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Understanding the Sunflower: Autism and Hidden Disabilities
In this episode of a different brilliant, host Madeline Jane Lobsey is joined by Sandee Facy, Hd of Business Development for Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia & New Zealand (via Bayley House), and Matt Oastler (he/they), Aspect Autism Friendly Melbourne Team Leader, to explore how the Sunflower symbol and Autism Friendly practices work together to make everyday life more welcoming for Autistic people and others with hidden disabilities.Drawing on lived experience and practical examples, Sandee and Matt unpack what the Sunflower is (and isn’t), why it helps people signal a need for time, space, or support without disclosing diagnoses, and how Aspect’s Autism Friendly team partners with organisations to turn good intentions into tangible change — from quiet rooms and familiarisation sessions to visual stories, sensory maps, and inclusive workplace design.Topics include:What the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is and who it’s forHow the Sunflower supports Autistic people and others with non-visible disabilitiesStarting supportive interactions without disclosureHow Aspect’s Autism Friendly team assesses spaces and trains staffReal-world examples: airports, museums, stadiums, Legoland, and librariesCreating Sunflower-friendly and Autism Friendly workplacesPractical resources and inclusive design strategies for businessesWhether you’re an Autistic adult, a parent or carer, an educator or allied health professional, or a business leader aiming to lift inclusion, this episode offers clear, actionable ideas you can use right away.Practical info:A person can get a Sunflower lanyard in two ways:1️⃣ Purchase a lanyard from www.hdsunflower.com/au2️⃣ Find a complimentary lanyard at a Sunflower Friendly organisation near you using the Sunflower MapAdditional resources:Hidden Disabilities Sunflower ANZ (via Bayley House) — awareness training and accessibility partnershipsAspect Autism Friendly — consultancy, environmental assessments, staff training, and resources for organisations.All rights reserved.
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Caring for the carers of Autistic people
In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey chats with Mel Spencer OAM, CEO of Different Journeys, who draws on her lived experience and professional expertise to discuss unpaid carers of Autistic people. Mel explores the key challenges and barriers carers face, the supports available, and what can be done to help carers balance their responsibilities with their own wellbeing, personal goals and community participation.All rights reserved.
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Autism and the role of fathers
In this episode of a different brilliant, Dr James Best reflects on his journey as both a father of an Autistic son and a GP, sharing the challenges and insights he’s gained along the way. He offers practical advice on staying connected, balancing family life and the important role fathers play in raising Autistic children.All rights reserved.
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Autism and grief
In this episode of a different brilliant, host Madeleine Jane Lobsey is joined by Jennifer Lowe, autism researcher and PhD candidate at La Trobe University’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, to explore a subject often avoided but deeply human: grief.Jennifer shares her lived experience alongside insights from her research into how Autistic people process grief and bereavement. Together, they discuss how grief extends beyond the death of a loved one, pet, or friend. For many Autistic people, the loss of routines, meaningful objects, or everyday familiarity can also evoke feelings of grief.Topics include:Defining grief in an Autistic contextAutistic experiences of bereavementAnticipatory grief and first experiences of lossObjects, routines, and the meaning of everyday lossesSupporting autistic people through griefStrategies for families, educators and professionalsReflections on wider cultural approaches to deathWhether you’re an Autistic adult, a parent or carer, or a professional supporting neurodivergent people, this episode offers both practical insights and moving lived experience.Please note: This episode discusses sensitive themes. If you experience distress, please seek support through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the services below.Additional resources:Aspect’s self-compassion program: https://www.aspect.org.au/our-research/evidence-informed-guides-programs/aspaaBeyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/Black Dog Institute: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/All rights reserved.
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Breaking myths: Jodi Rodgers and Michael Theo talk relationships, dating and intimacy
In the latest episode of A Different Brilliant, host Madeleine Jane Lobsey is joined by Michael Theo and therapist and author Jodi Rodgers to explore relationships, dating, intimacy and consent.Together, they unpack common myths, including the idea that people on the autism connection don’t want romantic or physical connection, and highlight the diversity of neurodivergent experience when it comes to love, communication and sensuality.Topics include:• Navigating dating as an Autistic person• How to build healthy relationships and self-worth• Understanding consent through an Autistic lens• Supporting young people and adults with inclusive sex and relationships education• The power of trial-and-error, resilience and authentic connectionWhether you’re an Autistic adult, a parent or carer, or a professional supporting neurodivergent people, this episode offers both practical insights and moving lived experience.All rights reserved.
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