Understanding the Autistic Experience

Understanding the Autistic Experience

From Home Education Matters by Eleanor Marker

May 31, 2026 · 1h 11m · Episode 159

About this episode

Emily interviews Jess Garner about navigating the autistic experience and the support available for neurodivergent families.

In this week's episode Emily is joined by Jess Garner who founded Gr0ve, a mentoring service for neurodivergent young people. From diagnosis and self identification to community, belonging and co-regulation, this episode is packed full of tips, insights and advice on navigating the autistic experience as a family. Jess is late-realised Autistic, ADHD mother to neurodivergent children, and a former secondary school teacher and middle leader. She founded GROVE, an Autistic-staffed online organisation supporting Autistic young people, after her older child was unable to attend school. Jess recognised a gap in support for Autistic children to connect, belong and explore what being Autistic means to them. Jess holds a Master’s in Autism, with all her work focused on children and young people. Jess's Facebook page @gr0ve_org on Instagram Jess's Website Links mentioned in episode: What Works for Autistic Children, Luke Beardon Neuroqueer Heresies, Nick Walker We are all Neurodiverse, Sonny Jane Wise Pete Wharmby https://theautisticadvocate.com/ https://ausometraining.com/ https://autismunderstood.co.uk/ https://www.spectrumgaming.net/ This podcast is a labour of love, and time and…

People in this episode

Host: Emily

Guest: Jess Garner

Topics covered

  • autism
  • neurodiversity
  • family support
  • community
  • self-identification
  • mentoring

Keywords

  • autistic experience
  • neurodivergent
  • mentoring
  • community
  • self-identification
  • family support
  • co-regulation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Gr0ve, The Autistic Advocate, Ausome Training, Autism Understood, Spectrum Gaming

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