Join hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi as they welcome Kirsty Lavender-Newns, a dedicated volunteer and lead befriender for the London Autism Group Charity, and a trainee therapist. In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Kirsty shares her journey of late diagnosis, the complexities of self-acceptance, and the power of finding your community.
Kirsty opens up about the experiences that led her to seek an autism diagnosis in her early twenties, a process that began after facing significant challenges at university. She explores the feelings of self-doubt and the struggle with internalised ableism that many late-diagnosed autistics face, and discusses how connecting with the London Autism Group Charity became a vital part of reshaping her own narrative and finding a sense of belonging.
The conversation takes a deep dive into the nuanced topic of masking. Simeon and Sophia contribute their own perspectives, discussing how cultural backgrounds and gender norms can shape the pressure to mask, leading to a fascinating discussion on trying to navigate a world without a clear 'social cue handbook'.
The episode also explores why Kirsty decided to train as a therapist. She explains the immense value of autistic-led therapy, the obstacles of training within systems designed for neurotypicals, and the importance of having a therapist who truly understands. Kirsty shares what her training journey has taught her about herself and about creating truly safe, empathetic spaces for others.
This episode is a moving and honest exploration of what it means to build a life on your own terms. Kirsty's story is a testament to the power of understanding yourself, the relief of letting go of neurotypical expectations, and the incredible strength found in community.
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Kirsty's Book Recommendations:
- Papadopoulos, Chris. Voices of Neurodiversity: An Inclusive Encyclopaedia (Routledge, 2025)
- Bargiela, Sarah. Camouflage. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2019.
- Belcher, Hannah Louise. Taking Off the Mask. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2022.
- Ekins, Erin. Queerly Autistic. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2021.
- Garcia, Eric. We’re Not Broken. Harvest, 2021.
- Hendrickx, Sarah, and Jess Hendrickx. Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2024.
- Jones, Steph. The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2024.
- On Being An Autistic Therapist. Pccs Books.
- Pang, Camilla. Explaining Humans: Winner of the Royal Society Science Book Prize 2020. Penguin.
- Rogers, Carl R. A Way of Being. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1995.
- The Routledge International Handbook of Critical Autism Studies (Routledge International Handbooks). Routledge.
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Dr Sophia Christophi's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autistically.sophia
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The Autism Podcast is produced by the London Autism Group Charity.
Editorial leads - Dr Chris Papadopoulos and Mr James Gordon
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