1800 Seconds on Autism

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...

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: htt...

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 16-2...

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...

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 Produc...

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...

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 Knigh...

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...

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...

Just two weeks after an autism diagnosis, comedian Fern Brady gets support from our podcast hosts Robyn and Jamie. Like many others, Fern waited until lockdown broke all her routines before seeking help. In fact, she says it became cheaper to pay for a private diagnosis than to repair her house when meltdowns led to "punched walls and cracked light switches". The successful stand-up describes the journey from GP contact onwards...

Blogger Neurodivergent Rebel explores why sex and gender are big topics in the autistic community, and talks about the two metaphorical closets they had to “come out” of. Listener Madge has advice for young autistic people starting their gender journey. And ... it's the third lockdown everyone. Jamie hopes never to need a Covid test as "sticking a long thing in his nose" might stop him speaking for weeks. Robyn, who has been te...

We chat about “scripting”, the rules of eating that no one tells you about, and avoiding crunchy food. This all comes before an email from a postman sparks lots of happy stimming. Emily from the blog ‘21 And Sensory’ explains how her autism diagnosis was given to her in a really positive way and on what occasions she uses the sunflower lanyard to show she has a hidden impairment. We finish with tips for how to do Christmas i...

Autistic psychologist Emily Lovegrove says that when her children left home, she "needed something else to obsess about". So she studied bullying to PHD level and now arms young people with strategies to cope if they are being targeted. Ignoring it, telling someone and fighting back are, she says, logical strategies for an emotional subject. Instead, Lovegrove suggests working on your self-esteem, learning grounding exercises, p...

Welcome to series 3. We're back by popular demand. In this feedback episode Jamie's assistant Oli gets some appreciation, a super fan tells of her plans to become a paediatric nurse, Jamie describes his game-changing new truck and we talk about paintball - a sport which allows you to REALLY focus: "Whilst you're out on the field playing, nobody is going to come and ask whether you want a sandwich." There are seven more episodes...

Robyn has a new bike, something lots of people are turning to in lockdown to avoid public transport. She can't read maps or judge distance but has found ways to cycle safely - like using a "safety wing". Jamie loves bikes but stays off-road because, when tired, he says he's not safe. Producer Emma is a bit shocked at how many times he's been hit by a car. As always, they both also have sound advice for coping as the lockdown ea...

In the final official episode of series 2, Robyn and Jamie respond to emails from listeners.

Robyn’s advice for an autistic teenager on staying safe and getting by at school morphs into a geeky chat about ear defenders.

Jamie explains why he takes Lego and colouring books to social gatherings and sits on the floor during work meetings. And listener Fritz teaches everybody his complicated clapping stim. Jamie is missing from the be...

In the penultimate episode of this season of 1800 Seconds on Autism, YouTuber Agony Autie Sara Harvey has advice for autistic parents.

Planning an office in a cupboard sparks joy for Jamie, and he and Robyn reveal how weighted blankets and familiar voices play a part in their carefully honed bedtime rituals. Just to prepare you, next week’s episode will officially be the last one in this series. However, another coronavirus extra...

When parking-related overwhelm means their guest can’t take part, Robyn and Jamie discuss how they manage sudden change.

A cafe closure complicates Jamie’s daily life. Robyn rethinks her living situation to get more help. And the conversation turns to how some autistic people struggle with knowing what’s wrong when they’re unwell.

With Robyn Steward and support bat Henry, Jamie Knight and Lion.

Produced by Emma Tracey

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What if you are autistic and get Covid-19 symptoms? For Robyn, previous hospital visits have been tricky and caused great anxiety. On this shorter episode, with her doctor's surgery closed, Robyn tells Jamie about her solo visit to A&E in an ambulance to get checked out. They discuss when and how to let A&E staff know you are autistic, why walls are better than curtains and the pros and cons of wearing a face mask. ...