{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/657b32c48f98e20016664592/6891e4bb34f09da0e51c509a?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"\"This Is My Truth”: Autistic MasterChef Contestant Speaks Out on Gregg Wallace","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/657b32c48f98e20016664592/1754391479382-51ee081e-09d1-4130-8b21-8c61e944881b.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p><strong>CW: Reference to online abuse, mental health &amp; sexual allegations</strong></p><p><br></p><p>MasterChef UK semi‑finalist Vanessa D’Souza (aka&nbsp;<em>The Autistic Chef)&nbsp;</em>was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder in her 30s, after years of masking. Cooking became her sanctuary, a safe outlet and creative expression that calmed her mind.</p><p><br></p><p>As an ambassador for the National Autistic Society, she now champions sensory-friendly recipes and greater inclusion in hospitality.</p><p><br></p><p>In this chat with Ben, Vanessa breaks down navigating sensory processing disorder, why neurotypical standards don’t work in culinary spaces, how to make restaurants neurodivergent-friendly, and what it’s like to unmask after 35 years. Plus, she shares her experience of Gregg Wallace during her time on MasterChef.</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 Introduction</p><p>1:20 Vanessa’s Brain &amp; Autism Diagnosis</p><p>7:35 ND Love: Meeting in the Middle</p><p>9:10 The Power of Vanessa’s Vulnerability</p><p>12:32 The Importance of Listening: Unpacking Meltdowns &amp; Family Reactions</p><p>17:35 Vanessa’s Autism VS ADHD</p><p>20:41 Sensory Overwhelm: Taste &amp; Smell</p><p>24:07 Why Vanessa Loves Cooking</p><p>28:01 What is Sensory Processing Disorder?</p><p>30:28 Vanessa’s Top ND Cooking &amp; Restaurant Tips</p><p>38:10 Master Chef: The Hidden Truths &amp; Realities of Being on TV</p><p>45:15 Greg Wallace: Vanessa’s Experience</p><p>47:13 “Autism Should Never Be Used as an Excuse For Bad Behaviour”</p><p>50:50 Vanessa’s Green Light Badge</p><p><br></p><p>_________</p><p><br></p><p>On \"The Hidden 20%,\" host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.</p><p><br></p><p>Host: Ben Branson</p><p>Head of Production: Bella Neale</p><p>Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné</p><p>Video Editor: James Scriven</p><p>Social Media Manager: Charlie Young</p><p>Music: Jackson Greenberg</p><p><br></p><p>Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348</p><p>______________</p><p><br></p><p>Follow &amp; subscribe…</p><p><br></p><p>Website: www.hidden20.org</p><p>Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity</p><p>Ben Branson @seedlip_ben</p><p>Vanessa D'Souza @the.autistic.chef</p><p><br></p><p>If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a \"green dot\" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.</p>","author_name":"The Hidden 20%"}