We've launched a new podcast, bringing together autistic people, parents, carers and professionals to talk about different aspects of autism. Our first series focuses on sensory processing and is hosted by Holly Sprake-Hill, a neurodivergent occupational therapist, read more about Holly below.
Some of our podcast episodes contain specialist terms you may be unfamiliar with. We've put together a glossary to explain some of the terms mentioned.
Where can I listen to the podcast?
Listen to a clip or the full episode below or follow us on your preferred platform.
Listen to a clip
Supporting sensory needs of non-speaking children
Sensory differences as a non-speaking autistic person
Being a sensory supporter for your child
Listen to the full episodes
Episode one:
Supporting your child's sensory needs
Holly Sprake-Hill, a neurodivergent occupational therapist, discusses all things sensory processing with her colleague Denise Martin. We learn more about what sensory processing is and the differences that autistic people can experience.
Episode two:
Supporting sensory needs of non-speaking children
Holly Sprake-Hill meets parents of non-speaking autistic children, Jade Page and Paul Anderson, who share their experiences around sensory processing and what works for their families.
Episode three:
Experiencing sensory differences as an autistic person
Holly Sprake-Hill, Loren Snow and Stu Ferrol discuss their experiences of sensory processing differences as late-diagnosed autistic adults and share their top tips for parents.
Episode four:
Sensory differences as a non-speaking autistic person
Holly Sprake-Hill speaks to Tim Chan, a non-speaking autistic person, and his mother Sarah about sensory processing and how to support people with communication differences.
Episode five:
Sensory differences as a semi-speaking autistic person
Holly Sprake-Hill is in conversation with Hat Richardson who is an autistic semi-speaking speech and language therapist. We find out more about what it means to be semi-speaking and how this can affect the ways in which sensory needs can be communicated and supported.
Episode six:
Being a sensory supporter for your child
Parents of autistic children Anoushka Pattenden and Marsha Martin, and occupational therapist Denise Martin share their experiences and tips on how to be a sensory supporter for your child.
Episode seven:
Stimming
Holly Sprake-Hill talks to autistic parent and researcher Eiman Munro about stimming, from both a personal and professional perspective. We learn more about what stimming is, and the functions it can have, from managing anxiety to bringing joy.
Meet Holly
Holly Sprake-Hill is a children's occupational therapist specialising in neurodivergent affirming autism practice, working within the NHS and independent sector. She is a parent to two exceptional children with special educational needs and is late diagnosed autistic/ADHD.
Holly provides training, advocacy and works with schools, education authorities, voluntary services, local authorities and health commissioners to try and raise the level of understanding around autism and the needs of autistic people.
