Autism - In Our Words

Support - past, present, future

Understanding of autism has grown massively over the last 60 years and will continue for many years to come. With greater understanding comes the development and fine-tuning of strategies known to support autistic people to achieve key life goals. Our panel reflect on how both education and support into adulthood have changed over the years, exploring not only the good but also the lessons learnt.   Hosted by Helen Ellis with guests Emma Roberts, Josh Fitzgerald and Jason Ferguson. Produced by The Podcast Company. [https://thepodcastcompany.co.uk/]   The In Our Words project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. To find out more please visit: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/who-we-are/in-our-words The archive items from the National Autistic Society represent the personal opinions and perspectives of the oral history interviewees and original writers at the time. The opinions and language used during the interviews, articles and other archived content do not necessarily reflect the current views, values, or policies of the National Autistic Society. For our up-to-date language recommendations based on the preferences of autistic people, their families and professionals, please read our guidance on How to talk and write about autism.

Autistic individuals' rights

The empowerment of autistic people through the years has grown both our understanding of autism and how typical models of support and legislation don’t always work to benefit autistic people in the long run. Our panel of campaigners discuss the rise of autistic voices, its significance and the importance of involving those with lived experience in shaping the future for the autism community.  Hosted by Helen Ellis with guests Paula McGowan OBE, Tim Nichols and Alexander Marshall. Produced by The Podcast Company. [https://thepodcastcompany.co.uk/]   The In Our Words project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. To find out more please visit: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/who-we-are/in-our-words Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions about death that could be distressing. The archive items from the National Autistic Society represent the personal opinions and perspectives of the oral history interviewees and original writers at the time. The opinions and language used during the interviews, articles and other archived content do not necessarily reflect the current views, values, or policies of the National Autistic Society. For our up-to-date language recommendations based on the preferences of autistic people, their families and professionals, please read our guidance on How to talk and write about autism.

Family support and branches

Families started the campaign for better autism awareness and continue their fight to this day. In this episode, our guests explore the evolution of advocacy and support brought about by families and the importance of community in supporting autistic people and their networks. Hosted by Helen Ellis with guests Charleen Morton, Shirelle Stewart and Ben Nicholas. Produced by ⁠The Podcast Company.⁠ [https://thepodcastcompany.co.uk/]   The In Our Words project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. To find out more please visit: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/who-we-are/in-our-words The archive items from the National Autistic Society represent the personal opinions and perspectives of the oral history interviewees and original writers at the time. The opinions and language used during the interviews, articles and other archived content do not necessarily reflect the current views, values, or policies of the National Autistic Society. For our up-to-date language recommendations based on the preferences of autistic people, their families and professionals, please read our guidance on How to talk and write about autism.

Changes to autism and diagnosis

In our first episode, we welcome autistic individuals, family members and professionals to discuss the evolving perceptions of autism over the decades. We explore how the efforts of families and researchers, combined with the growing influence and respect for autistic voices, have transformed our understanding of autism and how it is diagnosed. Hosted by Helen Ellis with guests Dawn Mills, Dr. Judith Brown and Gareth Torrance. Produced by The Podcast Company. [https://thepodcastcompany.co.uk/]   The In Our Words project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. To find out more please visit: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/who-we-are/in-our-words The archive items from the National Autistic Society represent the personal opinions and perspectives of the oral history interviewees and original writers at the time. The opinions and language used during the interviews, articles and other archived content do not necessarily reflect the current views, values, or policies of the National Autistic Society. For our up-to-date language recommendations based on the preferences of autistic people, their families and professionals, please read our guidance on How to talk and write about autism.

Autism - In Our Words series promo

Celebrating 60 years of the National Autistic Society and the story of autism in the UK. In this podcast series, we will focus on pivotal moments throughout the charity’s history to reflect the changing attitudes and public perspectives of autism over the last 60 years. This project will curate, celebrate and preserve the stories, voices and memories of autistic people, families, professionals and National Autistic Society’s employees, past and present. Presented by Helen Ellis and produced by The Podcast Company. Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.