Able to Care

Andy is joined by Benny Shakes, comedian, writer and co-founder of the Blue Badge Bunch focused on promoting disability awareness, to explore what it's like to live with Cerebral Palsy.

This months podcast explores Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and how we can help those living with it.

Episode Description:In this special episode of Able to Care, host Andy Baker is joined by co-host Nadine and special guest Alex Bond to discuss the often overlooked and misunderstood topic of autism in girls. Diagnosed with autism a year ago, Alex shares her journey alongside her daughter Ava’s diagnosis in 2019. Together, they delve into the distinct experiences of girls on the spectrum and the challenges around diagnosis, masking, and social expectations. This episode aims to raise awareness and understanding, offering insights that challenge common misconceptions.
Key Topics Covered:
The Challenges of Diagnosing Autism in Girls:Nadine highlights how autism in girls often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to differences in how symptoms present compared to boys. Girls may mask their traits or mimic others, leading professionals and parents to overlook key signs.
Alex’s Journey with Her Daughter’s Diagnosis:Alex shares the early signs she noticed in her daughter, Ava, and the difficulties she faced in getting her concerns taken seriously by her daughter’s school. She explains how Ava’s behaviours, initially seen as free-spirited and energetic, became more pronounced as she grew older.
The Impact of Masking and Misunderstandings:The conversation explores how many girls with autism develop masking behaviours to fit into social norms, often leading to burnout and mental health struggles. Alex candidly shares her own experience of masking and the emotional cost of trying to fit in, while Nadine expands on the friendship dynamics and vulnerabilities girls may face.
Alex’s Self-Discovery of Autism:Through her daughter’s journey, Alex began recognising similar traits in herself. She discusses how understanding autism in women and girls helped her make sense of her own experiences, such as her hyperfixation on subjects, sensory sensitivities, and difficulties with social interactions.
Benefits of Diagnosis and Acceptance:Alex talks about the personal transformation that came with receiving a diagnosis in her 40s, including being kinder to herself and challenging long-held misconceptions about her abilities. She shares the value of Ava’s diagnosis in enabling school support and helping Ava to understand and accept herself.
Positives of Autism and Embracing Differences:The episode wraps up with a reflection on the unique strengths that come with autism, like hypervigilance and deep interests. Alex shares her special connection with the natural world and her passion for museum curation. The discussion also touches on the complexities of identity and gender in neurodiverse individuals.
Key Quotes:
"When your expectations are up here, they're always going to fall short, and unfortunately, that's one of the problems they see in themselves." — Andy Baker
"I'm not failing at this stuff, this stuff is harder for me than it is for other people. I'm not bad with people; I just don’t quite understand how to relax with people." — Alex Bond
Resources Mentioned:
ABLE Training's free course on autism awareness and understanding in girls. https://hub.able-training.co.uk/courses/autism-women-girls/
Takeaway Message:This episode is an insightful exploration into the experiences of girls with autism and the journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It underscores the importance of awareness, understanding, and creating supportive environments where girls can thrive without feeling the need to mask their true selves.
Connect with Us:Follow Able to Care on Instagram, TikTok, for more insights and discussions. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with others who might find it helpful.

Andy is joined in this episode by Ian Peskett, who tells his story of alcohol and substance misuse, his journey to recovery and his role as a support worker helping those in recovery.

Nadine talks with Karena Brooks, CEO of Grantham & District Mencap to discuss Learning Disabilities.

Keynote Speaker, Author and Father's mental health International campaigner Mark Williams joins Andy to explore what it's like to live with ADHD, his difficulties and his coping mechanisms.

Andy is joined by Michael who has 30 years of experience working within children's homes to discuss the challenges that Autism and Sensory Processing present for children.

In this episode of the Able Training Podcast, Andy & Nadine discuss how Dementia affects the 5 senses and the difficulties around sensory needs.

Many people feel excited about the festive season. It is a time for family, food, giving and celebration. It is easy to get caught up in traditions and the joy of the season, but for some Christmas can be an extremely challenging time of year.

Andy and Nadine take a look at Panorama's Undercover Hospital Patients at Risk documentary which found evidence that a secure NHS psychiatric hospital was failing to protect some of its vulnerable patients—discussing person-centred and positive staff cultures in care settings and professional boundaries.