Unpacking Autism with Reena Anand

Unpacking Autism Ep.10: Don’t check out of check-ups! Navigating sight appointments

The thought of trying to take your autistic child for any kind of health check-up can be a daunting one. As parents, we’re all aware of the increased possibility of stress and meltdown that visiting a new place – with new people and procedures – can cause. In this episode, Reena talks to optometrist Katherine Anguige, who will assuage your fears with incredibly useful and reassuring advice about how to approach appointments, as well as interesting facts about eye health and how certain issues might present alongside autism.

Unpacking Autism Ep.9: Making the world of work, work.

Another inspiring episode today, this time featuring Ritu Kiran-Jackson, who has turned the impressive skillset she honed in the corporate world towards supporting and advocating for autistic members of society, particularly as they enter the world of work. Ritu’s journey began when her young son was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, and in founding Aubilities, Ritu is helping to drive societal change in a world that is still overwhelmingly designed for its neurotypical inhabitants.

Unpacking Autism Ep.8: Wellbeing and the warrior: why we all deserve kindness with Dr Rachel Taylor

In this episode, Reena is in conversation with cognitive neuroscientist Dr Rachel Taylor, who explains how kindness towards ourselves is vital in facilitating the wellbeing which allows us to be there for others. Dr Taylor is also an enormous advocate for societal change towards autism acceptance, and as well as delving into her fascinating research theories, she offers essential self-care tips to parents of autistic children.

Unpacking Autism Ep.7: It’s not just the autism: neurodivergence and mental health

Today’s episode brings some hard-hitting truths about mental health problems and autism, as Reena introduces psychiatric nurse consultant Lavinia Dowling, whose wealth of experience in a wide array of organisations has meant she really became aware of their limitations. There is a silver lining in this mental health services crisis however, in that it led to Lavinia setting up her own organisation: The M Word. Listen in for Lavinia’s invaluable advice about how to get a consultation and ongoing support for your child, without being fobbed off by the professionals who are meant to be helping you.

Unpacking Autism Ep.6: Your child’s TA: there for them, there for you

In this episode, we talk about the importance of keeping conversation flowing between home and school, and how your child’s teaching assistant (TA) is their biggest support at school – there for all the highs and lows, celebrating progress and wins, and really getting to know your child as an individual. Maria Asnaghi is Reena’s son Evy’s former TA, and she shares some of the methods she used to help him regulate and understand his emotions, how she became aware of his unique flashpoints, and what helped to diffuse difficult situations in the playground. She also discusses what parents can do to ensure that their child’s day goes as smoothly as possible, right from the start.