In this episode of a different brilliant, host Madeline Jane Lobsey is joined by Sandee Facy, Hd of Business Development for Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia & New Zealand (via Bayley House), and Matt Oastler (he/they), Aspect Autism Friendly Melbourne Team Leader, to explore how the Sunflower symbol and Autism Friendly practices work together to make everyday life more welcoming for Autistic people and others with hidden disabilities.

Drawing on lived experience and practical examples, Sandee and Matt unpack what the Sunflower is (and isn’t), why it helps people signal a need for time, space, or support without disclosing diagnoses, and how Aspect’s Autism Friendly team partners with organisations to turn good intentions into tangible change — from quiet rooms and familiarisation sessions to visual stories, sensory maps, and inclusive workplace design.

Topics include:

• What the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is and who it’s for
• How the Sunflower supports Autistic people and others with non-visible disabilities
• Starting supportive interactions without disclosure
• How Aspect’s Autism Friendly team assesses spaces and trains staff
• Real-world examples: airports, museums, stadiums, Legoland, and libraries
• Creating Sunflower-friendly and Autism Friendly workplaces
• Practical resources and inclusive design strategies for businesses

Whether you’re an Autistic adult, a parent or carer, an educator or allied health professional, or a business leader aiming to lift inclusion, this episode offers clear, actionable ideas you can use right away.

Practical info:

A person can get a Sunflower lanyard in two ways:

1️⃣ Purchase a lanyard from www.hdsunflower.com/au

2️⃣ Find a complimentary lanyard at a Sunflower Friendly organisation near you using the Sunflower Map

Additional resources:

• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower ANZ (via Bayley House) — awareness training and accessibility partnerships
• Aspect Autism Friendly — consultancy, environmental assessments, staff training, and resources for organisations.

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In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey chats with Mel Spencer OAM, CEO of Different Journeys, who draws on her lived experience and professional expertise to discuss unpaid carers of Autistic people.

Mel explores the key challenges and barriers carers face, the supports available, and what can be done to help carers balance their responsibilities with their own wellbeing, personal goals and community participation.

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In this episode of a different brilliant, Dr James Best reflects on his journey as both a father of an Autistic son and a GP, sharing the challenges and insights he’s gained along the way. He offers practical advice on staying connected, balancing family life and the important role fathers play in raising Autistic children.

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In this episode of a different brilliant, host Madeleine Jane Lobsey is joined by Jennifer Lowe, autism researcher and PhD candidate at La Trobe University’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, to explore a subject often avoided but deeply human: grief.

Jennifer shares her lived experience alongside insights from her research into how Autistic people process grief and bereavement. Together, they discuss how grief extends beyond the death of a loved one, pet, or friend. For many Autistic people, the loss of routines, meaningful objects, or everyday familiarity can also evoke feelings of grief.

Topics include:

• Defining grief in an Autistic context
• Autistic experiences of bereavement
• Anticipatory grief and first experiences of loss
• Objects, routines, and the meaning of everyday losses
• Supporting autistic people through grief
• Strategies for families, educators and professionals
• Reflections on wider cultural approaches to death

Whether 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.

Please note: This episode discusses sensitive themes. If you experience distress, please seek support through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the services below.

Additional resources:

Aspect’s self-compassion program: https://www.aspect.org.au/our-research/evidence-informed-guides-programs/aspaa

Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/

Black Dog Institute: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/

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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 connection

Whether 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.

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Join host Madeleine Jane Lobsey and Aspect’s Positive Behaviour Support practitioner Anna James as they discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance or PDA and autism strategies and why anxiety, not defiance, drives avoidance.

Also known as Persistent Drive for Autonomy and Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, Anna offers examples and practical tips for parents, educators and employers when working with Autistic children and adults.

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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.

Warning

The following podcast discusses sexual abuse. If this causes you distress, please seek professional help or contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, explores with Dr. Wenn Lawson and Prof. Sandra Thom-Jones why so many older Autistic people have gone undiagnosed, the lasting impact of late recognition and the critical need for autism-friendly accommodations in healthcare and aged care. A conversation that sheds light on an often-overlooked generation and the changes needed to create a more inclusive future.

Dr. Wenn Lawson is an Autistic researcher, author, speaker and poet with expertise in autism across generations. His work focuses on improving autism understanding and support, particularly in areas of mental health and ageing. He is the author of many acclaimed books, including ‘Autism and Being Monotropic: What Medical and Other Practitioners Need to Know’

ProfessorSandra Thom-Jones is an Honorary Professor at the University of Wollongong, an Autistic author, artisan, academic and advocate. She provides consultancy services to education, employment and healthcare providers, and supports for Autistic people, through her consultancy Autistic Professor.

She is the author of 'Growing into Autism' and has dedicated her career to ensuring Autistic voices are central in research and policy discussions.

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