This episode delves into the nature of Neurodivergent humanity. It explores our vulnerabilities, our interactions with others, and the infite variables that come together to create the person we are. This is a premium podcast that is supported by it’s paid subscribers. If you would like to listen, please subscribe below.

NeuroHub Community Journal | New…

In this episode of Autistic Storytime With David, we explore two interconnected concepts developed by fellow advocate and researcher Tanya Adkin: monotropic split, the cognitive injury that occurs when a monotropic person's attention is forced to fracture across too many competing demands, and lilipadding, a practical framework for navigating transitions and recovering from Autistic burnout one manageable step at a time. Drawing on personal experience and years of peer mentoring, David unpacks why autistic burnout so often feels like personal failure, why it isn't, and what a genuinely sustainable path forward looks like.

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Every April, the puzzle pieces come out, the buildings go blue, the corporate social media posts arrive, right on schedule.

Every April, a lot of Autistic people brace themselves.

This episode of Autistic Storytime With David is one I’ve wanted to make for a long time. We’re talking about harmful autism organisations, specifically, Autism Speaks; and why “Autism Awareness” as a concept has never been enough, and has sometimes made things actively worse for our community.

I go into the specifics; the campaigns that caused real harm, the financials, the absence of Autistic voices in decision-making, and the uncomfortable links between some widely-promoted autism “therapies” and conversion therapy.

I talk about what we actually need instead. Not awareness. Not puzzle pieces. Acceptance, solidarity, and organisations that are genuinely led by and accountable to Autistic people.

This one matters to me. I’d love to know if it resonates with you.

Have you had your own experiences with harmful autism organisations or “awareness” campaigns? Hit reply and tell me; I read every response.

If this episode speaks to something you’ve felt for a long time, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Word of mouth from this community is everything.

If you’re not yet a paid subscriber, the full episode is waiting for you.

Thank you for being here. This community is the reason I keep making this show.