Life on the Spectrum

In this animal-themed episode, Jessie speaks with young autism advocate Summer Farrelly who was able to use her chicken flock to understand people better.She also speaks with an innovative vet from Victoria who performed eye surgery on a pet goldfish.

In this special episode, guest interviewer Andrea Tam puts Jessie in the hot seat and asks her about her new mentoring service for women on the spectrum.Have a Cuppa With Me is a passion project of Jessie's designed to support women on the autism spectrum who may be feeling overwhelmed. So put the kettle on, and join Jessie and Andrea for a cuppa as they speak about the importance of better support for women who are autistic. 

WA children's author Josh Langley joins Jessie once again to discuss his upcoming book Being Wildly Kind; and he talks about the difference between being kind and being WILDLY kind.And singer-songwriter Sunny Leunig chats to Jessie about the theme music for Life on the Spectrum, which was written by him, and about how he expresses his own creativity. 

This week Jessie chats to Australian author Kay Kerr. Kay is the author of a powerful and funny #OwnVoices story depicting life on the edge of adulthood, and life on the autism spectrum. Kay received her own autism diagnosis midway through writing the novel.And, singer songwriter Meggie Morris is back with another original track, one which she needs help naming.

In Episode 8 of Life on the Spectrum, Jessie chats with world renowned clinical psychologist and autism expert Professor Tony Attwood.He speaks about fifty years working in the field of autism, plus they speak about alexithymia and emotions within autistic people. Professor Attwood also opens up about his son William, who was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in his thirties.

This episode looks at all things sleep. Sleep difficulties are very common amongst people on the autism spectrum, this week Jessie speaks to Professor Amanda Richdale from La Trobe University's Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre.We'll learn about why those of us on the spectrum struggle with slumber and what we can do to improve our environment to better support us get a good night's rest.  

Jessie chats to CEO of Autism Step Australia Berinda Karp on her training initiative (developed with Next Step Community Services) to help first responders assist people on the spectrum in emergencies.Plus we hear from singer songwriter Meggie Morris who performs "Hope Street" for us. 

In an emotional episode, Haydn Payne opens up to Jessie and talks to her about how his senses overwhelmed him during a bushfire whilst he was trying to help a friend. 

The inaugural water episode! This week Jessie looks at the relationship between the neurodiverse world and water. She speaks with Erika Gleeson from Autism Swim about the reasons behind people on the Autism spectrum are so drawn to lakes, rivers, waves, pools but also the challenges that come with that.Also, Jessie speaks with Wimmera woman Kirsten Ridgeway on what water means to her. 

Jessie chats to Paul Micallef from Asperger's From the Inside on the importance of social connection for autistic people.Plus, she speaks with three members of the little Facebook group that did extraordinary things for people on the spectrum.

Join Jessie as she chats with autistic advocate Haydn Payne about the importance of allowing people on the spectrum to have agency.She also delves into stimming behaviour and the science behind it.Plus! Award-winning children's author Josh Langley chats about his book series and how kids can make friends with themselves. 

We hear a lot about autism and how to best parent children on the spectrum.  But what about adults? Specifically, late-diagnosed adults who learn later in life they are on the spectrum; and what's more that they always have been. Join Jessie as she introduces herself,  talks about her own diagnosis at age 34 and talks to her mum about how she hopes this program shall help others.