Holly Smale on finding love

How do you explain being in a long term loving relationship when you’ve not really had one yet? In her latest novel, The Cassandra Complex, Holly Smale attempts just that.She tells us about accidentally and then deliberately writing an autistic character, how being an autistic woman has left her vulnerable, and how being diagnosed later in life has affected her dating life.We also get tips from our listeners on how to find love and make sure they’re right for you.Presented by Robyn Steward and Jamie Knight. Produced by Drew Hyndman and Edited by Clare Fordham.Listen via your smart speaker by saying "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" and subscribe on BBC Sounds. Email us: [email protected].

Monotropism. That’s a big word isn’t it? Well for one of our hosts it’s been a massive one.Jamie says it’s changed his life, so we are joined by one of the first people to theorise it, Dr Wenn Lawson, to explain just what it is and why it could help autistic people and those around them to live happier lives.It could help explain how our minds focus so well on one thing, why we have such intense interests, and why switching between tasks can be painful.Speaking of special interests, we also hear from some of our listeners about theirs and how their interests have helped them.Presented by Robyn Steward and Jamie Knight. Produced by Drew Hyndman and Edited by Clare Fordham.Listen via your smart speaker by saying "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" and subscribe on BBC Sounds. Email us: [email protected].

Presenter Chris Packham has made another documentary for the BBC about autistic people. He tells us about making Inside Our Autistic Minds and the amazing people he met whilst doing it.We ask how his view of autism has changed since his last documentary,and whether he’s been trying to unmask. He explains how his thoughts can often rub up against those of other autistic people.Watch Inside Our Autistic Minds on BBC iPlayer here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p0bbnh47/Presented by Robyn Steward and Jamie Knight. Produced by Drew Hyndman and Edited by Clare Fordham.Listen via your smart speaker by saying "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" and subscribe on BBC Sounds. Email us: [email protected].

Changes in life are hard for everyone, but for autistic people they come with that extra layer of complexity. Whether that’s your first time getting the bus alone,or going from school to college.We speak to Harvey, from the charity Ambitious about Autism, a national charity for autistic children and young people. He’s from their Ambitious Youth Network, which they describe as a “safe online space for autistic young people aged 16-25 to help them understand their autistic identity.”We also hear from you, our listeners, on how to handle change and learning to laugh when it goes a bit wrong! Thank you to Anna, Caroline, Mike and all our other listeners we didn’t manage to include. You can always email us at [email protected] by Robyn Steward and Jamie Knight. Produced by Drew Hyndman and Edited by Clare Fordham.Listen via your smart speaker by saying "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" and subscribe on BBC Sounds.

In the middle of her UK book tour, Australian actress Chloé Hayden joins Jamie and Robyn in the studio to ask about her many hats.After shooting to worldwide fame as Quinni in Heartbreak High, in between giving talks advocating for autistic people, she’s also written her first book: "Different, Not Less: A neurodivergent's guide to embracing your true self and finding your happily ever after".Jamie and Robyn ask: How on earth has a 25-year-old managed all that?!The award-winning actress takes us through her journey including doctors thinking she’d been kicked in the head by one of her horses, moving to home schooling to save her life, and having to act out a meltdown in front of the cameras. Plus a listener has a question about being overestimated.Presented by Robyn Steward and Jamie Knight. Produced by Drew Hyndman and Edited by Clare Fordham.Listen via your smart speaker by saying "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" and subscribe on BBC Sounds. Email us: [email protected].

Welcome to series 4! After nearly two years away, we are back, with our handbook to life for people with autism.Jamie and Robyn return to answer your questions on what they’ve been up to and how they’ve been. From health updates and adapted buggies to new jobs and e-bikes, so much has changed in the past couple of years that we’ve had to give them a whole episode to fit it all in!We also introduce a new member of our team as Producer Drew joins the team to make us an all neurodivergent podcast. The hosts grill him on why he’s joined us and how he came to the BBC.You’ll also get a sneak peek into the rest of the upcoming series. It’s packed with big names sharing their experiences, input from our brilliant listeners and bigger topics than ever before. You won’t want to miss it!Presented by Robyn Steward and Jamie Knight. Produced by Drew Hyndman and Edited by Clare Fordham.Listen via your smart speaker by saying "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" and subscribe on BBC Sounds. Email us: [email protected].

Melissa Simmonds is black and autistic, as are her children. In this episode she talks about the anxiety she feels when her 16-year-old stims in public, and what he might do if stopped by police. How would you feel if a builder arrived an hour earlier than expected? Listener Daisy was overwhelmed when her plans had to suddenly alter and says 1800 Seconds on Autism helped her get through. You're welcome. This is the last episode in the current series. We've published regularly since March 20, the start of the covid-19 pandemic, and it has been a pleasure to be with you during such unsettling times. Please stay subscribed, because you never know when a one-off special might appear. The [email protected] inbox is still active too. With Robyn Steward and Jamie Knight. Produced by Emma Tracey. Want to listen? The easiest way is to tell your smart speaker "Ask the BBC for 1800 Seconds on Autism" or find us on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts from.

This is the one where we get through some of your emails. Jamie describes how it feels when the "mouth words" won't come. Robyn explains why wearing her favourite jumper to a medical appointment helps "cocoon" her from what's happening and how a whiteboard beside her front door helps to structure the week. The two autistic presenters also bond over how confusing neurotypical people can be. With Robyn Steward and Jamie Knight. Produced by Emma Tracey and Damon Rose. Subscribe on BBC Sounds or say to your smart speaker "ask the BBC for 1800 seconds on autism" email [email protected]

Our podcast host Jamie attended A&E three times recently with excruciating pain but because he couldn't describe it, he was sent home. Autistic people often can't explain severity or location of discomfort and he was only admitted to hospital when outward signs, screaming and black-outs, showed it was serious. It's now thought that Jamie had sepsis and, when he stopped being able to walk, they began to realise he has a spinal injury. We discuss what could have been done differently and Jamie's assistant Oli describes the system he has designed to help autistic people communicate pain. With Robin Steward and Jamie Knight Produced by Emma Tracey. Subscribe on BBC Sounds or say to your smart speaker "ask the BBC for 1800 seconds on autism" email [email protected]

There is no episode this month but we’ll be back soon. Jamie has been very unwell over the last few weeks, leading to A&E visits and hospital stays. He is doing much better now though, recovering at home and managing his energy levels. We’ve spoken before on the podcast about how tricky being autistic and in hospital can be so as you can imagine, Jamie has lots of important stuff to share about his recent experiences. All being well, Jamie and Robyn will be back in late April with an episode focusing on healthcare. Subscribe on BBC Sounds or say to your smart speaker "ask the BBC for 1800 seconds on autism" email [email protected]