The Yellow Ladybugs Podcast

• Finding Autistic Joy and Celebrating Autistic Culture

  Welcome to the Yellow Ladybugs Pop‑Up Podcast Series, where we bring you two key topics our community have been asking us for. We are proud to the second episode in this series—a peer‑led discussion for families and carers of autistic girls, teens, and gender‑diverse youth on Finding Autistic Joy and Celebrating Autistic Culture.This is a special series made possible through funding from the Information Linkages and Capacity Building Grant. We are deliberately bringing you this episode at a time when there has been a resurgence in harmful public narratives about autism, ADHD and neurodivergence – whether it is the media coverage given to out-of-date professionals making uninformed claims that autism and ADHD are over-diagnosed, or politicians dangerous crusades to recreate an environment of fear about autism and autistic people.These narratives threaten to undermine the progress we have made in recent years to understand and embed neurodiversity as integral to our humanity. As an autistic-led organisation, at the forefront of changing harmful ableist attitudes, we feel it is more important than ever to counter this trend by reminding our community that neurodivergent people belong in this world, that they can find joy, and that they can celebrate their culture – that these things are powerful protective factors, not just for neurodivergent individuals, but for their families, communities, systems and society as a whole. Put simply everyone benefits when neurodivergent people are valued for who they are.Which brings us to the details of this affirming and uplifting episode where we are delighted to share two celebratory and complementary presentations from the Yellow Ladybugs canon, delivered by two amazing neurodivergent humans with a deep passion for change:Marie Camin, a multiply neurodivergent clinical psychologist, researcher and advocateAllison Davies, an autistic advocate, educator and speakerIn the first part, Marie gives an honest, unflinching and ultimately uplifting presentation on Finding and Keeping Autistic Joy. She shares her lived experience, acknowledging that it is not easy being autistic in a world that doesn’t recognise your needs, but that there is nothing quite like the feeling of autistic joy—from special interests (or SPINS), and sensory experiences, to stimmy hands and finding neurokin. Marie shares her own experiences of joy, and brings her personal and professional knowledge into exploring how we can support our autistic young people to find and keep their joy- as a protective factor which can support their identity and their mental health and wellbeing.Please note that Marie’s presentation does make brief references to sensitive topics including trauma, bullying, stalking, grooming, eating disorders, PTSD, abuse and domestic violence.Allison then brings her strong personal voice to the topic of Exploring Autistic Culture. She explains that autistic culture is not just a concept or a neuro-affirming approach to care; it is something that has always existed – found in autistic families and communities. She reflects on how this looks different for every family and is filtered through our layers of privilege, safety, and capacity. And she explores some of the fundamental concepts that autistic culture requires all of us to understand, so that we may deepen our sense of who our autistic family is and how our culture can support us.We hope you enjoy listening and we encourage you to reflect on Marie and Allison’s insights and wisdom from our conference archives, and to embrace their generosity in gifting us the many penguin pebbles and moments of authentic connection to be found in this episode!

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• Recognising and Responding to sexual abuse and sexual violence

  Yellow Ladybugs Pop Up Podcast Series: Episode 1 Recognising and responding to sexual violence for families and carers of autistic girls, teens, and gender diverse youth Welcome to the Yellow Ladybugs Pop Up Podcast Series, where we bring you two key topics our community have been asking us for. We are proud to present this first episode in this series—a peer led discussion for families and carers of autistic girls, teens, and gender diverse youth on recognising and responding to sexual violence. This episode has been made possible through funding from the Information Linkages and Capacity Building Grant. In this important discussion, which draws on real lived experiences, you will hear from three expert panelists: First is Stephanie Robertson, an autistic occupational therapist who explains why building body awareness and interoceptive understanding is foundational to safety and empowerment for our autistic young people. Second is Detective Leading Senior Constable Teresa O’Sullivan - a specialist in sexual offences and parent to an autistic child - she shares practical strategies on identifying grooming behaviours, supporting disclosures, and navigating both in person and online risks. And finally, Emma Jacques, a neurodivergent parent of autistic teens. She shares her no nonsense, real life advice on enthusiastic consent, boundary setting, cyber safety, and building a supportive network. The panel is hosted by Katie Koullas, CEO of Yellow Ladybugs, autistic/ADHD woman and parent to neurodivergent teen girls – who has a strong advocacy track record and deep passion around this topic. So what does this episode cover? - We provide clear insights into why autistic young people are statistically at greater risk of sexual abuse and violence, and discussion about how we can change these statistics - We share practical tools: how to teach body safety, name private body parts precisely, reinforce that “no is valid”, and role play boundaries around consent. - We give advice on how to support autistic young people in identifying their internal sensations (their interoceptive awareness) so they trust their own cues rather than rely on external validation. - We look at techniques for handling online risks—from inappropriate requests through to doxing—and for establishing trusted, safe people and networks. - We explore a gentle yet powerful script for responding to disclosures: “I believe you. You are not at fault. We will get through this together.” - We also cover support strategies for carers including grounding exercises, self regulation methods, and discussion around how our reactions can shape outcomes more than the event itself. Please note that this episode directly addresses sensitive and potentially triggering topics including sexual abuse and grooming. If you need to pause or step away at any point, that is perfectly okay. You can review the attached resource which includes helplines and more information. https://yellowladybugs.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/YellowLadybugs/EQSmEwHrrSZAjVQQlUPuih8BqB8NaKL0q__mu0pcCInvnA?e=QzlhYk

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• Challenging School Systems: Scripts and Strategies for Families

  Welcome to our eight-part podcast series sharing key topics and insights about supporting autistic girls, women, and gender-diverse people. In this episode, we're focusing on Challenging School Systems: Scripts and Strategies for Families with Kelsie Olds. This is for those of us who have sat in a school meeting with a knot in our stomach, knowing our child is struggling but being told they are ‘fine’. For those who feel they have to prove distress that others cannot see, and who carry their own trauma while trying to protect their children from theirs. Let’s talk about practical scripts, strategies, and mindset shifts to help families advocate effectively while caring for themselves in the process. With thanks to the Victorian Department of Education.

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• Family Dynamics: Complex Relationships and Competing Needs

  Welcome to our eight-part podcast series sharing key topics and insights about supporting autistic girls, women and gender-diverse people. In this episode, we’ll explore Family Dynamics: Complex Relationships and Competing Needs with Dr Alberto Veloso from Relational Minds. Today’s discussion is a real and honest look at the emotional pressure cooker that family life can become when neurodivergent needs collide. We’ll talk about why stress builds up, why even small things can trigger conflict, and how to recognise the signs of burnout in yourself and your family. We’ll also share practical strategies to navigate competing needs, rebuild trust after conflict, and move from survival mode back towards connection. Whether you’re a parent, carer, educator or professional, we hope this episode offers understanding, validation and ideas you can use right away. With thanks to the Victorian Department of Education.

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• Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others: Managing Parental Stress and Avoiding Burnout

  Welcome to our eight-part podcast series sharing key topics and insights about supporting autistic girls, women, and gender-diverse people. In this episode, we're focusing on Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others: Managing Parental Stress and Avoiding Burnout with Sarah Hayden, Mel Spencer and Cassandra Allen. Today’s conversation is an honest, compassionate look at recognising the emotional load carers carry, why typical “self-care” advice can fall short, and how we can shift the focus toward genuine, practical, and shared support. Whether you're a parent, carer, educator, or professional, we hope this episode helps you feel seen, supported, and just a little bit lighter. With thanks to the Victorian Department of Education.

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