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  • Podcast
  1. Latest
  2. Podcast

Podcast

During this entertaining and enlightening podcast series our host, Craig, speaks to autistic people and professionals working in the field about their lived experience, challenges, achievements and the support that is available to people across our region. 

Give us a follow on Spotify or our social media pages to make sure you never miss an episode! 
Take Part in the Podcast

Take Part in the Podcast

We want to give a voice to autistic people, and improve autism understanding. Find out how to take part in the Leeds Autism Services podcast >> Read more

Published: 30th May, 2023

Updated: 1st April, 2026

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 50

Podcast - Episode 50

In this 50th episode special, Craig speaks to Pete Hughes, Chief Executive Officer at Leeds Autism Services. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 1st April, 2026

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 49

Podcast - Episode 49

In this episode, Craig is joined by Matthew Akpan - autistic Guinness world record holder and autism ambassador. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 13th March, 2026

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 48

Podcast - Episode 48

Autistic film maker, Lizzie Evans, speaks to Craig about her upcoming documentary "Where do you want us?" and her experiences in the film industry. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 19th December, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 47

Podcast - Episode 47

In this episode Craig speaks to Dr Liam Cross and Dr Gray Atherton from the School of Psychology, University of Plymouth about autism, games and gaming. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 12th November, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 46

Podcast - Episode 46

In this episode we are joined by autistic theatre maker, Jess Telling, who speaks about the work her company are doing to make theatre more accessible and inclusive. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 30th October, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 45

Podcast - Episode 45

Craig is joined by Tony Frais, author of the children's book 'Noah's Rocket' which has really struck a chord with young autistic readers. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 26th September, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 44

Podcast - Episode 44

On this episode we are joined by Hayley Greenwood, who is the Operational Manager for Leeds Autism Diagnostic Service (LADS). Listen now>> Read more

Published: 5th September, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 43

Podcast - Episode 43

In this episode, Craig speaks to Ali Barfield, autistic founder of Deflect and Protect, a digital harms training provider focused on the benefits of the internet. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 14th August, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 42

Podcast - Episode 42

On this episode we are joined by Paul Brackstone, founder of the amazing Supergood Bikers for Autism. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 8th July, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 41

Podcast - Episode 41

In this episode, Craig speaks to Harriett de Mesquita, autistic writer and author of 'The Magickal Summer of Evie Edelman'. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 25th June, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 40

Podcast - Episode 40

In this episode we are joined by one of our amazing members and aspiring musician, Ben, who talks about his support with us and debuts his latest track. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 13th June, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 39

Podcast - Episode 39

In this episode Craig talks to Graham Fisher about his experiences as the parent of an 11-year-old, autistic entrepreneur, Oliver. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 28th May, 2025

Updated: 11th June, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 38

Podcast - Episode 38

In this episode, Craig speaks to autistic public speaker and founder of Little Seeds Group, Ellen Cole. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 15th May, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 37

Podcast - Episode 37

In this hour-long podcast special we are joined by one of our amazing service users, James, who shares his story in a frank and open manner, and talks about his work advocating for better autism understanding>> Read more

Published: 7th April, 2025

Updated: 14th May, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 36

Podcast - Episode 36

This episode features Clive Parry, Director of ARC England, a member organisation that influences health and social care policy to benefit learning disabled and autistic people in the social care system>> Read more

Published: 7th April, 2025

Updated: 14th May, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 35

Podcast - Episode 35

In this episode we are joined by Peter Townson. Pete is the Projects and learning Manager at Lippy People, an advocacy charity that uses video storytelling to support people to tell their story>> Read more

Published: 7th April, 2025

Updated: 14th May, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 34

Podcast - Episode 34

On this episode we are joined by Gillian Rogers. Gillian is the founder and CEO of Autism Arena, an organisation that helps parents and carers navigate the journey to diagnosis and getting the right support in place for our children. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 3rd April, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 33

Podcast - Episode 33

On this episode we are joined by Leigh Staunton, Mindful Employer Project Co-ordinator, who talks about the network, her role, and the work she has done with Leeds Autism Services. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 29th January, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 32

Podcast - Episode 32

On this episode we are joined by Declan Jenkinson, Captain of Leeds Rhinos Learning Disability Super League team and advocate for the autistic community. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 9th January, 2025

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 31

Podcast - Episode 31

In this episode we are joined by Jack Birkinshaw, an autistic Internal Recruitment Officer who offers his advice on creating inclusive workplaces. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 10th October, 2024

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 30

Podcast - Episode 30

In this episode, Craig talks to Matt Wheeler, autistic businessman and co-creator of MadeBy.Studio. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 10th October, 2024

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 29

Podcast - Episode 29

In this episode Craig is joined by Carrie Holroyd. In this episode Carrie gives us her own personal story and shares her experiences of her diagnosis, how this affected her. Listen now >> Read more

Published: 24th September, 2024

Author: Pete Hughes

Podcast - Episode 28

Podcast - Episode 28

In this episode, Craig is in conversation with Laura Hellfeld, an independent neurodivergent nurse and sleep consultant who uses her lived experience to offer help and advice in many different fields. Listen now>> Read more

Published: 19th September, 2024

Author: Pete Hughes

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  • University of Edinburgh - Research Participants wanted

    University of Edinburgh - Research Participants wanted

    Complete an online survey to be in with a chance of winning a £50 or £100 cash prize and help researchers get a better understanding of autism, ADHD and eating disorders>>

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    AutistiCon Event Sponsorship

    A fantastic opportunity to get your business seen at West Yorkshire's #1 neurodiversity event. Find out more>>

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    AutistiCon Event Sponsorship

    A fantastic opportunity to get your business seen at West Yorkshire's #1 neurodiversity event, AutistiCon. Find out more>>

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  • Providing Support

    Providing Support

    Our Vocational and Community Services (VACS) have been helping autistic adults reach their true potential for over 30 years. Find out more >>

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    Support Worker (Vocational and Community Services)

    We are looking for fantastic support workers to join our friendly team in Leeds. Read the job description and apply today!

  • Getting an Autism Diagnosis in Leeds

    Getting an Autism Diagnosis in Leeds

    Do you think that you or someone you know may be autistic? Find out more about diagnosis and the support available >>

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  • About Our Bases

    About Our Bases

    We have two bases that we operate from in Leeds. Find out more about Grape Street and New Mabgate >>

  • How to Access VACS

    How to Access VACS

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  • NeuroBeyond Training and Consultancy

    NeuroBeyond Training and Consultancy

    We have used our years of experience to develop training and consultancy services which get to the heart of the lived experience of neurodivergent people. Find out more>>

  • How can you tell if someone is autistic?

Grape Street serves as one of our VACS bases and our head office. See where we are located below:

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Leeds Autism Services are a charity dedicated to helping create a more autism friendly society. We have been helping autistic people to reach their true potential for over 30 years. 

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