Let's Talk Neurosense: the psychology of neurodiversity

Dr Naomi Fisher and Dr Danielle Drinkwater

Neurodiversity

Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Education System

Neurodiversity Movement

ADHD

Autism Spectrum

Education

Trauma

Masking

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Early Intervention

Social Development

Attention-Deficit/hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Profiling Tool (portsmouth)

Online Discourse About Neurodiversity

Autism Diagnosis

Double Empathy Problem

Diagnostic Criteria

Developmental Trauma

A podcast to discuss important issues about neurodiversity. neurosense.substack.com

33 ratings

Publishes	Weekly	Episodes	19	Founded	4 months ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	Health & FitnessMental HealthScience

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Guests Hosts Reviews Charts Talking Points

Latest Episodes

S2 Bonus: Behind the Headlines: Are there 194,000 older adults in need of an autism diagnosis?

Guardian readers were asked last week to ask themselves if their parents might be neurodivergent. Apparently up to 97% of autistic adults over the age of 60 are undiagnosed, and the Guardian is here to guide their adult children in how to broach the ... more

3 Jul 2026 • 47 min

S2 E5 Power, knowledge and language in neurodiversity with Helen Pluckrose

Have you noticed that the way some people talk about neurodiversity has changed? Have you heard that diagnostic language is violent, that neurodivergent people are oppressed by neuronormative standards and that it’s ableist to suggest that it’s prefe... more

1 Jul 2026 • 1 hr 5 min

S2 E4 Recognising our responsibility with Alison Flynn

This week’s guest is Dr Alison Flynn, a clinical psychologist who has specialised in working in neurodevelopmental and forensic services. She told us of her strong sense of professional responsibility, particularly when it comes to working with peopl... more

24 Jun 2026 • 1 hr 12 min • Most popular

S2 E3 Autism online with Jon Machnee

This week, we speak to Jonathan Machnee, an autistic computer engineer and independent autism researcher from Canada.

Jon got in touch after the response to our episode with Uta Frith because he is particularly interested in the online dynamics arou... more

17 Jun 2026 • 1 hr

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Recent Guests

Alison Flynn

Clinical psychologist specializing in neurodevelopmental and forensic services

Independent clinical practice / NHS experience

Episode: S2 E4 Recognising our responsibility with Alison Flynn

Jon Machnee

Autism researcher, ethnographer of online autistic communities, focusing on the intersection of autism and religion

Independent autism researcher/ethnographer

Episode: S2 E3 Autism online with Jon Machnee

Dan Lovesey

Researcher and autistic advocate with a background in education and qualitative methods

Independent researcher / Academic

Episode: S2 E2 Why lived experience expertise needs checks and balances with Dan Lovesey

Chris Bagley

Educational psychologist, author, and advocate for democratic education and neurodiversity principles

States of Mind

Episode: S2 E1 Blaming children's brains for the failings of the school system with Chris Bagley

Danielle Drinkwater

Clinical psychologist with experience in private practice and neurodevelopmental assessment

Private practice; clinical psychology training programs

Episode: BONUS: What really happens when we diagnose autism with Danielle Drinkwater

Claire Mason

Service manager for the Portsmouth Neurodiversity Multidisciplinary Team

Portsmouth City Council / Portsmouth Neurodiversity Team

Episode: S1 E10 Supporting children without the need for a diagnosis with Claire Mason

Fabian Hoff

German autistic man who works at a specialist school for children with autism, ADHD and trauma

Specialist school for children with autism, ADHD and trauma

Episode: S1 E9 When lived experience and science clash with Fabian Hoff

Amy Lutz

Historian of medicine, author of Chasing the Intact Mind

University of Pennsylvania

Episode: S1 E8 Who speaks for who in autism with Amy Lutz

Jonathan Green

Professor of Child Psychiatry, University of Manchester; researcher in early social development and intervention for autistic children

University of Manchester

Episode: S1 E7 Evidence-based early intervention in autism with Jonathan Green

Hosts

Dr. Danielle Drinkwater

Clinical psychologist; host focusing on neurodiversity and families

Dr. Naomi Fisher

Clinical psychologist; co-host specializing in autism and trauma

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 33 ratings

Dr P
Did I seriously just hear your podcast platform Uta Frith as she denied the existence of masking, laughed at people who question a deficit model, and say scientists should be less compassionate? I’ve always been a fan of yours, Dr Fisher, but that episode—and your constant agreement with her as she spoke—was incredibly disappointing.
Apple Podcasts
2
Stephillips
United States2 months ago
A welcome addition
Thank you, a long overdue space for broad discussions from a wide variety of perspectives on current issues and challenges in this field. Balance and respectful discussion is much needed to ensure we are getting things right for children who are struggling.
Apple Podcasts
5
Cosmouniverse
United Kingdom3 months ago

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Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guests consistently bring expertise and real-world impact, making complex topics accessible for practitioners and families.

Conversations are respectful and evidence-informed, with thoughtful consideration of lived experiences.

The show provides a broad, balanced space for diverse perspectives on autism and neurodiversity.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts	#60	United Kingdom/Health & Fitness/Mental Health
Apple Podcasts	#154	United Kingdom/Health & Fitness
Apple Podcasts	#154	Ireland/Health & Fitness/Mental Health
Apple Podcasts	#166	New Zealand/Health & Fitness/Mental Health

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

S2 E3 Autism online with Jon Machnee

Q: What prompted you to leave the neurodiversity movement, and what did you find in your later research?

A shift toward focusing on complexity and nuance, recognizing that scientific research and clinical realities sometimes clash with activist rhetoric, and a commitment to updating beliefs in light of new evidence rather than clinging to a fixed narrative.

S2 E3 Autism online with Jon Machnee

Q: How do you distinguish between the neurodiversity movement's rhetoric and the actual needs of autistic people at different levels of support?

The needs vary greatly between ASD1, ASD2, and ASD3; what helps some may not help others, and sometimes the movement's rhetoric overlooks the real, diverse requirements of individuals with higher support needs.

S2 E3 Autism online with Jon Machnee

Q: Could you tell us a little about your journey—how you were diagnosed and what you do now?

I was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at 16, later pursued research on autism and religion, and I now describe myself as an ethnographer of online autistic communities with a focus on religious dispositions and how neurodiversity intersects with Christianity.

S2 E4 Recognising our responsibility with Alison Flynn

Q: How has NHS provision for neurodevelopmental services evolved, and what ongoing tensions do clinicians face between long-term developmental work and current demand for brief, outcome-focused therapies?

She notes shifts toward shorter, evidence-based therapies and longer waiting lists, while arguing for space to 'mentalize' and develop with families over time; private practice offers flexibility to sustain developmental work.

S2 E4 Recognising our responsibility with Alison Flynn

Q: Alison, can you expand a little bit on the history of harm from our profession when it comes to neurodiversity?

She details punitive past interventions, the misuse of approaches like applied behavior analysis, and how the field's history has shaped distrust and current care approaches, emphasizing the need to rehumanize and relationally engage with neurodivergent people and families.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful exploration of neurodiversity, autism, and related educational, clinical, and policy issues. Across episodes, the conversation often centers on lived experiences, historical and scientific perspectives, diagnostic debates, and the ethics of intervention and support. Discussions frequently balance personal narratives with research-informed approaches, challenging traditional medical models while advocating for inclusive, flexible care and education systems. Noteworthy is the mix of clinicians, researchers, autistic advocates, and parents who contribute diverse viewpoints to foster nuanced, respectful dialogue while highlighting practical implications for families and professionals alike.

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1. The Hidden 20%
2. Begin Again with Davina McCall
3. ADHD Chatter
4. Postcards From Midlife
5. Complex with Kimberley Wilson

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 4 months ago and published 19 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Alison Flynn
2. Jon Machnee
3. Dan Lovesey
4. Chris Bagley
5. Danielle Drinkwater
6. Claire Mason
7. Fabian Hoff
8. Amy Lutz

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