Meet My Autistic Brain

Have you thought about unmasking, i.e. telling people you’re autistic, by advocating for diversity? Here’s one story about how unmasking played out, including:
The blank looks, the self-doubt, and the mental replay afterward
Whether advocacy is worth the emotional cost
The tension between staying safe behind the mask… or speaking plainly
If you’ve ever left a room and replayed every word, wondering if you revealed too much — this conversation is for you!

Link to the story about Justice Kevin Dougherty of Pennsylvania who advocates for training judges about autism: https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/pa-supreme-court-justice-eyes-reforms-to-serve-those-on-autism-spectrum.html
Support the show
RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads!
If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected].
Instagram
Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon
Linktree
Email: [email protected]
Website
June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

In this conversation, author, screenwriter and teacher Claire McGowan shares what it’s been like to receive an autism diagnosis at 43 — and how that discovery is reshaping her understanding of her life, identity, and creative work.
In this episode, we discuss:
Claire’s late autism diagnosis and the path that led to it
The mix of grief, anger, relief, and curiosity that followed
Growing up in Northern Ireland in the 80s and why autism wasn’t on the radar
Sensory overwhelm — from public transport to event spaces
Hyperfocus, productivity, and writing 28 books in 14 years
What Claire hopes will change in how society supports autistic adults
Claire also shares about the importance of talking about neurodiversity.
Claire McGowan website https://www.clairemcgowan.co.uk/
Claire’s book The Other Couple  https://www.clairemcgowan.co.uk/books
Claire on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/clairemcgowanwriter

Support the show
RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads!
If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected].
Instagram
Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon
Linktree
Email: [email protected]
Website
June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Autism affects how autistics experience relationships by definition. Some of the best traits can either lead to problems or support us in succeeding. In this episode you’ll learn about why autistics pick the wrong partner and how you can change it. It’s a thoughtful episode about relationships, compatibility, and learning what to notice.
Support the show
RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads!
If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected].
Instagram
Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon
Linktree
Email: [email protected]
Website
June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Unmasking is an ongoing process of noticing when we’re performing, deciding what serves us, and making gradual adjustments, according to Essy Knopf therapist and author of “Unmasking: What We Lose by Pretending and How to Get It Back”. Essy shares his autism diagnosis at 25 and later recognition of ADHD, highlighting how masking and non-stereotypical presentations delayed identification. In this conversation Essy shares about:
Internalized ableism 
Conditional self-worth 
Burnout, and 
The difficulty of forming authentic connections while performing for acceptance. 
This episode offers a grounded discussion of identity, self-advocacy, and living more intentionally as a neurodivergent adult.
Book: Unmasking: What We Lose by Pretending and How to Get It Back 
Website: https://essyknopf.com
Check out Essy's YouTube channel 
Essy on Instagram

Support the show
RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads!
If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected].
Instagram
Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon
Linktree
Email: [email protected]
Website
June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

In this episode I chat with Natalie Diggins, technologist and author of The Autistic Adult's Toolbox. Natalie gives step-by-step strategies and tools that work for autistics. From parties to friendships to doctor’s appointments Natalie shares the toolbox she developed using her systems approach to problem solving. You’ll learn how to have a plan before socializing, how to save energy for what matters and how to recognize your limits. Using checklists, questionnaires, planners and scripts Leslie helps you find out what you really want and how to get there. Get all the details from the ingenious Natalie Diggins.
Some of what you'll learn about:
*How to prepare for a doctor's appointment or medical procedure
*How to comfortably handle social situations
*Three key strategies to make friendships easier 
Natalie's book: The Autistic Adult's Toolbox
Support the show
RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads!
If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected].
Instagram
Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon
Linktree
Email: [email protected]
Website
June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together