In this episode of Autism Help, Heather McKay explores the relationship between intelligence and neurodivergence, questioning how we measure intelligence and why different ways of thinking are so often misunderstood.

Heather discusses the limitations and biases of IQ testing, spiky cognitive profiles, giftedness and the challenges faced by autistic and ADHD people whose abilities and support needs may not fit traditional expectations. Drawing on her experiences as a parent, teacher, and neurodivergent person, she examines how schools can overlook individual strengths, why it matters to support deep interests and different learning styles, and why intelligence shouldn't be confused with conformity or conventional ideas of success.

Content Note:

This episode includes discussion of educational discrimination, negative experiences at school, disability-related stigma and autistic burnout. Please listen with care if these subjects may be difficult for you.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for general information only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Please consult an appropriately qualified professional about your individual circumstances.

🎧 Autism Help is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com

🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcastnetwork.com

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @autisticculturepodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Autism Help, Heather McKay explores the relationship between autistic identity, language and mental health, and how the words used to describe autistic people can influence the way they are understood and treated.

Heather discusses the debate around identity-first and person-first language, the introduction of terms such as profound autism, and the importance of autistic people having a voice in conversations about their own lives. She also examines the role of advocacy, the impact of discrimination and dehumanising language, and the political decisions affecting autistic communities, including changes to disability support in Australia.

Content Note:

This episode includes discussion of depression, suicidal thoughts, discrimination, abuse, eugenics and the historical persecution of disabled people. Please listen with care if these subjects may be difficult or triggering for you.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for general information only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Please consult an appropriately qualified professional about your individual circumstances.

🎧 Autism Help is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com

🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcastnetwork.com

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @autisticculturepodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Autism Help, Heather McKay explores the importance of hobbies and special interests for autistic people, and what happens when we lose interest in the things that bring us joy.

Heather discusses the differences between autistic and ADHD hobbies, including the emotional impact of losing a deeply meaningful interest, the financial cost of abandoned hobbies, and the relationship between hobbies, depression and burnout. She also considers how masking, everyday demands and a lack of support can affect our ability to enjoy our interests, and why finding ways to reconnect with the things we love can be important for our wellbeing.

Content Note:

This episode includes discussion of depression, suicidal thoughts, grief and autistic burnout. Please listen with care if these subjects may be difficult or triggering for you.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for general information only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Please consult an appropriately qualified professional about your individual circumstances.

🎧 Autism Help is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com

🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcastnetwork.com

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @autisticculturepodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.