Podcast Summary: The Neurodivergent Experience

Episode: Re-Run – Dr Luke Beardon: Changing The Autism Narrative

Hosts: Jordan James (“The Autistic Photographer”) & Simon Scott
Guest: Dr Luke Beardon (Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, Author)
Release Date: September 24, 2025

Overview

This episode revisits a foundational interview with Dr Luke Beardon, a prominent autistic advocate, lecturer, and author at Sheffield Hallam University. In a climate of renewed misinformation about autism promoted by public figures, hosts Jordan and Simon bring Dr Beardon back to challenge the pathological narratives surrounding autism. Together, they address language, systemic stereotyping, the importance of autistic-led spaces, and why narratives about autism must center authentic neurodivergent experiences—not fear, stigma, or supposed “cures.”

Key Topics & Insights

1. The Power of Language and Narrative

(05:52–12:00)

• Dr Beardon emphasizes that most societal narratives around autism remain negative, portray autism as impairment, and are perpetuated even in clinical and educational circles.
• The diagnostic manuals and media, by default, transmit a message that autistic people are “lesser.”
• Quote [10:12] (Dr Beardon):
  "The majority of narratives around autism in everyday society are negative and dripping with pathology… If you took out ‘autism’ and put in another minority group, there would be an outcry.”

On Pejorative Language

• Highlights microaggressions in language: concerns, red flags, warnings—creating a climate of trauma and 'othering'.
• Quote [18:53] (Dr Beardon):
  “Just question everything people say about autism… most is either incorrect or outright misinformation.”

2. The Shift Towards Autistic-Driven Learning Environments

(05:52–08:43)

• Sheffield Hallam’s postgraduate autism courses now enroll mostly autistic students—a major shift from being teacher-dominated.
• Autistic students report feeling safer to engage, unlike traditional settings where autism is discussed pejoratively.

Quote [07:12] (Dr Beardon):
“It’s a safe space for them. So much of the arena where autism is discussed makes autistic people feel incredibly unsafe because the narrative is negative.”

3. Challenging 'Us vs Them', The Hero Complex & Calls for Symbiosis

(11:00–13:57)

• Jordan critiques the “hero complex” among neurotypical allies and tokenistic corporate awareness initiatives.

• Dr Beardon and Jordan agree: non-autistic and autistic people need each other—a genuinely symbiotic relationship.

• Quote [11:50] (Dr Beardon):
  “I don’t like the us and them narrative… The autistic world probably wouldn’t do very well without the non-autistic world, but equally, the non-autistic world wouldn’t do well at all without the autistic world.”

• Jordan discusses being labeled “militant” for passionate advocacy, and distinguishes advocating for himself/family versus “representing” all autistic people.

4. Identity, Validation, and Navigating Diagnosis

(17:04–23:05)

• Simon shares his journey of late diagnosis, feelings of isolation, and the reassurance found in affirming, autistic-led communities.
• Dismissive or gaslighting experiences from professionals (e.g., being told you “can’t” be autistic because you make eye contact or show empathy) are discussed and critiqued.
• Quote [23:05] (Jordan):
  “I get dozens of messages: my child was denied a diagnosis because of fleeting eye contact… I faked it—because I’ve had to, all my life.”

5. Media Stereotypes and Internalized Doubt

(28:20–33:23)

• Mainstream media and poor clinical understanding result in many newly diagnosed adults doubting their own authenticity, especially women.

• Jordan’s wife, though diagnosed, questions her autism because she doesn’t fit the narrow, media-enforced stereotype.

• Quote [31:09] (Dr Beardon):
  “There’s no such thing as two autistic people who are the same… It’s such a common thing for autistic people to question themselves because they’re not similar enough to the person next to them. But you can have individuality and be part of a group at the same time.”

6. Contesting the 'Functioning Labels' and “Despite/Because” Language

(37:16–51:27)

• The hosts reject “high-functioning”/“low-functioning” labels, noting how these can cap potential and obscure shared struggles.

• Jordan reframes achievement and talent—not as “despite” autism but “because of”:
  Quote [41:15] (Jordan):
  “I am not a great photographer despite being autistic. I am a great photographer because I’m autistic. One word difference—despite to because—has helped so many people feel better about themselves.”

• Dr Beardon presents his “Golden Equation”:
  Autism + Environment = Outcome

  • Struggles don’t spring from autism per se, but the collision with an unsupportive environment.

7. Microaggressions, Masking, and the Limits of Neurotypical Understanding

(56:24–64:13)

• The hosts and Dr Beardon dissect masking: for autistic people, it is intensely energy-consuming, distressing, and can lead to collapse after social effort.

• Neurotypical masking is not equivalent:
  Quote [57:38] (Dr Beardon):
  “I agree everybody does mask some of the time. But does that mean a PNT’s understanding of masking is the same as an autistic’s? No, not at all.”

• Common communication breakdowns are likened to Wittgenstein’s Lion: even using the same language, concepts mean different things for neurotypical and autistic people.

8. Sensory Sensitivities, Energy Management, and Environmental Fit

(61:37–68:35)

• Autistic sensory realities are qualitatively different—not simply an amplified neurotypical experience.
• Discusses the constant need for recovery, the toll of masking, and the imperative to identify what drains vs. restores energy.
• Dr Beardon urges charting/awareness of what situations sap or grant energy, to avoid being in a perpetual negative “spoon state.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• [10:32] Dr Beardon: “If [this negativity] were said about any other minority group, there’d be outrage. When it’s autistic people, nobody seems to grumble.”
• [17:04] Dr Beardon to Simon: “Congratulations on your discovery of your authenticity. You’ve got lots of fun ahead.”
• [43:48] Dr Beardon (on the “Golden Equation”): “Autism plus environment equals outcome. If you want to change the outcome, you have to change the environment.”
• [57:38] Dr Beardon (on masking): “Are you consciously aware, does it take enormous energy, afterward do you need to recover? For NTs: no, no, no. For autistics: yes, yes, yes. Exact same word—totally different experiences.”

Key Timestamps

• 03:25 – Show introduction, guest welcome
• 05:52 – Rise of autistic students in autism studies
• 08:43 – The problem with negative language in professional/clinical settings
• 13:57 – Symbiotic relationship, not “us vs them”
• 17:04 – Late diagnosis and the struggle for validation
• 23:05 – The eye contact myth and diagnostic microaggressions
• 28:20 – Identity crisis from stereotypes, especially for women
• 31:09 – No two autistic people are the same; individuality in the community
• 37:16 – Dangers and limitations of functioning labels
• 41:15 – “Despite” vs “because” language for positive reframing
• 43:48 – “Autism + Environment = Outcome”—the golden equation
• 56:24 – Masking: differences between autistic and neurotypical experiences
• 61:37 – How can autistic people know what’s “normal” for senses/emotions?
• 66:41 – The toll of having to always compromise in a neurotypical world
• 68:35 – Charting energy drains and gains for well-being

Final Thoughts

This conversation is a call to action for society, professionals, and individuals to reflect on the narratives and language used around autism. Instead of viewing autism as a problem to be solved, the hosts and Dr Beardon advocate for a culture where autistic voices, expertise, and lived realities are centered. They underline the urgent need for autistic-led spaces, authentic representation, and the power found in reframing—where neurodivergence is recognized both in its challenges and its contributive brilliance.

If you found the discussion meaningful, check out Dr Beardon’s books, explore more episodes of The Neurodivergent Experience, and follow their advocacy for a more inclusive world.