1800 Seconds on Autism

This episode is about a difficult aspect of autistic life and includes discussion about the urge to give yourself physical pain to get some relief from extreme emotions. You may want to avoid this one if you feel fragile or if children are around. Meltdowns are an outward explosion of emotions whereas shutdowns are when some autistic people internalise what’s happening and withdraw and go quiet as a result. Robyn holds onto her support bat Henry as she relives her most recent meltdown and describes the impact it had. We phone autistic mum of autistic kids Shona Murphy who is an expert on "behaviour that challenges" - learning to punch a pillow rather than throw an iPad are the kind of tactics she advocates. Another guest, Jonny Profane, had shutdowns for 60 years and didn't know why until he was diagnosed recently. He talks about the Embarrassment and shame he feels when they happen. This podcast is longer than usual because the presenters weren't ready to leave when the producer said they could leave, so they kept talking. The final 15 minutes of this episode are even more raw and honest than usual. With Robyn Steward, her support bat Henry, Jamie Knight and Lion. Produced by Emma Tracey. Subscribe to the podcast on BBC Sounds or say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker. Email [email protected]

What if you are autistic and get Covid-19 symptoms? For Robyn, previous hospital visits have been tricky and caused great anxiety. On this shorter episode, with her doctor's surgery closed, Robyn tells Jamie about her solo visit to A&E in an ambulance to get checked out. They discuss when and how to let A&E staff know you are autistic, why walls are better than curtains and the pros and cons of wearing a face mask. Produced by Emma Tracey Subscribe on BBC Sounds and say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker. Email [email protected]

Robyn and Jamie are self-isolating which means that Routines have changed and support has reduced.

The pasta meal Jamie has eaten daily for five years can't be found, and Robyn's food habits have been affected too.

IN this short episode, the first of several coronavirus extra podcasts during this series, they share their experiences with their usual honesty and warmth. Listen out for two super helpful tips for getting through lockdown.

With Robyn Steward and Jamie Knight Produced by Emma Tracey Subscribe to the podcast on BBC Sounds or say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker. email [email protected]

Robyn and Jamie are joined by young naturalist and writer Dara McAnulty. They chat about black holes, nature, the environment and inevitable comparisons to Greta Thunberg. The 16 year old tells how difficult school has been and why writing every day helps him process it all. Watch out for a tense moment where the conversation has to be put back on track, and a poem from Dara. With Robyn Steward, Henry the bat, Jamie Knight and Lion. Produced by Emma Tracey Subscribe to the podcast on BBC Sounds or say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker. email [email protected]

When Robyn and Jamie phone autism advocate Carly Jones, things get surreal and a bit naughty. It takes Jamie's mind off a distressing smell, but this episode might not be one for listening to with young children in the room.

Policy expert Carly explains the roll of "Out of Order" stickers in her handbag and why some people are no longer giving her unwelcome eye contact.

Robyn recorded this one from San Francisco, long before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. They share travel tips, like how to use social stories when things go wrong on a trip, and experiences such as the time Jamie felt like he was upside down on a long-haul flight.

Produced by Emma Tracey

Subscribe to the podcast on BBC Sounds or say "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" to your smart speaker.

Email [email protected]