A Different Brilliant

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 connectionWhether 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.All rights reserved.

In this episode of a different brilliant, host Madeline Jaine Lobsey is joined by 2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame — advocate, author, artist and proud autistic woman — for a powerful conversation about autism and masking.Together, they unpack the lived experience of masking: the conscious and unconscious effort many Autistic people make to hide or suppress their needs to feel safe, fit in, or survive in a world not designed for them. Grace shares with honesty and insight how masking shaped her life, the cost it can have on physical and mental health, and the profound impact of finding safe spaces and genuine connections.Whether you're Autistic, a parent, educator, health professional or ally — this deeply human conversation will give you new insights into identity, safety, resilience, and why understanding autism from lived experience matters.WarningThe following podcast discusses sexual abuse. If this causes you distress, please seek professional help or contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Our host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey and Meghan Williams, Aspect's Education Autism Practice Manager, discuss school transitions. They explore the common challenges that are faced by starting a new school, returning to school, and also transitional periods during the day. They also discuss the strategies that can be implemented to help Autistic students adapt during this time of change. This episode is perfect for parents and educators to learn more about how to support Autistic children in the classroom.Ten Tips to support your child during transitionPost-school transition experiences of Aspect graduatesHigh school transition experiences of Autistic studentsAll rights reserved.Mentioned in this episode:Walk for Autism 2025Walk for Autism

In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Aspect's PBS & Safeguarding Manager, Jessica Degrassi to address the topic of "Positive Behaviour Support", or "PBS". They look at both the support for, and some of the misconceptions around, the subject.Note that this podcast addresses topics that may be sensitive to some listeners. If this causes you distress, please seek professional help or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.All rights reserved.Mentioned in this episode:Aspect online resourcesAspect has some great resources available based on their 50+ years of expertise. Head over to shop.aspect.org.au and check out the eBook and Webinars on PBSAspect Online Shop

In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by Natalie Phillips-Mason and Lisa Whinnen, to discuss the importance of providing inclusive retail shopping experiences for Autistic shoppers. This is a must-listen episode for anyone working in the retail sector or retail shop designers and shopfitters.All rights reserved.

In this episode, Dr. Vicki Gibbs, a clinical psychologist and Head of Research at Aspect, and Amanda Scali, a teacher and assistant principal, share insights on the research behind sibling experiences, strategies for parents to support all their children, and personal stories and experiences about growing up with an Autistic sibling.

In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is joined by author and medical writer Benison O’Reilly (‘The Australian Autism Handbook’, Ventura Press). Together they explore how to support Autistic teenagers through adolescence, offering advice on aiding their social interactions and friendships. They also address common puberty and mental health challenges to help parents provide comprehensive support during these transformative years.All rights reserved.