Autistic host Thomas is joined by Ben Schatzel, a human behaviourist and disability labour reformist, to confront the harsh reality of employment for autistic adults — and why it keeps failing us (spoiler, it's not you).

Thomas's Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ben's Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/benschatzel

Code HENLEY25 : ⁠https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergent-store/⁠

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why autistic adults struggle to get and keep jobs

• How job interviews and recruitment practices filter out neurodivergent talent

• The false hope of surface-level “neurodiversity hiring” programs

• The crushing impact of sensory overwhelm, burnout, and masking at work

• The systemic design flaws in the modern workplace

• What a genuinely inclusive job would look and feel like

• Ben’s mission to reform workplace systems from the ground up

• The emotional toll of repeated failure and being seen as “unemployable”

• Why employment success for autistic people requires deep structural change

👽 Remember that Autism is a spectrum, and your experiences/opinions will likely differ from mine based on your background, traits, location, other diagnoses, personality, life experience, and much more.

❗️IMPORTANT NOTE: I am NOT a professional, and you should consult a registered psychologist and doctor before taking any action

PLEASE share your experiences and thoughts in the COMMENTS!➡️

Host Thomas Henley is joined by psychologist Laura Gwilt to explore the complexities of the manosphere — the digital world influencing millions of young men and autistic adults.

Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Laura's Links: https://linktr.ee/lauragwilt

Code HENLEY25 : https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergent-store/

In this episode, we discuss:

• What the manosphere actually is, and how varied it is

• The psychological appeal of the manosphere to autistic men and young neurodivergent boys

• The role of loneliness, isolation, and emotional neglect in drawing men into these spaces

• Society’s failure to emotionally support boys and men, especially autistic ones

• The positive side of the manosphere — creators who offer structure, self-worth, and community

• The darker side — toxic masculinity, misogyny, and emotional manipulation

• Performative masculinity and internalised shame

• The psychological concept of “fix me” narratives and why autistic men are vulnerable to them

• How anger, trauma, and emotional repression are handled (or ignored) in male spaces

• The emotional and developmental impact of being unsupported as a young autistic boy

• How authentic belonging is often promised but rarely delivered by these communities

• A breakdown of what healthy support looks like — from therapists, peers, and real connection

• How autistic communication styles can be misunderstood or exploited in online dynamics

• Laura Gwilt’s expert insights into male identity formation, emotion regulation, and cultural shifts needed to prevent harm

• Hopeful paths forward — creating nuanced, inclusive communities for men that centre growth, honesty, and care

👽 Remember that Autism is a spectrum, and your experiences/opinions will likely differ from mine based on your background, traits, location, other diagnoses, personality, life experience, and much more.

❗️IMPORTANT NOTE: I am NOT a professional and you should consult a registered psychologist and doctor before taking any action

PLEASE share your experiences and thoughts in the COMMENTS!➡️

Dr. Margaret Price and Thomas Henley discuss divorce, parenthood, and family court through an autism-focused lens; a raw, vital talk on support, stigma, and systemic failure.Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pegi’s Book: https://uk.jkp.com/collections/author-margaret-pegi-price-pid-204569Code HENLEY25 : https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergent-store/We discuss the challenges faced by families with autistic children in the context of family law. Pegi shares her personal journey as a single parent of an autistic child and critiques traditional legal frameworks that inadequately address the unique needs of these families. She advocates for customised legal solutions, crisis planning, and systemic changes to better support special needs families. The episode emphasises the need for specialised legal considerations and a cultural shift to foster understanding and support for children with autism.In this episode, we discuss:• The difference between typical and special needs family law: why the old playbook often falls short.• Court-approved parenting plans and how they often miss the mark for families with an autistic child.• Crisis planning lessons from COVID-19 school closures: what happens when support systems suddenly vanish.• Labelling and stigma: how institutional bias shows up in court and what it means for our kids.• The importance of individualised support, realistic respite care, and financial planning for special needs.• Raising awareness in law, policy, and everyday life: change happens when we all get informed.🎥 WATCH NEXT: https://youtu.be/lEs4sMH5OnM#thoughtyauti #thomashenley #autismpodcast 👽 Remember that Autism is a spectrum, and your experiences/opinions will likely differ from mine based on your background, traits, location, other diagnoses, personality, life experience, and much more. So PLEASE share your experiences and thoughts in the COMMENTS!➡️ Remember to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more content, and hit the notification button 🔔 to be notified of new podcasts ahead of the crowd!👾 JOIN the Discord Community - https://discord.com/invite/XMYbAd9u5D❗️IMPORTANT NOTE: I am NOT, and neither is my guest, a professional,l and you should consult a registered psychologist and doctor before taking any action📙 FREE Glossary For All The Autism Terms You Need - https://youtu.be/Z8FIdO1nzA8 🎧 Audiobook Adventure - https://youtu.be/GmQfmIlgjqc💫 My Autism Journey Documentary - https://youtu.be/j3Xox7vN2NM🚀 RECOMMENDATIONS:🎧 My Favourite Earphones - 1. https://amzn.to/3OfWrUW2. https://dbud.io/thoughtyautipodcast (20% OFF)🛁 Sensory Friendly Self-Care - https://amzn.to/3V2sUSm🎥 My YouTube Equipment - https://amzn.to/3OjsinW💪🏻 My Gym Equipment - https://amzn.to/4eKHHrY🧑‍🚀 Sensory Input and Fidgets - https://amzn.to/3ZbWRSx📚 Book Recommendations - https://amzn.to/40Ylx2a👓 Sensory Supports and Reduction - https://amzn.to/3CLV5i8PS: Any purchases made through these affiliate links will give me a small commission :)📲 My Socials:All Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomashenleyuk/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thomashenleyukDiscord: https://discord.com/invite/XMYbAd9u5DOSRS: Rubywizard11Website: https://www.thomashenley.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

New age spirituality brought us star seeds and indigo children, but are autistic people truly spiritual beings?

Autistic athiest Thomas Henley talks to Emily Robyn Clark about the links between Autism and spirituality, diving deep into fringe cross-over groups within the Autistic communities online.

Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emilys Links: https://linktr.ee/emilyrobynclark

Autistic Burnout Bundle (25% CODE: Henley25) - https://shorturl.at/rPEi3

#thoughtyauti #thomashenley #autismpodcast 

👽 Remember that Autism is a spectrum, and your experiences/opinions will likely differ from mine based on your background, traits, location, other diagnoses, personality, life experience, and much more. So PLEASE share your experiences and thoughts in the COMMENTS!

👾 JOIN the Discord Community - https://discord.com/invite/XMYbAd9u5D

❗️IMPORTANT NOTE: I am NOT, and neither is my guest a professional and you should consult a registered psychologist and doctor before taking any action

📙 FREE Glossary For All The Autism Terms You Need - https://youtu.be/Z8FIdO1nzA8 

🎧 Audiobook Adventure - https://youtu.be/GmQfmIlgjqc

💫 My Autism Journey Documentary - https://youtu.be/j3Xox7vN2NM

🚀 RECOMMENDATIONS:

🧑‍🚀 Sensory Input and Fidgets - https://amzn.to/3ZbWRSx

📚 Book Recommendations - https://amzn.to/40Ylx2a

👓 Sensory Supports and Reduction - https://amzn.to/3CLV5i8

🎧 My Favourite Earphones  - 

1. https://amzn.to/3OfWrUW

2. https://dbud.io/thoughtyautipodcast (20% OFF)

🛁  Sensory Friendly Self-Care - https://amzn.to/3V2sUSm

🎥  My YouTube Equipment - https://amzn.to/3OjsinW

💪🏻 My Gym Equipment - https://amzn.to/4eKHHrY

PS: Any purchases made through these affiliate links will give me a small commission :)

⭐️ ABOUT ME:

I'm Thomas, a YouTuber, podcaster, streamer and public speaker; I was diagnosed with Autism at age 10 and clinical depression at 14 but despite having support NO professional could help me.

I started learning more about autism in my early 20's through deep dives into psychology, lived experience, philosophy and writing about my life through introspection and experience. This 15-year-long venture led me to develop my social skills, coping mechanisms, and autism philosophy... but also process and learn to live with my mental health conditions.

Transferring from my successful Taekwondo career and Biomedical Sciences Degree into public speaking, SEND teaching and social change (NDTi), I realised that what kept me alive was my desire to stop more autistic children and adults from falling into the same pitfalls I did.

I started with producing content on YouTube, shifting to creating Instagram content and podcasting, and eventually settling back on YouTube after the support with building my business from The Princes Trust.

I hope to challenge opinions and concepts with a productive, non-radicalised and understanding perspective, and bring lesser-known 'autism things' to light... so you can always count on me for a fresh and balanced take on everything autism.

📲 My Socials:

All Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyuk

Second Channel: @insidetheautiverse  (Help me reach 10k!)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomashenleyuk/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thomashenleyuk

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/XMYbAd9u5D

OSRS: Rubywizard11

Website: https://www.thomashenley.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Romance, chemistry, gut feelings and communication; today we dive into the complexities of dating as an autistic adult.

Thomas's Links: linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Daniel's Insta: lnk.bio/nohandshakemusic

Thomas produces weekly videos, livestreams and video versions of the podcast episodes you can view for free on YouTube. Join the 100+ members for only £0.99, support Thomas’ work, interact with him and receive all the perks!⁠⁠⁠

🎵 ⁠⁠⁠Song Of The Day - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5UDIyN5TSYN4zMcRoQPrG8?si=9255ed3480d840b5⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

🗣️ My Socials and YouTube Channel - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

💻  My Amazon Store Recommendations (Sensory items, gym gear, YouTube set-up) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thomashenleyuk

Claire from Woodshed Theory talks about their intimate experience with Autism and OCD, what the crossovers and differences are, and the intricacies of how Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may manifest. Thomas's Links: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Claire's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCQleXj9QNaBUi_XWu4rRfTQ

Thomas produces weekly videos, livestreams and video versions of the podcast episodes you can view for free on YouTube. Join the 100+ members for only £0.99, support Thomas’ work, interact with him and receive all the perks! ⁠⁠🎵 ⁠⁠Song Of The Day - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5UDIyN5TSYN4zMcRoQPrG8?si=9255ed3480d840b5⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   🗣️ My Socials and YouTube Channel - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   💻  My Amazon Store Recommendations (Sensory items, gym gear, YouTube set-up) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thomashenleyuk

Thomas Henley talks to the inventor of the AI-powered app Neurotranslator, an innovative idea for bridging the communication gaps between neurotypicals, autistics and ADHDers. Does Michael offer a replacement for couples therapy or HR intervention at work... or is it a crutch? Let's see.

Thomas's Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Michael's Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/neurotranslator

Thomas produces weekly videos, livestreams and video versions of the podcast episodes you can view for free on YouTube. Join the 100+ members for only £0.99, support Thomas’ work, interact with him and receive all the perks!⁠🎵 ⁠Song Of The Day - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5UDIyN5TSYN4zMcRoQPrG8?si=9255ed3480d840b5⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  🗣️ My Socials and YouTube Channel - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  💻  My Amazon Store Recommendations (Sensory items, gym gear, YouTube set-up) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thomashenleyuk

Thomas Henley talks to NeurodiverJENNt about low support needs autism, its unique challenges, and the conflict between the autistic adult and parenting worlds (read more below).

Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

NeurodiverJENNt: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurodiverJENNt

Thomas produces weekly videos, livestreams and video versions of the podcast episodes you can view for free on YouTube. Join the 100+ members for only £0.99, support Thomas’ work, interact with him and receive all the perks! In this live podcast episode, Thomas Henley and NeurodiverJENNt discuss lower support needs autism. They talk about their experiences with caffeine and how it affects their ADHD. They also discuss looking younger than their age and the challenges it can bring. The conversation touches on topics such as live streaming, the pressure of being on camera, and the trial-and-error process of creating content on YouTube. Thomas introduces the episode and explains why they chose to focus on lower support needs autism. They also mention a previous episode about autism and sleep with Dr. Megan Neff. In this part of the conversation, NeurodiverJENNt and Thomas Henley discuss the challenges of communication and social interaction for autistic individuals, particularly those with lower support needs. They talk about the difficulty of initiating and reciprocating social interaction, the energy and mental effort required to respond to messages, and the feeling of being stuck in the middle and not fitting in anywhere. They also touch on the impact of a late diagnosis and the process of self-discovery. The conversation then shifts to the topic of masking and its effects on well-being, self-perception, and social interactions. In this final part of the conversation, Thomas and NeurodiverJENNt discuss the challenges of unmasking and the perception that unmasking is an act or performance. They also address the controversy between autistic adults and autism parent advocates, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding between the two groups. They highlight the importance of listening to the experiences of lower support needs autistic adults and dispel the misconception that autism has a specific look or set of traits. They conclude by encouraging patience, kindness, and collaboration in advocating for the needs of all autistic individuals. 🎵 Song Of The Day - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5UDIyN5TSYN4zMcRoQPrG8?si=9255ed3480d840b5⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   🗣️ My Socials and YouTube Channel - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   💻  My Amazon Store Recommendations (Sensory items, gym gear, YouTube set-up) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thomashenleyuk

Thomas Henley talks to Dr Megan Neff from Neurodivergent Insights about the sleep issues autistic people face and how to fix them. Dr Neff is a clinical psychologist, researcher and writer with a flair for Instagram, a detailed understanding of the complexities of Neurodiversity and their own lived experience with Autism and ADHD (read more below).

Why do autistic people struggle with sleep? Do autistic people have a different sleep cycle? How can we fix autism sleep issues? Let's answer these burning questions. Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Megan Neffs Links: https://linkin.bio/neurodivergent_insights/

Thomas produces weekly videos, livestreams and video versions of the podcast episodes you can view for free on YouTube. Join the 100+ members for only £0.99, support Thomas’ work, interact with him and receive all the perks!

🎵 ⁠Song Of The Day - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5UDIyN5TSYN4zMcRoQPrG8?si=9255ed3480d840b5⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🗣️My Socials and YouTube Channel - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💻  My Amazon Recommendations (Sensory items, gym gear, YouTube set-up) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thomashenleyuk

Thomas Henley talks to Emma Stone, a cerebral palsy advocate (dystonia) and decorated horseriding athlete, currently studying a variety of Work Preparation modules in college and working in a local cafe. Emma speaks on how others treat her differently and what mentality she has in the face of adversity (read more below).

What are the stigmas and stereotypes attached to cerebral palsy? What is daily life with dystonia like? What is cerebral palsy and how does it develop? Let's answer these questions.

Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Emma's Blog: https://estoneblogersa.blogspot.com/?m=1

Thomas produces weekly videos, livestreams and video versions of the podcast episodes you can view for free on YouTube. Join the 100+ members for only £0.99, support Thomas’ work, interact with him and receive all the perks! Within this podcast, Emma aims to dispel the stigma and stereotypes around cerebral palsy, bring more awareness to them and share the more intimate negative experiences they've gone through in daily life, school, physio, surgery and healthcare. She also highlights the life lessons she's picked up and details her top tips for other individuals with cerebral palsy.

🎵 ⁠Song Of The Day - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5UDIyN5TSYN4zMcRoQPrG8?si=9255ed3480d840b5⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🗣️My Socials and YouTube Channel - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💻  My Amazon Recommendations (Sensory items, gym gear, YouTube set-up) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thomashenleyuk

Thomas Henley talks to Mike from Autistic_AF about his experiences owning and managing a large number of animals or pets, why Autism makes pet ownership difficult, what benefits pets can offer autistic people, and which strategies he uses to maintain his sanity long-term (read more below).

What are the challenges autistic people experience with pets and how can you manage them? How can pets benefit autistic and disabled people? WHY does Mike have 2 therapy peacocks? Let's answer these questions. Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Autistic_AF: https://www.youtube.com/@Autistic_AF Thomas produces weekly videos, livestreams and video versions of the podcast episodes you can view for free on YouTube. Join the 100+ members for only £0.99, support Thomas’ work, interact with him and receive all the perks!

🎵 ⁠Song Of The Day - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5UDIyN5TSYN4zMcRoQPrG8?si=9255ed3480d840b5⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🗣️My Socials and YouTube Channel - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

💻  My Amazon Recommendations (Sensory items, gym gear, YouTube set-up) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thomashenleyuk