Autistic experiences of pregnancy and birth explores what pregnancy, birth and early parenthood can be like for Autistic people. Host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey speaks with Dr Abbey Love from the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) about insights from her research into autistic perinatal experiences, including the sensory, communication and systemic challenges many parents face — alongside the strengths, competence and self-advocacy that also emerge.

The conversation highlights how this research led to the creation of the award-winning Aspect Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub, a pioneering digital resource supporting Autistic parents and helping healthcare professionals create safer, more inclusive perinatal care experiences.

Resources:

Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub: aspect.org.au/new-parents

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In this episode of A Different Brilliant, host Madeline Jaine Lobsey sits down with social worker and behaviour support practitioner Bella Smyth for an open and empowering conversation about neurodiversity, co-occurring experiences, and what it means to create genuinely neuro-affirming environments.

Bella shares insights from her years of experience supporting Autistic people, including her work in Aspect’s Adult Community Services, and reflects on identity, language, acceptance, and the systems that shape our wellbeing.

This episode is warm, practical and deeply relatable for Autistic people, families, carers, educators and anyone wanting to better understand the richness of neurodivergent experiences.

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In this episode of a different brilliant, host Madeline Jane Lobsey is joined by Sandee Facy, Hd of Business Development for Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia & New Zealand (via Bayley House), and Matt Oastler (he/they), Aspect Autism Friendly Melbourne Team Leader, to explore how the Sunflower symbol and Autism Friendly practices work together to make everyday life more welcoming for Autistic people and others with hidden disabilities.

Drawing on lived experience and practical examples, Sandee and Matt unpack what the Sunflower is (and isn’t), why it helps people signal a need for time, space, or support without disclosing diagnoses, and how Aspect’s Autism Friendly team partners with organisations to turn good intentions into tangible change — from quiet rooms and familiarisation sessions to visual stories, sensory maps, and inclusive workplace design.

Topics include:

• What the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is and who it’s for
• How the Sunflower supports Autistic people and others with non-visible disabilities
• Starting supportive interactions without disclosure
• How Aspect’s Autism Friendly team assesses spaces and trains staff
• Real-world examples: airports, museums, stadiums, Legoland, and libraries
• Creating Sunflower-friendly and Autism Friendly workplaces
• Practical resources and inclusive design strategies for businesses

Whether you’re an Autistic adult, a parent or carer, an educator or allied health professional, or a business leader aiming to lift inclusion, this episode offers clear, actionable ideas you can use right away.

Practical info:

A person can get a Sunflower lanyard in two ways:

1️⃣ Purchase a lanyard from www.hdsunflower.com/au

2️⃣ Find a complimentary lanyard at a Sunflower Friendly organisation near you using the Sunflower Map

Additional resources:

• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower ANZ (via Bayley House) — awareness training and accessibility partnerships
• Aspect Autism Friendly — consultancy, environmental assessments, staff training, and resources for organisations.

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In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey chats with Mel Spencer OAM, CEO of Different Journeys, who draws on her lived experience and professional expertise to discuss unpaid carers of Autistic people.

Mel explores the key challenges and barriers carers face, the supports available, and what can be done to help carers balance their responsibilities with their own wellbeing, personal goals and community participation.

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In this episode of a different brilliant, Dr James Best reflects on his journey as both a father of an Autistic son and a GP, sharing the challenges and insights he’s gained along the way. He offers practical advice on staying connected, balancing family life and the important role fathers play in raising Autistic children.

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In this episode of a different brilliant, host Madeleine Jane Lobsey is joined by Jennifer Lowe, autism researcher and PhD candidate at La Trobe University’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, to explore a subject often avoided but deeply human: grief.

Jennifer shares her lived experience alongside insights from her research into how Autistic people process grief and bereavement. Together, they discuss how grief extends beyond the death of a loved one, pet, or friend. For many Autistic people, the loss of routines, meaningful objects, or everyday familiarity can also evoke feelings of grief.

Topics include:

• Defining grief in an Autistic context
• Autistic experiences of bereavement
• Anticipatory grief and first experiences of loss
• Objects, routines, and the meaning of everyday losses
• Supporting autistic people through grief
• Strategies for families, educators and professionals
• Reflections on wider cultural approaches to death

Whether you’re an Autistic adult, a parent or carer, or a professional supporting neurodivergent people, this episode offers both practical insights and moving lived experience.

Please note: This episode discusses sensitive themes. If you experience distress, please seek support through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the services below.

Additional resources:

Aspect’s self-compassion program: https://www.aspect.org.au/our-research/evidence-informed-guides-programs/aspaa

Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/

Black Dog Institute: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/

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In the latest episode of A Different Brilliant, host Madeleine Jane Lobsey is joined by Michael Theo and therapist and author Jodi Rodgers to explore relationships, dating, intimacy and consent.

Together, they unpack common myths, including the idea that people on the autism connection don’t want romantic or physical connection, and highlight the diversity of neurodivergent experience when it comes to love, communication and sensuality.

Topics include:

• Navigating dating as an Autistic person

• How to build healthy relationships and self-worth

• Understanding consent through an Autistic lens

• Supporting young people and adults with inclusive sex and relationships education

• The power of trial-and-error, resilience and authentic connection

Whether you’re an Autistic adult, a parent or carer, or a professional supporting neurodivergent people, this episode offers both practical insights and moving lived experience.

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Join host Madeleine Jane Lobsey and Aspect’s Positive Behaviour Support practitioner Anna James as they discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance or PDA and autism strategies and why anxiety, not defiance, drives avoidance.

Also known as Persistent Drive for Autonomy and Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, Anna offers examples and practical tips for parents, educators and employers when working with Autistic children and adults.

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