In this episode of a different brilliant, Dr James Best reflects on his journey as both a father of an Autistic son and a GP, sharing the challenges and insights he’s gained along the way. He offers practical advice on staying connected, balancing family life and the important role fathers play in raising Autistic children.All rights reserved.
In this episode of a different brilliant, host Madeleine Jane Lobsey is joined by Jennifer Lowe, autism researcher and PhD candidate at La Trobe University’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, to explore a subject often avoided but deeply human: grief.Jennifer shares her lived experience alongside insights from her research into how Autistic people process grief and bereavement. Together, they discuss how grief extends beyond the death of a loved one, pet, or friend. For many Autistic people, the loss of routines, meaningful objects, or everyday familiarity can also evoke feelings of grief.Topics include:Defining grief in an Autistic contextAutistic experiences of bereavementAnticipatory grief and first experiences of lossObjects, routines, and the meaning of everyday lossesSupporting autistic people through griefStrategies for families, educators and professionalsReflections on wider cultural approaches to deathWhether you’re an Autistic adult, a parent or carer, or a professional supporting neurodivergent people, this episode offers both practical insights and moving lived experience.Please note: This episode discusses sensitive themes. If you experience distress, please seek support through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the services below.Additional resources:Aspect’s self-compassion program: https://www.aspect.org.au/our-research/evidence-informed-guides-programs/aspaaBeyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/Black Dog Institute: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/All rights reserved.
In the latest episode of A Different Brilliant, host Madeleine Jane Lobsey is joined by Michael Theo and therapist and author Jodi Rodgers to explore relationships, dating, intimacy and consent.Together, they unpack common myths, including the idea that people on the autism connection don’t want romantic or physical connection, and highlight the diversity of neurodivergent experience when it comes to love, communication and sensuality.Topics include:• Navigating dating as an Autistic person• How to build healthy relationships and self-worth• Understanding consent through an Autistic lens• Supporting young people and adults with inclusive sex and relationships education• The power of trial-and-error, resilience and authentic connectionWhether you’re an Autistic adult, a parent or carer, or a professional supporting neurodivergent people, this episode offers both practical insights and moving lived experience.All rights reserved.
Join host Madeleine Jane Lobsey and Aspect’s Positive Behaviour Support practitioner Anna James as they discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance or PDA and autism strategies and why anxiety, not defiance, drives avoidance. Also known as Persistent Drive for Autonomy and Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, Anna offers examples and practical tips for parents, educators and employers when working with Autistic children and adults. All rights reserved.
In this episode of a different brilliant, host Madeline Jaine Lobsey is joined by 2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame — advocate, author, artist and proud autistic woman — for a powerful conversation about autism and masking.Together, they unpack the lived experience of masking: the conscious and unconscious effort many Autistic people make to hide or suppress their needs to feel safe, fit in, or survive in a world not designed for them. Grace shares with honesty and insight how masking shaped her life, the cost it can have on physical and mental health, and the profound impact of finding safe spaces and genuine connections.Whether you're Autistic, a parent, educator, health professional or ally — this deeply human conversation will give you new insights into identity, safety, resilience, and why understanding autism from lived experience matters.WarningThe following podcast discusses sexual abuse. If this causes you distress, please seek professional help or contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, explores with Dr. Wenn Lawson and Prof. Sandra Thom-Jones why so many older Autistic people have gone undiagnosed, the lasting impact of late recognition and the critical need for autism-friendly accommodations in healthcare and aged care. A conversation that sheds light on an often-overlooked generation and the changes needed to create a more inclusive future. Dr. Wenn Lawson is an Autistic researcher, author, speaker and poet with expertise in autism across generations. His work focuses on improving autism understanding and support, particularly in areas of mental health and ageing. He is the author of many acclaimed books, including ‘Autism and Being Monotropic: What Medical and Other Practitioners Need to Know’ProfessorSandra Thom-Jones is an Honorary Professor at the University of Wollongong, an Autistic author, artisan, academic and advocate. She provides consultancy services to education, employment and healthcare providers, and supports for Autistic people, through her consultancy Autistic Professor.She is the author of 'Growing into Autism' and has dedicated her career to ensuring Autistic voices are central in research and policy discussions.All rights reserved.
Our host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey and Meghan Williams, Aspect's Education Autism Practice Manager, discuss school transitions. They explore the common challenges that are faced by starting a new school, returning to school, and also transitional periods during the day. They also discuss the strategies that can be implemented to help Autistic students adapt during this time of change. This episode is perfect for parents and educators to learn more about how to support Autistic children in the classroom.Ten Tips to support your child during transitionPost-school transition experiences of Aspect graduatesHigh school transition experiences of Autistic studentsAll rights reserved.Mentioned in this episode:Walk for Autism 2025Walk for Autism
Join our host, Madeleine Jaine Lobsey as she chats with Dr Chris Edwards and Dr Abbey Love from the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) to explore the pros and cons of autism disclosure and what society can do to reduce the challenges and risks associated with disclosure. . We will also hear how sharing being Autistic can lead to acceptance and authenticity, but also to stigma and discrimination. This episode is a must-listen for Autistic people faced with the often-complicated decision of when, where and how to disclose they are Autistic. Non-Autistic listeners will gain insights into how they can assist in creating spaces where Autistic individuals feel safe and supported to consider disclosing they are Autistic.All rights reserved.
In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Aspect's PBS & Safeguarding Manager, Jessica Degrassi to address the topic of "Positive Behaviour Support", or "PBS". They look at both the support for, and some of the misconceptions around, the subject.Note that this podcast addresses topics that may be sensitive to some listeners. If this causes you distress, please seek professional help or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.All rights reserved.Mentioned in this episode:Aspect online resourcesAspect has some great resources available based on their 50+ years of expertise. Head over to shop.aspect.org.au and check out the eBook and Webinars on PBSAspect Online Shop
In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) researchers, Dr Abbey Love and Dr Chris Edwards, and Occupational Therapist/Researcher/Parent, Leah Wiseman. Together, they discuss the worldwide epidemic of loneliness, debunk myths surrounding autism and loneliness, share effective strategies to reduce loneliness and discuss how a shift in society’s social expectations can allow Autistic people to be their authentic selves and strengthen their social connections.Visit the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice loneliness research page to learn more about this study or sign up to find out about upcoming loneliness projects.All rights reserved.
In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Natalie Phillips-Mason and Lisa Whinnen, to discuss the importance of providing inclusive retail shopping experiences for Autistic shoppers. This is a must-listen episode for anyone working in the retail sector or retail shop designers and shopfitters.All rights reserved.
In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Michael Theo, star of hit TV shows Austin and Love on the Spectrum, to discuss the topic of navigating friendship in the high school years. All rights reserved.
In this episode, Dr. Vicki Gibbs, a clinical psychologist and Head of Research at Aspect, and Amanda Scali, a teacher and assistant principal, share insights on the research behind sibling experiences, strategies for parents to support all their children, and personal stories and experiences about growing up with an Autistic sibling.
Host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Kate Bondar, Senior Manager for Stakeholder Engagement and Passenger Experience Sydney Airport, and Ainslie Robinson, Aspect’s Working in Partnership Sr Officer. Ainslie discusses her experiences travelling with her two children on the autism spectrum, provides her tips and tricks as an Autistic parent, and her wish list for airlines, cruise ships, theme parks and more. Kate also provides some tips when travelling through airports and how Sydney Airport is adapting to be more inclusive and sensory-friendly for people with hidden disabilities. All rights reserved.
In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by author and medical writer Benison O’Reilly (‘The Australian Autism Handbook’, Ventura Press). Together they explore how to support Autistic teenagers through adolescence, offering advice on aiding their social interactions and friendships. They also address common puberty and mental health challenges to help parents provide comprehensive support during these transformative years.All rights reserved.
Join us for the latest episode of the Aspect podcast ‘a different brilliant’. Our host, Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, is joined by Kerry Chin, an aromantic/asexual Autistic person. In this episode, we discuss World Autism Understanding Day – not World Autism Awareness Day as some of you may have heard about, but Understanding Day.All rights reserved.
On this episode of the Aspect podcast ‘a different brilliant’, Orion Kelly is joined by Adam Howie and Emma Dresens from Positive Partnerships. Orion, Adam, and Emma explore the topic of autism and First Nations people.All rights reserved.
On this episode of the Aspect podcast ‘a different brilliant’, Orion Kelly is joined by Professor Adam Guastella & Lorna Hankin from University of Sydney, and Stephanie Soans from Aspect Employment. Orion, Adam, Lorna, and Stephanie explore the topic of transitioning young Autistic adults from school to employment. Plus the important of inclusion and diversity in the workplace.All rights reserved.
On this episode of the Aspect podcast ‘a different brilliant’, Orion Kelly is joined by Aspect Education National Director Maryanne Gosling. Orion and Maryanne explore the topic of autism specific education.All rights reserved.
On this episode of the Aspect podcast ‘a different brilliant’, Orion Kelly is joined by A-League Women's Soccer star Emma Stanbury, and Aspect Occupational Therapist Amy Gruskin. Orion, Emma, and Amy explore the topic of movement, sport and autism.All rights reserved.