The Understanding Autism Podcast

Season 1 Episode 15: An Autistic’s Relationship With Food

Many people on the spectrum struggle with food. What might look like picky eating habits to the neurotypical person, is actually an autistic person’s complex relationship with food. In this episode, we explore what causes ‘picky eating’, what diets that people with autism adopt, food and social gatherings, and resources for those who struggle with food.

Season 1 Episode 14: Emetophobia

While many of us struggle with phobias that impact our lives, emetophobia, or fear of vomiting, can be extremely debilitating. In this episode, Nicole shares her personal experience with this phobia and the strategies she used to overcome it.

Season 1 Episode 13: Autism and Phobias

Many people can suffer from phobias but how exactly are autistic people impacted by phobias and what are some methods to cope with them? In this podcast we explore causes of phobias and some strategies on how to manage and overcome them.

Season 1 Episode 12: Transition Stress

Managing transitions can be extremely frustrating for neurotypical people as well as those on the autism spectrum. In this episode we explore why change creates stress, how this may manifest into resistance to change, and some solutions around managing the stress around transitions.

Season 1 Episode 11: Autism and Masking

People with autism often experience bullying at school or stigmatization at work. That is one reason why many people on the spectrum "mask" their autistic behaviors from neurotypical people. In this episode we explore the reasons behind masking, the physical and mental health consequences of masking, and the benefits of unmasking.

Season 1 Episode 10: Object Permanence and Working Memory

As an autistic person, are you someone who constantly misplaces objects and lose your cool when you’re trying to find it? In this episode we examine why object permanence and working memory are such  challenges for people with autism and what can be done to address it.

Season 1 Episode 9 Part 2: Low Frustration Tolerance

A common challenge that many autistic people face is tolerating unpleasant or stressful situations. In part 2 of this episode, we will discuss how low frustration tolerance impacts teachers and classrooms, how to support neurodiverse students, and how employers and employees can work through low frustration tolerance in the workplace. 

Season 1 Episode 9: Low Frustration Tolerance (Part 1)

A common challenge that many autistic people face is tolerating unpleasant or stressful situations. In part one of this episode, we will explore the signs and causes of low frustration tolerance and what can be done to build tolerance around frustrating situations.

Season 1 Episode 8: Perseverations

Some autistic people experience the feeling of being 'stuck'. This can manifest itself in the form of thinking patterns, speech, and body movements. In this episode we examine what perseveration is and tips on how manage this experience.

Season 1 Episode 7: Fixations and Special Interests

One characteristic of autistic people is that they can develop a strong fixation on a topic or special interest, often at the expense of other tasks. Is this healthy? Why does this occur more among autistic people than with neurotypical people? What if these fixations are dangerous? In this episode, we explore these questions.