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AFI: Autism and Financial Independence

AFI: Autism and Financial Independence

By: David Scothern and Darren Scothern
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AFI is the podcast exploring the intersection of autism and financial independence.

Financial wellbeing matters to everyone. Yet autistic people are significantly more likely than the wider population to experience unemployment, underemployment and financial insecurity, with profound consequences for independence, health, and quality of life.

Hosts Darren and David Scothern are two working-class autistic men who have experienced financial hardship firsthand. Together, they explore financial concepts which many autistic people may feel excluded from or intimidated by.

Whether you're autistic, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in personal finance and financial independence, AFI offers thoughtful discussion, practical ideas and a fresh perspective on living a more stable, fulfilling, and financially secure life.

We are not selling financial products or services. We are two autistic guys making sense of a world in which many autistic people are financially marginalised.

You can also find David and Darren at their respective blogs, davidscothern.com, and autisticwriter.com.

2026 David Scothern and Darren Scothern Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Episode 8: What Does Autistic Burnout Actually Do To You?

    Episode 8: What Does Autistic Burnout Actually Do To You?
    Sep 24 2026

    Autistic bloggers David Scothern (Mortgage Advisor on FIRE) and Darren Scothern (The Autistic Writer) discuss the intersection of autism and financial independence.

    In Episode 8:

    -In the News - Should Autistic People Be Allowed to Drive? Autism is definitively genetic! And sad news about Noah Woods.

    -What is Autistic Burnout, and What Does it Do to You?.

    -How David’s Autistic Burnout Drove His Financial Independence Journey

    A note from Darren and David

    Darren and David do not sell, promote, or endorse any financial services or products. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be taken as personal financial advice.


    Blog Links

    David: davidscothern.com

    Darren: autisticwriter.com


    Facebook Page

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593076251704

    If you're struggling financially

    Help is available:

    StepChange is a UK charity providing free debt advice and solutions: https://www.stepchange.org/

    Citizens Advice also provides advice and guidance on debt and money: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 12 mins
  • Episode 7: Can You Self-Diagnose Autism? Can You Retire Early? The Truth About Both.

    Episode 7: Can You Self-Diagnose Autism? Can You Retire Early? The Truth About Both.
    Sep 17 2026

    Autistic bloggers David Scothern (Mortgage Advisor on FIRE) and Darren Scothern (The Autistic Writer) discuss the intersection of autism and financial independence.

    In Episode 7:

    -Autism self-diagnosis: is it valid?

    -The different life stages of financial independence.

    -In the News: Life Expectancy for autistic people

    A note from Darren and David

    Darren and David do not sell, promote, or endorse any financial services or products. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be taken as personal financial advice.

    Blog Links

    David: davidscothern.com

    Darren: autisticwriter.com

    Facebook Page

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593076251704


    If you're struggling financially

    Help is available:

    StepChange is a UK charity providing free debt advice and solutions: https://www.stepchange.org/

    Citizens Advice also provides advice and guidance on debt and money: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 5 mins
  • Episode 6: Who are the A**holes, What is Autism, and What are the Assets?

    Episode 6: Who are the A**holes, What is Autism, and What are the Assets?
    Sep 9 2026

    AFI: Autism and Financial Independence. Episode 6: Who are the A**holes, What is Autism, and What are the Assets?

    Autistic bloggers David Scothern (Mortgage Advisor on FIRE) and Darren Scothern (The Autistic Writer) discuss the intersection of autism and financial independence.

    Part 2 of What is Autism? Some thoughts on an interview with Edward Norton. Another autism microaggression, and a dive into the world of asset classes in investing.

    A note from Darren and David

    Darren and David do not sell, promote, or endorse any financial services or products. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be taken as personal financial advice.


    Blog Links

    David: davidscothern.com

    Darren: autisticwriter.com


    Facebook Page

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593076251704

    If you're struggling financially

    Help is available:

    StepChange is a UK charity providing free debt advice and solutions: https://www.stepchange.org/

    Citizens Advice also provides advice and guidance on debt and money: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 59 mins
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