All In The Mind presents ... The Parenting SpectrumAll In The Mind presents ... The Parenting Spectrum
All In The Mind
We would like to share with you an excerpt from a new ABC podcast called The Parenting Spectrum. A show about autism and family life—hosted by Fiona Churchman, Travis Saunders, and their son Patch.They explore issues like safety, lack of sleep, finding the right school, and how to help your child embrace their identity and prepare for adulthood.
22:29•1 Apr 2019
Autism, Family Life and Finding Hope After a Diagnosis
Episode Overview
- Allow space for grief after diagnosis, then use that energy to become active and informed about support options.
- See autism as a difference, not a tragedy, and focus on helping your child be the best version of themselves.
- Listen to autistic adults to better understand your child’s inner world and what support can actually feel helpful.
- Tell children about their autism in a positive, age-appropriate way and avoid treating it as a secret or shame.
- Always presume competence, follow your child’s interests, and remember that growth and learning have no time limit.
“"Autistic people are not broken neurotypical people. We're valuable. We're who we are and we're fine as we are."”
How do people find strength in their journey through an autism diagnosis? This special feature from All In The Mind shares an excerpt from The Parenting Spectrum, giving a close-up look at one family working out what an autism diagnosis means for their young son, Patch. Hosted by Fiona Churchman and Travis Saunders with their nine-year-old son Patch, the show has a warm, chatty style that feels more like being in their lounge room than in a studio.
You’ll hear hammock swings, go-kart rides and everyday family noise woven in with raw emotion and expert commentary. Fiona and Travis speak openly about the shock of diagnosis, the tears in the car park, and the early days of intensive therapy, where meetings seemed to focus on everything Patch "couldn't do". Psychologist Professor Robin Young breaks down just how complex an autism diagnosis is, reminding parents that "this is the starting point. Now we know what's happening.
Now we can move forward." The episode also brings in autistic advocate and author Jeanette Perkis, who stresses that "autistic people are not broken neurotypical people" and explains why many prefer to say "I am autistic" rather than "I have autism". You’ll also hear from Emma, a non-speaking autistic young woman, and her mum Ariane. Emma types her powerful message: "You are not wrong or broken.
Do not let those messages become embedded in your brain." Her words echo Fiona and Travis’s growing belief in "always presume competence" and in surrounding Patch with positive expectations, not limits. This episode speaks most strongly to parents who are new to an autism diagnosis, but anyone interested in identity, difference and family resilience will recognise the mix of fear, love, humour and hope.
If you’ve ever wondered how to balance therapies, safety and the future while still celebrating who your child is right now, this one will give you plenty to think about.
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