In this Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott react to a recent Independent article questioning the old idea of a “single autism spectrum” — and explain why autism isn’t something you’re on, but something you live within.

They explore how the linear model of autism — from “mild” to “severe” — misrepresents reality, fuels stigma, and limits understanding. Drawing on conversations with Steve Silberman and the original intent behind Lorna Wing’s “spectrum” concept, they unpack how language like “high/low functioning” and DSM “levels” continues to harm autistic people.

Using the autism spectrum umbrella as a more accurate and inclusive metaphor, Jordan and Simon show how autistic experience exists in a vast, interconnected space — one where needs shift, context matters, and identity is shaped by environment and understanding.

Together, they discuss:

• Why the “one line from mild→severe” model misses the reality of autistic diversity
• The autism spectrum umbrella: a better way to understand fluctuating needs and context
• How labels like “high/low functioning” and fixed DSM levels are misused and inconsistently applied
• Language matters: why many prefer autistic over “on the spectrum,” and why deficit framing harms
• The real-world impact of media narratives and “expert” takes — from stigma to lost opportunities
• Dangers of ranking human value: how “usefulness” talk slides toward eugenic thinking
• Personal reflections on self-acceptance, parenting, and ensuring autistic kids never learn to hate themselves

This episode is a call to move beyond outdated labels and start seeing autism for what it truly is: diverse, dynamic, and deeply human.

Our Sponsors:

🧠 RTN Diagnostics - Right to Choose – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)

🧘‍♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

• → https://bit.ly/ashleynde

🔗 Stay Connected

• Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
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Hey everyone! We’re taking our own advice this week and looking after our energy levels — both of us are juggling some extra work hours and doing our best to avoid burnout. So instead of a brand-new episode today, we’re re-running one of our most popular and meaningful conversations. Thank you so much for your understanding as we take a breather — we’ll be back with our Hot Topic episode on Friday as usual. And next week, we’ll be celebrating a huge milestone — 100,000 downloads! 🎉

This episode dives into living with pathological demand avoidance (PDA). This condition isn’t officially recognised by most authorities, but one that deeply affects how some neurodivergent people experience daily life.

We share our personal stories and examples of how demand avoidance manifests — from struggles with completing tasks to seeking medical help, to even engaging in the hobbies we love. We also reflect on how PDA impacts mental health, relationships, and self-perception, and how a lack of understanding can make things even harder.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Living with demand avoidance can deeply affect work, relationships, and well-being.
• Demand avoidance isn’t laziness or procrastination — it’s a genuine internal struggle that can be difficult to explain or overcome.
• The lack of official recognition can lead to frustration and a lack of proper support.
• Listening to and validating the experiences of people with demand avoidance is essential — their struggles are real and valid.
• Misdiagnosis or a lack of understanding of neurodivergent conditions can seriously impact a person’s mental health and access to support.

Our Sponsors:

🧠 RTN Diagnostics - Right to Choose – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)

🧘‍♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

• → https://bit.ly/ashleynde

🔗 Stay Connected

• Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
• Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page
• YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience
• TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

❤️ Support the Show

If this episode resonated with you:

✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience

⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodes

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

Hey everyone! Just a quick update from us — there’ll be a re-run episode tomorrow as both of us are doing a bit of overtime right now and working on managing our energy to avoid burnout.

We’ve always talked about the importance of saying no and protecting your spoons when you need to, and this week, we’re taking our own advice!

Don’t worry, our regular Hot Topic episode will still drop on Friday, and next week we’ll be celebrating something huge: 100,000 downloads! 🎉

Thanks as always for listening, supporting, and understanding. You’re the best 💜

Our Sponsors:

🧠 RTN Diagnostics - Right to Choose – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)

🧘‍♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

• → https://bit.ly/ashleynde

🔗 Stay Connected

• Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
• Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page
• YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience
• TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

❤️ Support the Show

If this episode resonated with you:

✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience

⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodes

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