Interview with Jill Corbyn (on the topics of neurodivergent-led training, late discovery, lived experience leadership, needs-led care & more)

Join hosts Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi as they welcome Jill Corbyn, founder and director of the neurodivergent-led community interest company, Neurodiverse Connection.

In this insightful episode, Jill shares her journey of being late-discovered autistic, a realization that slowly emerged after working alongside phenomenal autistic colleagues and experiencing a severe period of burnout. The conversation explores how hearing the authentic, insider experiences of autistic people completely shifted her understanding of autism away from traditional, deficit-based medical models.

The hosts and Jill dive deep into the vital importance of lived experience leadership and neurodivergent-led training. They discuss the common assumptions professionals must unlearn, the power of using identity-first language, and the phenomenon of autistic people intuitively recognizing one another. Jill explains why we desperately need to move toward a model of needs-led care, rather than gatekeeping vital support behind years-long diagnostic waiting lists.

The discussion also tackles systemic advocacy and the challenges of being a lived-experience professional navigating complex systems like the NHS. Jill sheds light on her organization's role in the Culture of Care program, working to improve the sensory environments and support systems within mental health inpatient wards. Alongside this, the trio touches on the Double Empathy Problem, the Autistic Space Framework, dealing with the "scarcity mindset" during difficult times, and the regulating joy of special interests - including Jill’s beloved working cocker spaniel, Bat (Wombat).

This episode offers a deeply validating look at the power of community, self-understanding, and authentic connection. Jill’s passion for neurodivergent advocacy and transforming systemic care provides a hopeful roadmap for the future. Whether you are questioning your neurotype, looking for community support, or working in a professional care setting, this conversation is an essential listen.

Jill's Recommended Resources & Mentions:

• Neurodiverse Connection: Jill's organization, offering neurodivergent-led training, resources, and community meetups (including groups for autistic men, Black autistic people, and late-discovered individuals). Visit at: https://ndconnection.co.uk/

• The Double Empathy Reader edited by Damian Milton: The book discussed in the episode exploring the Double Empathy Problem. Jill and her colleague Kay contributed a chapter on embodied double empathy.

• The Autistic SPACE Framework: Created by Autistic Doctors International, a framework for understanding and meeting autistic needs in healthcare and beyond.

• The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks: Sophia's book recommendation from the episode.

Our links:

• The Autism Podcast instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_autism_podcast/

• Simeon Thompson's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Siimthompson

• Dr Sophia Christophi's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autistically.sophia

• Guided Neurons: Simeon's personal YouTube channel dedicated to self-understanding and autistic insights: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedNeurons

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The Autism Podcast is produced by the London Autism Group Charity.Editorial leads - Dr Chris Papadopoulos, Mr James Gordon, Simeon Thompson and Dr Sophia Christophi