The Autism Podcast

Interview with Kirsty Lavender-Newns (on the topics of late diagnosis, self-acceptance, masking, and becoming an autistic therapist)

Join hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi as they welcome Kirsty Lavender-Newns, a dedicated volunteer and lead befriender for the London Autism Group Charity, and a trainee therapist. In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Kirsty shares her journey of late diagnosis, the complexities of self-acceptance, and the power of finding your community.
Kirsty opens up about the experiences that led her to seek an autism diagnosis in her early twenties, a process that began after facing significant challenges at university. She explores the feelings of self-doubt and the struggle with internalised ableism that many late-diagnosed autistics face, and discusses how connecting with the London Autism Group Charity became a vital part of reshaping her own narrative and finding a sense of belonging.
The conversation takes a deep dive into the nuanced topic of masking. Simeon and Sophia contribute their own perspectives, discussing how cultural backgrounds and gender norms can shape the pressure to mask, leading to a fascinating discussion on trying to navigate a world without a clear 'social cue handbook'.
The episode also explores why Kirsty decided to train as a therapist. She explains the immense value of autistic-led therapy, the obstacles of training within systems designed for neurotypicals, and the importance of having a therapist who truly understands. Kirsty shares what her training journey has taught her about herself and about creating truly safe, empathetic spaces for others.
This episode is a moving and honest exploration of what it means to build a life on your own terms. Kirsty's story is a testament to the power of understanding yourself, the relief of letting go of neurotypical expectations, and the incredible strength found in community.
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Kirsty's Book Recommendations:
- Papadopoulos, Chris. Voices of Neurodiversity: An Inclusive Encyclopaedia (Routledge, 2025)
- Bargiela, Sarah. Camouflage. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2019.
- Belcher, Hannah Louise. Taking Off the Mask. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2022.
- Ekins, Erin. Queerly Autistic. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2021.
- Garcia, Eric. We’re Not Broken. Harvest, 2021.
- Hendrickx, Sarah, and Jess Hendrickx. Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2024.
- Jones, Steph. The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2024.
- On Being An Autistic Therapist. Pccs Books.
- Pang, Camilla. Explaining Humans: Winner of the Royal Society Science Book Prize 2020. Penguin.
- Rogers, Carl R. A Way of Being. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1995.
- The Routledge International Handbook of Critical Autism Studies (Routledge International Handbooks). Routledge.
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Simeon Thompson's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Siimthompson
Dr Sophia Christophi's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autistically.sophia
Please like, follow and subscribe to our social media channels to support us! It makes a big difference to our small but wonderful Charity.
Please also leave us a review (hopefully positive ;) ) on Apple Podcasts - this is a huge help for us.
And please consider donating to the London Autism Group Charity if you are enjoying this podcast that we produce and able to (simply go to https://donorbox.org/london-autism-group-charity-donations - thank you!)
Our links:
London Autism Group Charity website: londonautismgroupcharity.orgFacebook page: facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharityLondon Autism Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272747662886046/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagcharityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagcharity
The Autism Podcast is produced by the London Autism Group Charity.
Editorial leads - Dr Chris Papadopoulos and Mr James Gordon
All Rights Reserved

Interview with Barry Davies and John Nelson (on the topics of autism acceptance in policing, community support, advocacy within the police force and more!)

Join our host Simeon Thompson as he welcomes Barry Davies, Police Community Support Officer, and Sergeant John Nelson, both from the British Transport Police. Barry brings a personal perspective as a parent of an autistic son and draws on his previous experience working for TFL London Underground in ticket offices, while John shares his journey as an autistic police officer and founder of the National Police Autism Association (NPAA).
Barry opens up about his transition from TFL ticket offices to becoming a PCSO when the Oyster card system led to ticket office closures, and how his personal experience with autism through his son has shaped his approach to community policing. He shares real examples of supporting autistic people on the transport network, highlighting how understanding and empathy can transform situations that others might misinterpret as aggressive behavior when the person is actually frightened or overwhelmed.
John delves into his career change from IT to policing after volunteering with St. John Ambulance sparked his interest in emergency services. He discusses receiving his autism diagnosis several years into his police career, the challenges of fitting into police culture, and his determination to create support for neurodivergent colleagues. He shares the founding and remarkable growth of the NPAA, which now supports nearly 3,000 members across 48 UK forces, and the evolution of autism acceptance within policing from complete ignorance to growing understanding and acceptance.
The conversation explores the importance of proper autism training for officers, the value of resources like police guides, meltdown response materials, and the Met Police's stop and search guide for autistic people. Both guests emphasise how taking time to talk with autistic individuals rather than making assumptions can completely change outcomes, and the crucial difference between viewing autism through a medical lens versus understanding it as neurological diversity.
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National Police Autism Association website: National Police Autism Association (NPAA)
John Nelson's email: chair@npaa.org.ukX: https://x.com/npaa_ukBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/npaa.org.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-police-autism-association-npaa-uk 
Simeon Thompson's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Siimthompson
Dr Sophia Christophi's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autistically.sophia
Please like, follow and subscribe to our social media channels to support us! It makes a big difference to our small but wonderful Charity.
Please also leave us a review (hopefully positive ;) ) on Apple Podcasts - this is a huge help for us.
And please consider donating to the London Autism Group Charity if you are enjoying this podcast that we produce and able to (simply go to https://donorbox.org/london-autism-group-charity-donations - thank you!)
Our links:
London Autism Group Charity website: londonautismgroupcharity.orgFacebook page: facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharityLondon Autism Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272747662886046/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagcharityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagcharity
The Autism Podcast is produced by the London Autism Group Charity.
Editorial leads - Dr Chris Papadopoulos and Mr James Gordon
All Rights Reserved

Interview with Brendan Tighe (on the topics of fighting for autistic educational rights, autism advocacy and more!)

Join our hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi as they welcome Brendan Tighe, an autistic college language professor and autism advocate currently living in Mexico after spending most of his life in the US. Brendan shares his personal journey, including receiving an autism diagnosis at age four but only truly understanding its impact much later in life. He delves into the incredible and challenging legal battle his family undertook against the school system to secure his educational rights, highlighting the crucial support from his trailblazing uncle.
Brendan opens up about the complexities of masking, feeling different, and navigating a world where autism was often misunderstood or treated like a "dirty word." He discusses his path from those early struggles to becoming an advocate, finding his own way to learn and thrive – including teaching himself languages – and the importance of self-acceptance, independence, and challenging societal underestimations to achieve his potential.
Brendan has also shared his journey in more detail in his recently published Medium.com article, "Breaking the Silence: 33 Years of Autism, Advocacy, and Acceptance.' Links to this article are: 
https://medium.com/@bdtighe/breaking-the-silence-33-years-of-autism-advocacy-and-acceptance-85134df6ad77
https://substack.com/inbox/post/159523582 
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Brendan's contact info:
Brendan's email address: bdtighe@gmail.com
Brendan's instagram: Brendan Tighe (@brendigio) • Instagram photos and videos
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Simeon Thompson's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Siimthompson
Dr Sophia Christophi's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autistically.sophia
 
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Please like, follow and subscribe to our social media channels to support us! It makes a big difference to our small but wonderful Charity.
Please also leave us a review (hopefully positive ;) ) on Apple Podcasts - this is a huge help for us.
And please consider donating to the London Autism Group Charity if you are enjoying this podcast that we produce and able to (simply go to https://donorbox.org/london-autism-group-charity-donations - thank you!)
Our links:
London Autism Group Charity website: londonautismgroupcharity.orgFacebook page: facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharityLondon Autism Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272747662886046/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagcharityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagcharity
The Autism Podcast is produced by the London Autism Group Charity.
Editorial leads - Dr Chris Papadopoulos and Mr James Gordon
All Rights Reserved.
 

Interview with Aditi Gangrade (on the topics of autism stigma and understanding in India, 'Much Much Media', and more!)

In this episode of The Autism Podcast, Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi interview Aditi Gangrade, an autistic advocate from Mumbai, India. Together, they discuss Aditi's journey into the world of autism, how autism is viewed and (mis)understood in India, what needs to change to improve understanding and reduce stigma, and the important advocacy work she is doing with her company, Much Much Media.
Aditi's social media information are as follows:
 
Aditi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aditigangrade_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditigangrade
X: https://x.com/AditiGangrade_
 
Much Much Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muchmuchspectrum
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MuchMuchMedia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/muchmuchspectrum
 
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Please like, follow and subscribe to our social media channels to support us! It makes a big difference to our small but wonderful Charity.
Please also leave us a review (hopefully positive ;) ) on Apple Podcasts - this is a huge help for us.
And please consider donating to the London Autism Group Charity if you are enjoying this podcast that we produce and able to (simply go to https://donorbox.org/london-autism-group-charity-donations - thank you!)
Our links:
London Autism Group Charity website: londonautismgroupcharity.orgFacebook page: facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharityLondon Autism Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272747662886046/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagcharityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagcharity
The Autism Podcast is produced by the London Autism Group Charity.
All Rights Reserved.
 

Meet your new cohosts, Simeon Thompson and Sophia Christophi!

In this episode of The Autism Podcast, the new co-hosts of the show, Simeon Thompson and Sophia Christophi introduce themselves and explain their respective journeys into their autistic identity including the particular ways  each of them responded to their diagnoses. They also discuss their dedicated, interests, issues around masking and much more!
If you're interested in hearing more about Simeon's story, please go to this podcast episode which previously featured Simeon as a guest on the show: Interview with Simeon Thompson about self-acceptance as an autistic person, mental health, approaches to social interaction and more | The Autism Podcast
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Please like, follow and subscribe to our social media channels to support us! It makes a big difference to our small but wonderful Charity.
Please also leave us a review (hopefully positive ;) ) on Apple Podcasts - this is a huge help for us.
And please consider donating to the London Autism Group Charity if you are enjoying this podcast that we produce and able to (simply go to https://donorbox.org/london-autism-group-charity-donations - thank you!)
Our links:
London Autism Group Charity website: londonautismgroupcharity.orgFacebook page: facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharityLondon Autism Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272747662886046/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagcharityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagcharity
The Autism Podcast is produced by the London Autism Group Charity.
All Rights Reserved.

Interview with Toni Borneo (on the topics of stigma, discrimination, employment, mental health and more)

In this episode of The Autism Podcast, James Gordon and Chris Papadopoulos interview Toni Borneo, a late diagnosed autistic woman who produces the amazing 'Autistic at 40' podcast! Toni shares her personal journey from childhood to adulthood, the stigma she experienced along the way and the impact this had on her mental health. The episode delves into many issues include employment discrimination, ableism and key pillars of strength that Toni benefitted from to get through the challenges she experienced.
 
Find Toni on Apple podcasts by searching: Autistic at 40 Toni Borneo
 
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Please like, follow and subscribe to our social media channels to support us! It makes a big difference to our small but wonderful Charity.
Please also leave us a review (hopefully positive ;) ) on Apple Podcasts - this is a huge help for us.
And please consider donating to the London Autism Group Charity if you are enjoying this podcast that we produce and able to (simply go to https://donorbox.org/london-autism-group-charity-donations - thank you!)
Our links:
London Autism Group Charity website: londonautismgroupcharity.orgFacebook page: facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharityLondon Autism Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272747662886046/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagcharityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagcharity
The Autism Podcast is produced by the London Autism Group Charity. It is hosted by Dr Chris Papadopoulos and Mr James Gordon.
All Rights Reserved.

Interview with David Gray-Hammond about addiction, self-medication, autistic community, stigma, discrimination, autistic rights and more!

In this episode of The Autism Podcast, James Gordon and Chris Papadopoulos interview autistic advocate and author David Gray-Hammond. David shares his personal journey to getting an autism diagnosis as an adult and how finding the autistic community saved his life. He provides insight into his work on autism and addiction, discussing why self-medication and substance use may be more prevalent among autistic people. David emphasises how trauma and lack of support contribute to negative outcomes, advocating that disability rights are fundamentally human rights. Other key topics include societal barriers faced by autistic individuals, the importance of connectedness and empowerment, and David’s efforts to change narratives through his writing, podcasts, and advocacy. Tune in to hear David's inspirational story and perspectives on creating a more accepting world for autistic and neurodivergent people.
If you would like to contact David, then feel free to! His email is david@dghneurodivergentconsultancy.co.uk. You can also access his fantastic blog and gain access to his podcast and details of his fantastic books by going to his website which you can access here: David Gray-Hammond - Emergent Divergence
 
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Please like, follow and subscribe to our social media channels to support us! It makes a big difference to our small but wonderful Charity.
Please also leave us a review (hopefully positive ;) ) on Apple Podcasts - this is a huge help for us.
And please consider donating to the London Autism Group Charity if you are enjoying this podcast that we produce and able to (simply go to https://donorbox.org/london-autism-group-charity-donations - thank you!)
Our links:
London Autism Group Charity website: londonautismgroupcharity.orgFacebook page: facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharityLondon Autism Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272747662886046/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagcharityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagcharity
The Autism Podcast is produced by the London Autism Group Charity. It is hosted by Dr Chris Papadopoulos and Mr James Gordon.
All Rights Reserved.

Interview with Simeon Thompson about self-acceptance as an autistic person, mental health, approaches to social interaction and more

In this episode of The Autism Podcast, James Gordon and Chris Papadopoulos interview London Autism Group Charity volunteer Simeon Thompson, a British Jamaican autistic man living in London who has been working in the IT industry for many years. Simeon was diagnosed as autistic in 2007 when he was 14 years old, however he denied his diagnosis until 2015 which led to many internal conflicts that impacted upon his uncertainty on how he could fit into society.
Today Simeon, who has many interests especially music (rock, rap, R&B, video game music, jazz and more), is passionate about sharing his experiences of learning to self-accept his autistic identity which has been crucial for his mental health. In this episode, Simeon talks about his difficult journey of isolation through school life, how his friends advised him to access counselling which helped him get to a place of self-acceptance and embracing his autistic identity and diagnosis. Simeon also shares some fantastic advice from his own experiences on how to leverage your special interests to practice and sharpen your social interaction skills which in turn can yield more rewards.
If you would like to contact Simeon for any advice, then feel free to! His email is simeonthompson214@hotmail.co.uk. He also has a podcast called 'The Inner Link' (Inner Link Podcast (@innerlinkpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos) where he and his friends discuss interesting topics such as society, spirituality, politics, etc. 
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Please like, follow and subscribe to our social media channels to support us! It makes a big difference to our small but wonderful Charity.
Please also leave us a review (hopefully positive ;) ) on Apple Podcasts - this is a huge help for us.
And please consider donating to the London Autism Group Charity if you are enjoying this podcast that we produce and able to (simply go to https://donorbox.org/london-autism-group-charity-donations - thank you!)
Our links:
London Autism Group Charity website: londonautismgroupcharity.orgFacebook page: facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharityLondon Autism Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272747662886046/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagcharityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagcharity
The Autism Podcast is produced by the London Autism Group Charity. It is hosted by Dr Chris Papadopoulos and Mr James Gordon.
All Rights Reserved.

Interview with Tess Eagle Swan about service assistance animals (and much more!)

In this episode of The Autism Podcast, James Gordon and Chris Papadopoulos interview Tess Eagle Swan, an autistic expert in assistance/service animals and also the proud owner of the world famous rescue dog, Kratu, the star of the 'Incredible Kratu' book.
Tess opens about her 'autism journey' including her childhood experiences, her connection with animals (particularly Kratu), her struggles with relationships, mental health and substances, and provides her advice on how to think about service animals and what to do if you are in need of one.
Tess is very happy for anyone to contact her if you have any questions after listening to this. You can contact her through her LinkedIn page which is https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-e-22b94a1a2/.
Tess recommends the following organisations and people if you are interested in exploring whether a service animal is right for you and your family:
- Dogs For Autism | UK's first charity exclusively providing Autism Assistance dogs
-Dogs for Good - Who we are - Assistance Dogs - Charity - UK
- UK Owner Trained Assistance Dogs Campaign for Change | Facebook
- Animal Behaviourist & Canine Specialist | About | Kirsten Dillon
- ASSISTANCE DOG SUPPORT GROUP | Facebook
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Please like, follow and subscribe to our social media channels to support us! It makes a big difference to our small but wonderful Charity.
Please also leave us a review (hopefully positive ;) ) on Apple Podcasts - this is a huge help for us.
And please consider donating to the London Autism Group Charity if you are enjoying this podcast that we produce and able to (simply go to https://donorbox.org/london-autism-group-charity-donations - thank you!)
Our links:
London Autism Group Charity website: londonautismgroupcharity.orgFacebook page: facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharityLondon Autism Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272747662886046/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagcharityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagcharity
The Autism Podcast is produced by the London Autism Group Charity. It is hosted by Dr Chris Papadopoulos and Mr James Gordon.
All Rights Reserved.

Interview with Jenny Teuten about being a sibling and carer to her autistic brother with learning difficulties

In Season 2, episode 20 of The Autism Podcast, James Gordon and Chris Papadopoulos interview Jenny Teuten about her experiences as a sibling and carer to her autistic brother with learning difficulties. Jenny opens up about the challenges she's faced over the years including how social stigma and misconceptions have impacted her and her family's life, how her childhood made her a more resilient and empathic person, the type of relationship she has with her brother now and her hopes for the future. She also outlines her main advice for other siblings in similar circumstances including the importance of challenging opinions that don't sit right with you and accessing support such as she has found with the London Autism Group Charity's monthly siblings support group. 
Jenny is very happy for anyone to contact her if you have any questions after listening to this. Her email address is hello@teutenhealing.com.
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Please like, follow and subscribe to our social media channels to support us! It makes a big difference to our small but wonderful Charity.
Please also leave us a review (hopefully positive ;) ) on Apple Podcasts - this is a huge help for us.
And please consider donating to the London Autism Group Charity if you are enjoying this podcast that we produce and able to (simply go to facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharity and click on the blue donate button - thank you!)
Our links:
London Autism Group Charity website: londonautismgroupcharity.orgFacebook page: facebook.com/londonautismgroupcharityLondon Autism Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272747662886046/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lagcharityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagcharity
The Autism Podcast is produced by the London Autism Group Charity. It is hosted by Dr Chris Papadopoulos and Mr James Gordon.
All Rights Reserved.