnosis and different support strategies to help parents and families with this challenging issue. This episode is packed full with advice, hope and reassurance for families, and fo...

Send us a text We open series two with a topic that comes up a lot, but which is still so often misunderstood - feeding and eating disorders in chilren, particularly autistic young people. This isn't just about 'fussy eating'. In this episode, we're delighted to be joined by Natalie Raven Morris, co-founder and CEO of The Feeding Trust. Natalie brings a wealth of experience and a deep personal passion for helping families navigate the tricky world of paediatric feeding and eating...

Send us a text Autism Unpacked is a refreshingly real podcast that dives into what it really means to be autistic in today’s world. In series 1, we unpacked everything from relationships and parenting to diagnosis, myths, sleep, and so much more. And the good news? We're back for more with a brand-new series, launching in September, shining a light on eating and feeding disorders, school avoidance, mental health, and more. This isn’t just another autism podcast - it’s a vibrant mi...

Send us a text In this bonus clip, we talk about what it's really like taking a child with complex autism on holiday. Hear Karen, mum to Lois who has complex needs, talking about the planning, the pressure and the moments that make it all worth it. And you can hear more from Karen about their journey as a family, in episode 6. For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin or YouTube

Send us a text Welcome to our second compilation episode from Series 1 of Autism Unpacked. This time round we’re focusing on what helps and what’s hype. We’ll hear from autism experts with advice, strategies which could benefit us all – and even a bit of myth busting to tackle those common misconceptions. Amongst our guests are senior clinicians and respected experts from Options Autism, including: Emma Sanderson, Dr Freya Spicer-White and Sarah-Jo Vane, (Senior Admissions Manager). Between t...

Welcome to this very special compilation edition of Autism Unpacked, featuring highlights from across Series 1. We are privileged to be able to listen to the voices of those with lived experience of autism – reflections on the impact it has had on them and their families, as well as uplifting insight and advice. We’ll hear from TV personality and professional dancer Tom Malone Jr, who was diagnosed in his 20s, from Karen Broomhead, a lecturer in Special Educational Needs and mum of two,...

Welcome back to part 2 of episode 8, as we continue to unpack the subject of autism in girls. Here, we rejoin the conversation with our expert guests, Professor Francesca Happé, a professor in congnitive neuroscience, and Dr Freya Spicer-White, a consultant psychologist and chief clinical officer at Options Autism. Join us as we explore: Autism and pubertyAdvocating for your childThe potential and positive traits that austim can bringHow to find out more about autism and girlsAnd if you haven...

In this episode, we explore an often misunderstood subject - autism in girls. Autism can often present very differently in girls, leading to misdiagnosis, late diagnosis or even a lack of diagnosis. We're joined by two expert voices - Professor Francesca Happé, a professor in congnitive neuroscience, and Dr Freya Spicer-White, a consultant psychologist and chief clinical officer at Options Autism - as we break down what you need to know to help your autistic girls thrive. In part 1, we delve ...

In this episode of Autism Unpacked, we explore sleep and why this can be a challenge for neurodiverse individuals. Rosie is joined by Dr Nicky Greaves, a consultant clinical psychologist, whose career includes time running a sleep clinical as well as extensive experience working with neurodiverse young people. Hear Nicky and Rosie delve into why sleep can be particularly challenging for autistic individuals, and explore advice and strategies for prioritising sleep, setting the scene for sleep...

This episode welcomes to the pod Karen Broomhead, a lecturer in special educational needs and a mother of two. Karen’s daughter, Lois, is nine years old and has complex autism. Karen shares the trials, tribulations and celebrations of their journey as a family, and what it really means to be a part of Lois’ world. For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin or YouTube

This two-part episode welcomes to the pod Kelly Guthery and Oli Masters, both from The Futures Team at Options Autism. This team is dedicated to supporting students across the UK as they prepare to leave school. The team's holistic approach goes beyond just career guidance; they focus on hobbies, independent skills, and personal interests to inspire students in planning their futures. From aeronautical experiences to robotics and sound production, their aim is to help every student find a pat...

This two-part episode welcomes to the pod Kelly Guthery and Oli Masters, both from The Futures Team at Options Autism. This team is dedicated to supporting students across the UK as they prepare to leave school. The team's holistic approach goes beyond just career guidance; they focus on hobbies, independent skills, and personal interests to inspire students in planning their futures. From aeronautical experiences to robotics and sound production, their aim is to help every student find a pat...

Welcome back to part 2 of our conversation about Demand Avoidance, as we continue to explore the impact that it can have on young people and their families. In this part of the episode, we’ll be talking advice for parents, family dynamics and encouraging understanding in others. For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Linkedin.

This episode tackles the topic of Demand Avoidance. You may have heard of PDA or Pathological Demand Avoidance, but how much do you really know? In part 1 of this episode, we’ll discover its impact on young people and their families, share insights into their experiences and challenges and share strategies that might help. For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Linkedin.

Joining this episode of Autism Upacked is Tom Malone Jr. Tom is probably best known for his appearances on the show Gogglebox. He's also a professional dancer whose talent has taken him all around the world, and he's autistic. Since his diagnosis at 28, Tom has openly shared his experience with his many social media followers, earning respect for his honesty and inspiring others to share their own stories. Tom is actively involved in raising awareness and changing the stigma abo...

In this episode, we navigate our way through EHCPs – Education Health and Care Plans – from understanding their purpose to the steps involved in obtaining one. We hope this inspiring conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered and ready to advocate for your child. For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Linkedin.

Welcome to the first episode of Autism Unpacked! In this episode we’re diving into a crucial topic; understanding and obtaining an autism diagnosis. This can be one of the most daunting steps for parents but it’s also a critical one in ensuring that your child receives the right support. For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Linkedin.

Autism Unpacked is dedicated to exploring the multi-faceted world of autism. Brought to you by Options Autism, it promises to bring fresh perspectives and inspiring stories, coupled with support, advice and practical guidance for parents, carers and families of autistic children. For further information, visit optionsautism.co.uk or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Linkedin.