A few weeks ago Aspire Autism Consultancy had the good fortune of receiving an invitation to take part in an innovative new series of podcasts exploring neurodiversity. We were approached by John Offord, a Yorkshire based freelance producer with extensive experience in TV production, event management and radio production.

John is committed to improving the understanding of neurodiversity within our society using a variety of media platforms.  John’s fascinating series aims to cover the breadth of the autism spectrum as well other co-associated neurological conditions including ADHD. 

John informs us that “The Different minds podcast series chats to people from all walks of life about the different ways our brain can work and interpret information. Neurodiversity highlights that people think about things differently. We all have different interests and motivations and are naturally better at some things and poorer at others.  The term used for the majority of people is “neurotypical”, meaning that the brain functions and processes information in the way society expects.”

During his series, John talks to some extremely interesting and well-informed people about what it’s like to live with difference.  These engaging participants provide authentic insights into their daily lives and talk about some of the challenges they face.  I would recommend these podcasts to listeners as they are genuinely uplifting and portray a balanced perspective which highlights personal strengths and qualities as well as some of the difficulties neurodiverse people may experience.

Autism & Counselling podcast episode

Recently, Deborah and Ruth chatted to John on the subject of “Autism and Counselling” and looked at whether we, as a society, know enough about autism and if our general understanding can be improved.  During our discussion with John, we talk about the issues which typically bring autistic people into therapy and outline ways in which therapists can support neurodiverse clients.  We include information about adult diagnostic pathways and the potential benefits for those who decide to pursue a diagnostic assessment.  We explore the nature of relationships with neurodiverse partners and chat about what help is out there for people who may experience relational and communication difficulties.

To hear our episode just tune into the series “Different Minds” and scroll down the list to find our ‘Autism & Counselling’ podcast (recorded 6th June 2020) – you can listen here:  http://www.anchor.fm/differentminds

John is currently working on a new podcast series developed as a means to engage with a young demographic around mental wellbeing. The aim is to facilitate community-wide sharing of positive experiences within arts activities and promote the ways in which arts participation contributes to improved mental wellbeing. The series will feature young people with lived mental health experience and will be aired in October, 2020 as part of Mental Health Month on BBC Radio Merseyside. 

These podcasts will allow for in depth discussions to take place about the issues that affect young people and their mental wellbeing and how the arts can play a part in recovery or reablement.  In the lead up to the launch of this next series of Mental Health Podcasts, we will be reminding our followers to tune in.

Aspire Autism Consultancy believes John’s series, “Different Minds”, will undoubtedly help to improve the general understanding of neurodiversity and mental health within our society and we are also looking forward to listening to his next series in October. 

If you would like to listen to ‘The Different minds podcast series’ which John presents you can listen here:  http://www.anchor.fm/differentminds

To find out more about the type of work John does please see www.johnofford.co.uk for more details.