A heartfelt conversation with Danielle, mother to Van, whose journey through autism has been one of patience, persistence, and hard-won progress. From a child who didn't speak until seven, struggling through his early school years, to a young person who now finds genuine connection in education—Van's story defies simple narratives.

We discuss the gap between low and high support needs autism, and why the lived realities of families like Danielle's often go unheard in broader conversations about neurodiversity. She doesn't sugarcoat the isolation or the weight of advocating alone in a system that offers little support.

Danielle also speaks candidly about what gets lost along the way—the careers never pursued, the holidays never taken, the ordinary freedoms that slip quietly out of reach. This is a conversation about what it takes to show up, day after day, when no one else will.

Her perspective may challenge assumptions. We invite listeners to stay present, lean into the complexity, and make space for the voices that are too often left out of the room.

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Ashley Blaker is a comedian and writer based in London and New York.

Ashley has six children, three of whom have an SEN diagnosis. Between endless meetings, countless therapists, public humiliations, failed playdates, surreal monologues and occasional violence, it’s certainly not what anyone would call a ‘normal’ household – but would he want it any other way?

In this episode, we sit down with Sinead Kerley-Dunne to explore gestalt language processing (GLP) and what it means for autistic children and their families. Sinead breaks down the prevalence of GLP among autistic children and shares practical insights for parents navigating this language development pathway.

We discuss how to identify gestalt language processing in non-speaking children, challenging some common assumptions about language acquisition. Sinead also offers a refreshing perspective on screen time, explaining why it can actually be beneficial for gestalt language processors when used intentionally.

The conversation wraps up with actionable advice for parents who suspect their child may be a gestalt language processor, including how to approach these conversations with schools and nurseries to ensure their child receives appropriate support.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or professional working with autistic children, this episode provides valuable insights into recognizing and supporting gestalt language learners.

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