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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41:52
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41:52
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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37:24
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37:24
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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42:16
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42:16
Pathological Demand Avoidance and autism strategies
Join host Madeleine Jane Lobsey and Aspect’s Positive Behaviour Support practitioner Anna James as they discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance or PDA and autism strategies and why anxiety, not defiance, drives avoidance. Also known as Persistent Drive for Autonomy and Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, Anna offers examples and practical tips for parents, educators and employers when working with Autistic children and adults. All rights reserved.
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32:44
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32:44
Exploring Autistic masking with Grace Tame.
In this episode of a different brilliant, host Madeline Jaine Lobsey is joined by 2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame — advocate, author, artist and proud autistic woman — for a powerful conversation about autism and masking.Together, they unpack the lived experience of masking: the conscious and unconscious effort many Autistic people make to hide or suppress their needs to feel safe, fit in, or survive in a world not designed for them. Grace shares with honesty and insight how masking shaped her life, the cost it can have on physical and mental health, and the profound impact of finding safe spaces and genuine connections.Whether you're Autistic, a parent, educator, health professional or ally — this deeply human conversation will give you new insights into identity, safety, resilience, and why understanding autism from lived experience matters.WarningThe following podcast discusses sexual abuse. If this causes you distress, please seek professional help or contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Australia