Autism from an Autistic parent's perspective

Laurie Morgen joins Joanne Lockwood to talk about autism through the lens that’s often missing from public conversation: being an autistic parent. Drawing on their own family life and the stories shared with them since publishing their book, Laurie explains why “autism parent” is frequently misunderstood and why it matters to recognise autistic people as parents in their own right.

The conversation unpacks common misconceptions that show up in professional settings and everyday life, including assumptions about empathy, relationships, communication, and stereotypes about skills. Laurie discusses how language and vague social conventions can create barriers, especially when professionals expect people to respond to unspoken “tick box” norms. They share personal experiences of navigating school systems, social services, and parenting spaces where indirect communication and judgment can carry real consequences.

Jo and Laurie also explore how workplaces can become more accessible by focusing on the actual requirements of a role, communicating more directly, and reducing overreliance on culture-fit and social performance. Along the way, Laurie reflects on community, isolation during lockdown, and the practical strategies that support their wellbeing, grounding the episode in both lived experience and actionable learning.