Let's Talk Neurosense: the psychology of neurodiversity

Dr Naomi Fisher and Dr Danielle Drinkwater

Neurodiversity

Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Education System

Education

Neurodiversity Movement

ADHD

Autism Spectrum

Trauma

Masking

Disability Studies

Critical Social Justice Theory

Diagnosis

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Early Intervention

Social Development

Attention-Deficit/hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Profiling Tool (portsmouth)

Online Discourse About Neurodiversity

Autism Diagnosis

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

33 ratings

Publishes	Weekly	Episodes	23	Founded	5 months ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	Health & FitnessScienceMental Health

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Latest Episodes

S2 E9 How not to improve outcomes for autistic people with Aleida Verhoeven

Aleida Verhoeven understands disability from many angles. She’s autistic herself and also has other disabilities. But in addition, she works in Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme as the equivalent of a case manager, primarily with autis... more

29 Jul 2026 • 56 min

S2 E8 What the critics of masking miss with Richard Smith

Richard has spent his whole career working with autistic adults. He initially worked in a diagnostic assessment service before moving into his current role in an intensive support team for autistic adults. He is a prolific poster in online discussion... more

22 Jul 2026 • 1 hr 3 min

S2 E7 Saying no to diagnosing our son with Chrissie Blackburn

When Chrissie’s son Daniel started school, the teacher asked her on first day why they had not told her that he had an emotional disability. Later, he explained that he was terrified of being inside tall buildings. He was scared and so he hid under t... more

15 Jul 2026 • 58 min • Most popular

S2 E6 Being the parent and the psychologist with Rosie Gilderthorp

Does it help, being a psychologist when your children have additional needs? Or can it make things more complicated?

This week we are delighted to talk to Rosie Gilderthorp. Rosie has worked in forensic and learning disabilities services and she no... more

8 Jul 2026 • 55 min

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Recent Guests

Chrissie Blackburn

Psychologist, family therapist, with 25 years' experience working with young people and adults with learning disabilities; parent and step-parent of Dan.

Independent psychologist/therapist

Episode: S2 E7 Saying no to diagnosing our son with Chrissie Blackburn

Rosie Gilderthorp

Clinical psychologist; author; advocate for neurodiversity and learning disability support

Independent practitioner; former NHS psychologist

Episode: S2 E6 Being the parent and the psychologist with Rosie Gilderthorp

Helen Pluckrose

Author and critic focused on critical social justice theories and disability studies

Independent writer/academic

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

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

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 Kingdom4 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	#80	United Kingdom/Health & Fitness/Mental Health
Apple Podcasts	#208	United Kingdom/Health & Fitness
Apple Podcasts	#52	Ireland/Health & Fitness/Mental Health
Apple Podcasts	#121	New Zealand/Health & Fitness/Mental Health
Apple Podcasts	#147	Ireland/Health & Fitness
Apple Podcasts	#234	Norway/Health & Fitness/Mental Health

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

S2 E6 Being the parent and the psychologist with Rosie Gilderthorp

Q: Rosie, could you explain briefly what cognitive testing measures and how it relates to the concept of a normal distribution?

Cognitive testing assesses different verbal and nonverbal skills to gauge overall cognitive ability, often framed as general intelligence or IQ, and it helps identify strengths and weaknesses as well as potential for improvement. It's not about labeling individuals but about understanding how to maximize their functioning and access appropriate supports, while recognizing that a single score doesn't define a person and should be complemented with functional assessments.

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.

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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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The Hidden 20%
2. I'm ADHD! No You're Not
3. Uniquely Human: The Podcast
4. At Peace Parents Podcast
5. The Book Club

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 5 months ago and published 23 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. Chrissie Blackburn
2. Rosie Gilderthorp
3. Helen Pluckrose
4. Alison Flynn
5. Jon Machnee
6. Dan Lovesey
7. Chris Bagley
8. Danielle Drinkwater

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