In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the NDVPodcast: Neurodiverse Voices, I sit down with Jack Newton, founder and host of Auticast, for an open and honest conversation about self-acceptance,advocacy, and what it means to finally feel seen. Jack, who was diagnosed as autistic later in life, shared how that moment of clarity helped him make senseof years of feeling different and disconnected, particularly in relationships and employment.
We spoke about the challenges that not everyone sees, theisolation that comes from being misunderstood, and how receiving a diagnosis gave Jack the ability to set clearer boundaries and decide what he can and can’t tolerate. Jack talked about the transition from his first podcast, Out of the Ordinary, which was created during a darker period, to launching Auticast, a project that now comes from a place of light and inspiration, shaped by the powerful stories of his guests.
We also explored the ongoing mental health crisis, especiallyamong men, and the lack of both self-compassion and wider societal compassion. Jack shared his view of autism as a disability, not because of stigma, but because of the real limitations and barriers he faces, particularly in a worldthat often isn’t designed for neurodivergent people.
A key part of our conversation focused on the lack ofunderstanding and education among healthcare professionals, particularly GPs. Jack reflected on how autistic people are frequently dismissed or not taken seriously in medical settings, which only adds to the challenges they face. We also discussed the role of the media in fuelling the narrative that autism and ADHD are suddenly “trendy”, and how this can trivialise genuine lived experiences.
Jack is deeply curious about others, driven by a strongdesire to understand people fully and help them feel better about themselves and the world around them. I left our chat feeling incredibly moved, and I think you will too.
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