{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/68efb2c251a2f46134c39ff6/69c3ddfda3dddd45e978f3fa?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"On masking, meltdowns, and strength-first parenting (with Alex Manners)","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/68efb2c251a2f46134c39ff6/1774443342534-6cc81b33-67d0-4a39-a35d-ef0d3e9f9848.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In this episode, Guy is joined by Alex Manners, a 28-year-old autism advocate, speaker,&nbsp;and author. Alex shares what it was like growing up autistic, getting diagnosed at 10 (Asperger’s at the time), and navigating school when support&nbsp;wasn’t&nbsp;always there.&nbsp;</p><p>We talk about masking, bullying, anxiety, and why meltdowns often happen after&nbsp;school, once&nbsp;the stress has built up all day. Alex also shares the coping strategies that genuinely helped, including using special interests as a calming reset.&nbsp;</p><p>We also look at what schools and workplaces can do better, and why reasonable adjustments and autism training should be standard, not something families have to fight for.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Alex Manners:&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.thealexmanners.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">www.thealexmanners.com</a></p><p><br></p><p>If you have found this episode helpful and would like to support Transforming Autism’s work, you can&nbsp;<a href=\"https://tinyurl.com/tap-donate\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">make a donation&nbsp;here</a>.</p><p>Every contribution means we can support even more young Autistic children to fulfil their potential and, with their families, live happy, fulfilling lives.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><em>This episode is shared&nbsp;for&nbsp;information and support. It is not medical advice. If you are worried about your child’s wellbeing, contact your GP or relevant professional support.</em></p><p><br></p><p>Follow Transforming Autism:</p><p><a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/transformingautismproject\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Instagram,</a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/transforming-autism/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">LinkedIn,</a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/transformingautismuk/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook,</a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https://transformingautism.org/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Website</a></p><p><br></p><p>Music: My&nbsp;Starwing&nbsp;by Nathaniel&nbsp;Weilein</p><p>Prefer to watch this episode on YouTube? <a href=\"https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuieNmho0aRflbL-wNAw9up0_WKXOH9zV&amp;si=BqA9RwfwMltP8Cj0\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Click here</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>About Transforming Autism:</strong></p><p>Transforming Autism is a UK charity focused on early autism support for children aged 0–12 and their families, with a strong emphasis on the earliest years (0-4). We help parents reconnect with their autistic child through strong trust-based relationships and create environments where children and the whole family can flourish. To learn more or access support, visit&nbsp;<a href=\"https://transformingautism.org/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">transformingautism.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>","author_name":"Transforming Autism"}