

Autistic Licence
autisticlicence
Join the Autistic Licence podcast, where two autistic therapists - Siana & Leo - share their experiences, insights and the colourful world of intersectionality! We’re here to boost visibility for fellow autistic therapists, fuel the global neurodiversity conversation, and create a fun, engaging space together. No matter who you are, we warmly invite you to join us on this journey of discovery, connection, and growth. Subscribe and be part of the conversation today!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 24, 2024 • 54min
S1 E18: Multi Tracks
This episode is a spontaneous Saturday chit chat.
There's a fair amount of "here and now" energy and interaction, interspersed with memories and reflections.
Siana talks about her experience of ADHD when it fires in multiple directions at once - something which for her does not exclude hyperfocus "flow" states.
Leo reflects on a range of experiences he is now reframing in light of autism, such as the after effects of exhilarating events and "talking to myself".
We touch on concepts such as echolalia and synaptic pruning, applying these to our own experiences and challenging some common misconceptions. We conclude that as AuDHDers, while we absolutely face challenges around over stimulation, we also have tremendous capacity for sensory joy and pleasure.
LINKS
Synaptic Pruning
Mint Aero bar
BNL shoutout
Echolalia
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Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com

Mar 16, 2024 • 47min
S1 E17: Autistiphobia Revisited
This episode is in many ways a reflection on elements of the last one.
We speak about early narratives and experiences, and the lifelong meaning and impact of these. We apply this to therapeutic contexts and approaches, specifically Transactional Analysis and Internal Family Systems, and we relate this to therapy with autistic people.
We also explore the concept of so called "rigid" thinking and the possible significance of this for us as autistic people growing up in a world where the template for living which is offered to us does not fit or deliver.
Special guest contribution from Phoebe - Siana's cat - in this episode 😻
LINKS
Relational Transactional Analysis
The Drama Triangle
Life Positions
Drivers & Injunctions
“Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be just another human soul.”
Carl Jung
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Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com

Mar 11, 2024 • 1h 3min
S1 E16: Autistiphobia - Inside Out
In this episode we discuss how we, as autistic people, are seen and experienced by others. We then traverse some thorny territory relating to how we see ourselves and influence each other.
These are sensitive ideas and topics, interspersed with distractions, brain glitches and spiralling reasoning which somehow loops together in the end.
LINKS
Neuroqueer Heresies
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Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com

Mar 3, 2024 • 1h 1min
S1 E15: Queering Relationships
In this episode we begin to circumambulate the intersectionality of autism and queerness.
We begin with Siana's home interior decorating project and finish up discussing Leo's gender identity development. In between we wax lyrical around some relationship models, notably Siana's current QPR (queer platonic relationship).
Comical interlude provided by Leo's beautifully curated ritual around a previous relationship.
Topic to be continued - we listen to your feedback and suggestions 🧡💛 Keep them coming!
Trigger warning : brief reference to suicide in relation to trauma towards the end of this episode
LINKS
Queer Platonic Relationships
Intersectionality
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Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com

Feb 24, 2024 • 37min
S1 E14: Airports and Smells
This episode is another “in person” recording. We reflect on our experiences of travelling with and without accommodations.
We specifically speak about the profound benefits for us of wearing a Sunflower lanyard when travelling in busy and often overwhelming airports.
We also talk about the significance of our sense of smell, in particular Leo’s awareness of this in new places.
NOISE WARNING: towards the end of our chat we talk about the possibility of adding a noise warning to this episode. This is because of some loud noise from people working outside during the recording. The warning wasn't necessary in the end as we were able to filter it out in the edit. Clever us!
LINKS
What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower? (hdsunflower.com)
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Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com

Feb 24, 2024 • 38min
S1 E13: Autistic Presence
We recorded this episode while we were together in Siana’s house last weekend. We explore co-regulation and bring in various ideas and theories from autistic, therapeutic and scientific communities to flavour our discussion.
We end up specifically inviting the non autistic community to join and get to know us and, most importantly, the autistic people around them.
LINKS
Trauma and the nervous system: a polyvagal perspective (youtube.com)
Resources | Rhythm of Regulation
What is the double empathy problem? (smallstepps.com)
The ‘double empathy problem’: Ten years on - Damian Milton, Emine Gurbuz, Beatriz López, 2022 (sagepub.com)
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Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com

Feb 4, 2024 • 46min
S1 E12: Spoonies!
In this episode we explore the finite nature of personal energy and capacity. We refer to our own experiences and to wider "spoon theory".
The pace of this conversation is slow and relaxed; it's basically two autistic people hanging out together. If that's your vibe, we'd love you to join us 🧡💛
On that note, our Facebook community is growing fast and you would be very welcome there too - see the links below...
LINKS
Facebook
Spoon theory
Siana's talk
The Traitors
Podcast home
Our website
Our other socials
Contact us at: autisticlicence@gmail.com

Jan 21, 2024 • 53min
S1 E11: An indirect exploration of Jungian Sandplay
Therapists with autism discuss demand avoidance, the distinction between PDA and autistic demand avoidance, the accreditation process for Jungian Sandplay, the therapeutic value of play and sand tray therapy, and the curiosity of listening to listener experiences.

Jan 14, 2024 • 53min
S1 E10: Getting It 'Right'
The Autistic Licence podcast explores the importance of justice for autistic individuals and the toll unfairness takes on them. They discuss social experiences related to masking, fawning, and appeasement. Other topics include struggles in property renovations, challenges running a therapy practice, difficulties accessing services, and the concept of masking resulting in an identity shift.

Jan 7, 2024 • 54min
S1 E9: 2024, we’re here for it...
Autistic therapists discuss the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals in therapy and returning to work. They emphasize the fulfilling aspect of counseling and invite listeners to connect with them. The concept of change and transition in therapy is explored, along with the importance of compatibility in working with clients. The hosts express gratitude, invite feedback, and reflect on reaching goals.


