In this episode of Autism Help, Heather McKay explores the importance of hobbies and special interests for autistic people, and what happens when we lose interest in the things that bring us joy.

Heather discusses the differences between autistic and ADHD hobbies, including the emotional impact of losing a deeply meaningful interest, the financial cost of abandoned hobbies, and the relationship between hobbies, depression and burnout. She also considers how masking, everyday demands and a lack of support can affect our ability to enjoy our interests, and why finding ways to reconnect with the things we love can be important for our wellbeing.

Content Note:

This episode includes discussion of depression, suicidal thoughts, grief and autistic burnout. Please listen with care if these subjects may be difficult or triggering for you.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for general information only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Please consult an appropriately qualified professional about your individual circumstances.

🎧 Autism Help is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com

🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcastnetwork.com

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @autisticculturepodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Autism Help, Heather McKay explores the often-overlooked connection between autism and incontinence, and the challenges many autistic people face in accessing understanding and appropriate support.

Heather discusses the discrimination experienced by autistic people with co-occurring incontinence, why these difficulties can occur, and what individuals, families, and carers can do to better support those affected. This episode shines a light on a topic that is rarely talked about but has a significant impact on quality of life.

Content Note

This episode includes discussion of incontinence, toileting, and discrimination experienced by autistic people.

Disclaimer

Autism Help is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. The views expressed are based on the host's knowledge and lived experience. If you have questions about your health, treatment, or legal circumstances, please seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.

🎧 Autism help is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com

🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcastnetwork.com

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @autisticculturepodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Autism Help, Heather McKay is joined by PhD researcher Helen Johnston to explore the relationship between autism and fibromyalgia, a condition that affects many autistic people but remains under-recognised.

Together, they discuss what fibromyalgia is, how it develops, the challenges of diagnosis, and the latest research into the condition. The conversation offers valuable insight into an area of health that deserves greater awareness within the autistic community.

Helen Johnston welcomes enquiries about her research and can be contacted at Helen.johnston-4@postgrad.plymouth.ac.uk.

Disclaimer

Autism Help is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. The views expressed are based on the host's knowledge and lived experience. If you have questions about your health, treatment, or legal circumstances, please seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.

🎧 Autism help is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com

🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcastnetwork.com

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @autisticculturepodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Understanding autism means understanding everything that comes with it.

Welcome to Autism Help, a podcast exploring the co-occurring conditions, daily challenges, and practical realities that shape the lives of autistic people and those who support them. Part of the Autistic Culture Podcast Network.

Hosted by Heather McKay (she/they)—a late-diagnosed autistic mother of two, educator, company director, and author of Autism: The Big Book Set of Help—the series provides honest, neuroaffirming conversations about topics that are often overlooked, misunderstood, or poorly explained by mainstream services.

Drawing on lived experience, years of facilitating support groups, and extensive research, Heather explores subjects including ARFID, executive dysfunction, sleep disorders, fibromyalgia, incontinence, literacy, and supporting multiply-disabled children. Each episode aims to provide practical knowledge, reduce isolation, and help listeners better understand autistic life beyond the diagnostic criteria.

Whether you're autistic yourself, a parent, educator, support worker, or healthcare professional, Autism Help offers accessible, evidence-informed conversations grounded in both expertise and lived experience.

🎧 Autism help is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com

🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcastnetwork.com

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @autisticculturepodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.