In the final part of our conversation with the brilliant Kieran Rose, we continue exploring the deep stuff—trauma, safety, diagnosis, and the stories that shape how autistic people are seen, treated, and understood.

We talk about the real impact of unsupported neurodivergence across a lifetime, what’s missing in many professional approaches, and why pushing for understanding isn’t just about “awareness”—it’s about challenging systems.

Expect compassion, realism, and a healthy dose of challenge to the status quo. Because, as Kieran puts it, you can’t separate autism from the world it exists in—and the stories we tell matter.

Pain can be hard to describe, hard to measure—and even harder to manage when you’re neurodivergent.

This week, Kate and Nic dive into the realities of pain, fatigue, and how it shows up (or doesn’t) for autistic people.

From hot water bottles for your soul to boiling showers, we’re sharing the warmth, the honesty, and a few laugh-out-loud moments along the way.

In the second part of our special with Dr. Amy Pearson, we’re focusing on the practical challenges and societal expectations faced by autistic individuals, particularly autistic women and mothers.

Dr. Pearson elaborates on the concept of 'masking' and its profound effects on personal and professional life, emphasising the intense pressures and unrealistic standards imposed on autistic mothers.

This episode sheds light on the need for greater understanding and support for the autistic community, discussing how societal norms and gender roles significantly impact the mental health and well-being of autistic individuals.

This week on Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws, Kate and Nic take on one of the most persistent—and frankly exhausting—narratives in the world of autism representation: the “superpower” myth.

Is it flattering?

Is it helpful?

Or is it actually just another way of misunderstanding autistic experiences?

From shiny capes and hyperlexia to real-life differences in how we think, learn, and process the world, this episode dives into what gets lost when autism is painted as magical, mysterious, or superhuman.

In this special episode, Nic King is thrilled to welcome Dr. Amy Pearson, an assistant professor at Durham University, who shares her insights into autistic identity, masking, and victimisation among autistic individuals.

Dr. Pearson, a late-diagnosed autistic woman, dives deep into her research and discusses her co-authored book on autistic masking.

This discussion not only highlights the complexities of autistic experiences but also explores the impact of stigma on identity management within the autistic community.

LIVE Part 2: The Future Awaits…

We’re back with the second half of our first-ever live show at Gosforth Civic Theatre!

This time, we’re looking ahead – to the future of neurodivergent life, support, and understanding.

What needs to change? What gives us hope? And what do we absolutely not want to see happening?

Expect deep thoughts and big laughs, plus, some real-time audience reactions and slightly too much honesty, as always.

This week on Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws, Kate Fox and Nic King wade into a slightly controversial topic—one that’s been on the list for a while but needed just the right moment. That moment is now.

Yes, you can be autistic and be an a******.

Just like any other group, we have our fair share of people who display manipulative, toxic, or outright abusive behaviours. And it’s time we talked about it.

From spotting red flags to understanding why autistic and ADHD people can be more vulnerable to manipulation, this episode tackles the complex dynamics of trust, abuse, and community accountability.

And, crucially, while every community has one (or several), the vast majority of autistic people are kind, justice-driven, and deeply caring.

In this episode of Neurotypicals Don’t Juggle Chainsaws, Kate Fox and Nic King finally tackle a topic they’ve been meaning to dive into for ages—autistic-coded characters. And what better way to do it than through Patience, Channel 4’s new show featuring an explicitly autistic protagonist played by autistic actor Ella Maisy Purvis?

Kate and Nic break down what Patience gets right, where it stumbles, and how it compares to the long history of autistic-coded but never explicitly autistic characters.

They also dig into the ongoing issue of autistic representation in media.