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The Squarepeg Podcast

The Squarepeg Podcast

Amy Richards

160 episodesEN-GB

Show overview

The Squarepeg Podcast has been publishing since 2020, and across the 6 years since has built a catalogue of 160 episodes, alongside 8 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 150 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence, with the show now in its 10th season.

Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 55 min and 1h 4m — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-GB-language Society & Culture show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 3 weeks ago, with 18 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2021, with 43 episodes published. Published by Amy Richards.

Episodes
160
Running
2020–2026 · 6y
Median length
59 min
Cadence
Fortnightly

From the publisher

Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they've learned along the way. I'm Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I've been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they'll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences.

Latest Episodes

View all 160 episodes

159 [S11 E14] From the inside out: autistic embodiment, burnouts and breakthroughs

Aug 8, 20261h 35m

158 [S11 E13] Listening to myself at last: autistic midlife, grief and new beginnings

Jul 25, 20261h 5m

157 [S11 E12] Talking to strangers: podcasting my way into a late autism discovery

Jul 18, 20261h 6m

156 [S11 E11] Coming home to myself: feeling 'good enough', unmasking and moving towards self love

Jul 11, 20261h 6m

155 [S11 E10] Unravelling: masking, personality adaptation and meeting my real self

Jul 4, 20261h 11m

154 [S11 E9] Finding a really cool rock: figuring out life and work without an 'autistic starter pack'

Jun 13, 20261h 13m

153 [S11 E8] Creativity, small joys and redefining success: navigating the long-term impact of autistic burnout

Jun 6, 20261h 7m

152 [S11 E7] Sparkly things and heavy loads: autistic menopause, academia and lived experience

May 30, 20261h 8m

151 [S11 E6] The same type of different: autistic identity, South Asian stories and the model minority myth

May 23, 20261h 0m

150 [S11 E5] A little candle burning: survival, healing, and the small nourishments of autistic life

May 16, 202659 min

149 [S11 E4] Going away to come home: From outward success to an authentic autistic life

May 9, 20261h 2m

148 [S11 E3] Unexpected autism: art journalling, mental health and reframing eating distress

May 2, 20261h 9m

147 [S11 E2] Complex lives in a binary world: reflections on the autistic experience

Apr 25, 20261h 17m

146 [S11 E1] The rhythm of nature is my natural rhythm: autism, conservation and being a 'tenacious comet'

Apr 18, 20261h 1m

Ep 145145 [Bonus] "An overarching, big life project": interconnecting special interests, memory and mental health

Laura Richmond is a writer, researcher and doll restorer from Southampton in the UK. She was my guest on the podcast in 2023. When we spoke then, it was just a year on from her autism diagnosis, and she was on the brink of publishing her memoir. So I was delighted to catch up with her three years on and find out what's been happening for her since then. Now 38, Laura was formally recognised as autistic in 2022 after an extremely difficult set of experiences. Social and emotional struggles in childhood led to her being in and out of the psychiatric system for 15 years, misdiagnosed and spending time in various psychiatric hospitals. The turning point came when her son was born: after a traumatic birth she developed PTSD and spent time in a psychiatric mother and baby unit. Her positive experience there, so unlike her previous time in hospital, led her to begin writing about her experiences and unravelling her own history, leading to her autism diagnosis and her memoir, All My Worldly Joy, which was published earlier this year, and which I highly recommend. As well as a memoir of birth trauma and experiences dealing with mental health services, Laura's book is also a story of self discovery and, ultimately, her journey to autism diagnosis. If you haven't already listened to Laura's first episode - or you don't remember it too well, because it's been three years! - I invite you to go back and listen first, so you'll have some context for this new conversation. I've republished the episode as episode 144. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they've learned along the way. I'm Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I've been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they'll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast EPISODE LINKS: Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooksferryqueen/ Buy Laura's book: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/all-my-worldly-joy-a-memoir-of-motherhood-and-mental-health-laura-richmond/7785126 Waterstones link: https://www.waterstones.com/book/all-my-worldly-joy/laura-richmond/9781806770137 Laura's LinkTree (all her links): https://linktr.ee/cooksferryqueen If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: https://squarepeg.community/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/ THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Bobbi Sue, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, C M, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre Stark, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Janice, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Liz P, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you're enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast

Mar 21, 20261h 2m

Ep 144144 [Re-release] From psychiatric trauma to autistic joy: a journey of healing and self discovery

Laura Richmond is a writer, researcher and doll restorer from Southampton in the UK. This episode is from 2023 - I've re-released it because Laura just recorded a new episode with me, episode 145. At the time this re-released episode was recorded it was just a year on from Laura's autism diagnosis, and she was on the brink of publishing her memoir. Now 38, Laura was formally recognised as autistic in 2022 after an extremely difficult set of experiences. Social and emotional struggles in childhood led to her being in and out of the psychiatric system for 15 years, misdiagnosed and spending time in various psychiatric hospitals. The turning point came when her son was born: after a traumatic birth she developed PTSD and spent time in a psychiatric mother and baby unit. Her positive experience there, so unlike her previous time in hospital, led her to begin writing about her experiences and unravelling her own history, leading to her autism diagnosis and her memoir, All My Worldly Joy, which was published in January 2026, and which I highly recommend. Laura and I covered so many different things in this conversation! Although some of the topics we discuss are not easy, I believe it's so important that these stories are told. Some of the things we talk about are: ➡ Why she was initially cautious about getting an autism diagnosis ➡ Her mental health challenges, self harm, and her time in psychiatric services ➡ Hyperlexia, sensory issues and the double empathy problem ➡ Her journey of self discovery through writing her memoir and tapping into autistic joy CONTENT WARNING: Please be aware that there is discussion of self harm, mental health difficulties, the psychiatric system and birth trauma from the start and at various points throughout this episode, so if you don't wish to hear about these topics, you may want to skip this one. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they've learned along the way. I'm Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I've been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they'll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast EPISODE LINKS: Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooksferryqueen/ Buy Laura's book: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/all-my-worldly-joy-a-memoir-of-motherhood-and-mental-health-laura-richmond/7785126 Waterstones link: https://www.waterstones.com/book/all-my-worldly-joy/laura-richmond/9781806770137 Laura's LinkTree (all her links): https://linktr.ee/cooksferryqueen If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: https://squarepeg.community/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/ THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Bobbi Sue, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, C M, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre Stark, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Janice, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Liz P, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you're enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast

Mar 21, 20261h 6m

S10 Ep 143143 [Bonus] Beyond diagnosis: Self‑trust, masking, and the continuing autism journey

I first met today's guest, Vera, nearly five years ago, when we recorded a podcast episode early in 2021. A lot has changed for Vera since then, so we decided it was time for a catch up. Now 46, when we last spoke Vera had very recently been formally identified as autistic. Over the years since, her initial excitement - that she describes as sounding 'practically giddy' after listening back to that first episode - has evolved into a different perspective. Vera is originally from the Czech Republic, and now lives in Bristol in the UK. She has a background in mathematics, computer science and life coaching, and she currently works in corporate research. She describes herself as an extrovert whose special interest is people watching. In this conversation we explore all sorts of aspects of our autistic experience and our thoughts about all sorts of things, including why Vera needed a break from autism spaces for a while, masking, perimenopause, self trust, bravery and resilience. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they've learned along the way. I'm Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I've been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they'll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast EPISODE LINKS: Listen to Vera's original Squarepeg episode: https://squarepeg.community/33-s3-ep2-being-an-autistic-extrovert-people-watching-and-managing-our-energy/ The Brené Brown book Vera mentions: https://brenebrown.com/book/strong-ground/ The podcast where the 'close enemy' is mentioned: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/finding-our-strong-ground-part-1-of-6/ The Czech coach / Self-Trust being the opposite of Fear: https://www.jankachudlikova.com/nemej-strach-mit-strach/ If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: https://squarepeg.community/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/ THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre Stark, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Helen Horgan, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jo, Jennifer Romanello, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you're enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast

Jan 24, 20261h 11m

S10 Ep 142142 [Re-release] Being an autistic extrovert, people watching and managing our energy

This episode was recorded in early 2021 and originally released as part of the third season of Squarepeg. I was delighted to get to speak to Vera again recently, in 2026, and that new episode is now available for you to listen to. So I'm re-releasing my original conversation with Vera here, so that anyone who wants to can refresh their memory before listening to our more recent conversation in episode 143. At the time this was recorded Vera was in her 40s, had just been diagnosed autistic and was working as a life coach. Originally from the Czech Republic, she lives in Bristol in the UK. Vera has a background in maths and computer science, and describes herself as an extrovert whose special interest is people watching. In this conversation we talk about: ➡ Being an autistic extrovert ➡ How living in a different country can work out well for autistic people ➡ Autistic fatigue, burnout and managing our energy ➡ Learning and play, and having a rich inner world ➡ How she's turned a fascination with people into a business she loves Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they've learned along the way. I'm Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I've been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they'll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast EPISODE LINKS: N/A If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: https://squarepeg.community/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/ THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Deidre Stark, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Crosby, Helen Delaney, Helen Horgan, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jo, Jennifer Romanello, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Maggie Dodd, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you're enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast

Jan 24, 202658 min

S10 Ep 141141 [Bonus] A deeper dive into our experiences and attitudes around AuDHD - with Sam Brown (AKA Mrs AuDHD)

After the Season 10 episode with Sam Brown, AKA Mrs AuDHD, was released in the summer, a lovely listener got in touch to share their feelings about being disappointed by some of the comments Sam and I made about how we felt about having ADHD. Sam and I thought it was worth discussing our responses and reflections to the email, as it raised some really interesting questions around internalised ableism, and where any unconscious negative bias may have come from. This is our unedited conversation about it. If you missed the original episode with Sam, you might want to listen to that first - it's episode 129 (Season 10 Episode 1). Sam is late-diagnosed AuDHD, a trustee of the ADHDadultUK charity and co-presenter of The ADHD Adults podcast, that deals with a different ADHD related topic each episode. Sam loves to collect hobbies, adores animals and inanimate objects and is ridiculously over-enthusiastic about almost everything apart from the sound of people eating, the feeling of someone breathing on any part of her, and anything gelatinous that isn't jelly. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they've learned along the way. I'm Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I've been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they'll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast EPISODE LINKS Sam's original Squarepeg episode: https://squarepeg.community/129-s10-e1-i-thought-i-was-just-disorders-navigating-autistic-and-adhd-traits-and-challenges-with-mrs-audhd/ Sam's personal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mrs_audhd_/ Her podcast website https://theadhdadults.uk/ Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theadhdadults Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theadhdadults ADHD Adult charity website http://adhdadult.uk/ Charity Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adhdadultuk/ If you think you may be autistic or have ADHD, these online tests can give an initial indication: AQ50 quiz https://psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient ADHD quiz https://psychology-tools.com/test/adult-adhd-self-report-scale If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: https://squarepeg.community/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/ THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Delaney, Helen Horgan, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jenn W, Jo, Jennifer Romanello, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Carey, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Siobhan, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you're enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast

Dec 20, 20251h 17m

S10 Ep 12140 [S10 E12] Working with autism, not against: Mental health, masking and giving ourselves grace

Kara Nash is a registered nurse and autism consultant who focuses on creating positive change in how the healthcare system treats people on the spectrum. Kara has over twenty years' experience working in the field of autism and mental health. Now 50, she was diagnosed autistic herself at 37. During her career Kara has supported autistic people across the lifespan in hospitals, residential programs, schools, and community settings, and she now runs a private consulting practice in Western North Carolina. She is also a public speaker, writer, and educator, creating practical resources for families and professionals and sharing insights about autism, neurodiversity, and the intersection of mental health and everyday life on YouTube and other platforms. In this conversation Kara shares her personal experience with autism-centred therapy, why she was drawn to working in mental health and why she loves her work, and some of the frustrating aspects of being an autistic patient. She also talks about new drug therapies for autistic people, aimed at creating pro-social behaviour, and how we can advocate for ourselves better in medical scenarios. And the joy of learning to love our stims and give ourselves grace to let go of the things we're not organically wired to do. Squarepeg is a podcast in which I talk to other late identified autistic women and nonbinary people about their lives, their autism journeys, and what they've learned along the way. I'm Amy Richards, and I was diagnosed autistic in 2016, when I was 37. I've been sharing my conversations with other autistic adults since 2020. I hope you'll find these conversations inspiring and thought provoking, and that they'll help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences. ➡️LISTEN AD-FREE WHEN YOU BECOME A PATREON SUPPORTER https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast EPISODE LINKS: Website: https://www.theautisticautismconsultant.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theautisticautismconsultant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autisticautismconsultant/ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (book mentioned in this episode): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curious-Incident-Dog-Night-time/dp/0099450259 If you'd like to connect with me, get in touch or follow Squarepeg, you can find me on: Website: https://squarepeg.community/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/ THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS! A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast: Abi Hunter, Alex Lee, Alice Kemp, Amy Adler, Anika Lacerte, Anna Grojec, Annette, Annie, Anya Nebl, Aubrey Brand, B Martinez, Barbara, Basia, Becca Lee, Becky Beasley, Ben Davies, Beth Kelly Herbert, Caprice, Carly, Caroline, Cat Preston, Cathy Oliver, Charlotte Keen, Claire Gerard, Corinne Cariad, Corrine L. McDermid, Dana, Dana Bradley, Danielle Warby, Danielle Wrench, Daphna Epstein, Deaborah, Deanna M. Counts Goldy, Dennis McNulty, E, Eleanor Goulding, Em, Emma Franks, Erica Kenworthy, Erin Mazow, Evgeniia Pupysheva, Ewan McNeill, Fiona Connor, Frederike, Galina, George Cole, Hannah Breslin, Heather Peake, Helen Anne Hooker, Helen Delaney, Helen Horgan, Helen White, Holly Knight-Smith, India, Jackie Allen, Jane, Jaqueline Coursey, Jayne Hutchinson, Jenn W, Jo, Joanna McKnight, Julie, Julie Gillespie, Julie Goldberg, Karen, Karin Parker, KatF, Kate and Kathryn, Katharine Richards, Katherine, Katherine Meizel, Katie, Ken K, Kim Mortstock, Laura, Laura, Laurin Aman, Lilli Simmons, Lisa, Lisa Joy Powley, Lisa Williams, Liz, Lizzie, Lula Cork, Mandy Allen, Marjory Webber, Meg c, Melissa Shaw, Meredith L. Freyre, Mindy Wigzell, Monica Toohey, N, NC, Nicola Neil, Rebecca, Rebecca Biegel, Sadie Slater, Sandra Chapman, Sandra Rensman, Sandy Klarsten, Sandy Ladkin, Sarah Ivinson, Sarah Jeffrey, Sarah LW, Sarah Musgrave, Sarah Raine, Shelia Smith, Sophie King, Talia's Nature,Tamsen Staniford, Tris, Vicki Temple, Victoria Jeffrey and Zans McLachlan. If you're enjoying the Squarepeg podcast and would like to help me carry on making new episodes, you can become a member of the Squarepeg community on Patreon from £3 per month: https://www.patreon.com/squarepegpodcast

Nov 1, 20251h 0m
Amy Richards 2020+