The Yellow Ladybugs Podcast

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of physical and verbal aggression directed at parents and caregivers by young people in acute distress, including descriptions of property damage, physical assault, and extreme verbal behaviour. Please take care of yourself as you listen. Hit pause whenever you need. Come back, when you're ready. If you or your family are in immediate danger, please call Triple Zero (000) for assistance. If you are feeling overwhelmed or distressed, please reach out to Lifeline: call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online at lifeline.org.au. This episode is a collaboration between School Can't Australia and Yellow Ladybugs made possible through funding from the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building Grant. This is the first of two special episodes with Yellow Ladybugs, who are dedicated to the happiness, success, and celebration of autistic girls, women, and gender diverse folk. Podcast host Leisa Reichelt, is joined by founder Katie Koullas and Natasha Staheli for a conversation about something far more common in our communities than is ever openly discussed: what happens when a young person's distress is expressed outwardly in ways that are frightening and isolating for families. This episode talks plainly about young people throwing objects, punching holes in walls, physically hitting parents, and using extreme verbal language. It names clearly from the outset that all of this behaviour comes from a place of acute distress, from a nervous system in full fight response, from a child who has often been trying to communicate unmet needs for a very long time. Katie, Natasha, and Leisa explore why this happens, why it so often lands on mums, and why instinctive parenting responses can make things worse. They cover the PACE framework (Playful, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy), safety planning, the realities of involving police or child protection, the impact on partnerships, and what repair after an incident can look like. This is a conversation wrapped in shame for too many families. You are not alone. Yellow Ladybugs Safety Plan Template: Safety Plan Templates.pdf PACE Strategy, Yellow Ladybugs Podcast Ep 4 with Dr Alberto Veloso: Episode 4 - Understanding Complex Behaviour Dialectics and DBT panel with Sonny Jane Wise and Sarah Hens: How Dialectics and DBT Can Help Our Ladybugs Who Experience Extreme Distress Behaviour Yellow Ladybugs: https://yellowladybugs.com.au/ Dr Alberto Veloso, Relational Minds: https://relationalminds.com.au/ School Can't Australia Resources: School Can't Australia Resources — School Can’t Australia

Welcome to Part 3 of the Yellow Ladybugs Workplace Resource Podcast series. We have released a five-part peer-led work resource for autistic and AuDHD people. This episode is based on Part 5 of the resource. Part 5 focuses on what happens after you get the job. How to stay well in work. How to notice early signs of burnout. And how to make changes before things reach crisis point. We hope you enjoyed listening! You can read the resource https://yellowladybugs.myshopify.com/

Welcome to Part 2 of the Yellow Ladybugs Workplace Resource Podcast series. We have released a five-part peer-led work resource for autistic and AuDHD people. This episode is based on Part 3 and Part 4 of the resource. Part 3 focuses on the very real decisions autistic and AuDHD people make every day at work around disclosure and masking. Part 4 focuses on workplace adjustments and supports, and what these actually look like in real workplaces for autistic and AuDHD people. We hope you enjoyed listening! You can read the resource https://yellowladybugs.myshopify.com/

Welcome to Part 1 of the Yellow Ladybugs Workplace Resource Podcast series. We have released a five-part peer-led work resource for autistic and AuDHD people. This episode is based on Part 1 and Part 2 of the resource. Part 1 of this goes into finding the right work fit, understanding what 'fit' really means before you even think about job searching. It also goes through how monotropism, sensory needs, energy levels, values and special interests all influence the type of work and the type of environment that will feel sustainable, rather than draining or overwhelming. It acknowledges why many autistic and AuDHD people end up burned out, under-employed, or feeling like they are the problem in workplaces that were never designed with them in mind, and reframes this as a system issue rather than a personal one. Part 2 moves into the job search itself. Job ads. Applications. Interviews. Rejection. And all the hidden expectations that sit inside that process that many autistic and AuDHD people find exhausting, confusing or overwhelming but rarely see acknowledged in typical work advice. We hope you enjoyed listening! You can read the resource https://yellowladybugs.myshopify.com/

Welcome to the Yellow Ladybugs Pop‑Up Podcast Series, where we bring you two key topics our community have been asking us for. We are proud to the second episode in this series—a peer‑led discussion for families and carers of autistic girls, teens, and gender‑diverse youth on Finding Autistic Joy and Celebrating Autistic Culture. This is a special series made possible through funding from the Information Linkages and Capacity Building Grant. We are deliberately bringing you this episode at a time when there has been a resurgence in harmful public narratives about autism, ADHD and neurodivergence – whether it is the media coverage given to out-of-date professionals making uninformed claims that autism and ADHD are over-diagnosed, or politicians dangerous crusades to recreate an environment of fear about autism and autistic people. These narratives threaten to undermine the progress we have made in recent years to understand and embed neurodiversity as integral to our humanity. As an autistic-led organisation, at the forefront of changing harmful ableist attitudes, we feel it is more important than ever to counter this trend by reminding our community that neurodivergent people belong in this world, that they can find joy, and that they can celebrate their culture – that these things are powerful protective factors, not just for neurodivergent individuals, but for their families, communities, systems and society as a whole. Put simply everyone benefits when neurodivergent people are valued for who they are. Which brings us to the details of this affirming and uplifting episode where we are delighted to share two celebratory and complementary presentations from the Yellow Ladybugs canon, delivered by two amazing neurodivergent humans with a deep passion for change: Marie Camin, a multiply neurodivergent clinical psychologist, researcher and advocate Allison Davies, an autistic advocate, educator and speaker In the first part, Marie gives an honest, unflinching and ultimately uplifting presentation on Finding and Keeping Autistic Joy. She shares her lived experience, acknowledging that it is not easy being autistic in a world that doesn’t recognise your needs, but that there is nothing quite like the feeling of autistic joy—from special interests (or SPINS), and sensory experiences, to stimmy hands and finding neurokin. Marie shares her own experiences of joy, and brings her personal and professional knowledge into exploring how we can support our autistic young people to find and keep their joy- as a protective factor which can support their identity and their mental health and wellbeing. Please note that Marie’s presentation does make brief references to sensitive topics including trauma, bullying, stalking, grooming, eating disorders, PTSD, abuse and domestic violence. Allison then brings her strong personal voice to the topic of Exploring Autistic Culture. She explains that autistic culture is not just a concept or a neuro-affirming approach to care; it is something that has always existed – found in autistic families and communities. She reflects on how this looks different for every family and is filtered through our layers of privilege, safety, and capacity. And she explores some of the fundamental concepts that autistic culture requires all of us to understand, so that we may deepen our sense of who our autistic family is and how our culture can support us. We hope you enjoy listening and we encourage you to reflect on Marie and Allison’s insights and wisdom from our conference archives, and to embrace their generosity in gifting us the many penguin pebbles and moments of authentic connection to be found in this episode!

Yellow Ladybugs Pop Up Podcast Series: Episode 1 Recognising and responding to sexual violence for families and carers of autistic girls, teens, and gender diverse youth Welcome to the Yellow Ladybugs Pop Up Podcast Series, where we bring you two key topics our community have been asking us for. We are proud to present this first episode in this series—a peer led discussion for families and carers of autistic girls, teens, and gender diverse youth on recognising and responding to sexual violence. This episode has been made possible through funding from the Information Linkages and Capacity Building Grant. In this important discussion, which draws on real lived experiences, you will hear from three expert panelists: First is Stephanie Robertson, an autistic occupational therapist who explains why building body awareness and interoceptive understanding is foundational to safety and empowerment for our autistic young people. Second is Detective Leading Senior Constable Teresa O’Sullivan - a specialist in sexual offences and parent to an autistic child - she shares practical strategies on identifying grooming behaviours, supporting disclosures, and navigating both in person and online risks. And finally, Emma Jacques, a neurodivergent parent of autistic teens. She shares her no nonsense, real life advice on enthusiastic consent, boundary setting, cyber safety, and building a supportive network. The panel is hosted by Katie Koullas, CEO of Yellow Ladybugs, autistic/ADHD woman and parent to neurodivergent teen girls – who has a strong advocacy track record and deep passion around this topic. So what does this episode cover? - We provide clear insights into why autistic young people are statistically at greater risk of sexual abuse and violence, and discussion about how we can change these statistics - We share practical tools: how to teach body safety, name private body parts precisely, reinforce that “no is valid”, and role play boundaries around consent. - We give advice on how to support autistic young people in identifying their internal sensations (their interoceptive awareness) so they trust their own cues rather than rely on external validation. - We look at techniques for handling online risks—from inappropriate requests through to doxing—and for establishing trusted, safe people and networks. - We explore a gentle yet powerful script for responding to disclosures: “I believe you. You are not at fault. We will get through this together.” - We also cover support strategies for carers including grounding exercises, self regulation methods, and discussion around how our reactions can shape outcomes more than the event itself. Please note that this episode directly addresses sensitive and potentially triggering topics including sexual abuse and grooming. If you need to pause or step away at any point, that is perfectly okay. You can review the attached resource which includes helplines and more information. https://yellowladybugs.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/YellowLadybugs/EQSmEwHrrSZAjVQQlUPuih8BqB8NaKL0q__mu0pcCInvnA?e=QzlhYk

Welcome to our eight-part podcast series sharing key topics and insights about supporting autistic girls, women, and gender-diverse people. In this episode, we're focusing on Challenging School Systems: Scripts and Strategies for Families with Kelsie Olds. This is for those of us who have sat in a school meeting with a knot in our stomach, knowing our child is struggling but being told they are ‘fine’. For those who feel they have to prove distress that others cannot see, and who carry their own trauma while trying to protect their children from theirs. Let’s talk about practical scripts, strategies, and mindset shifts to help families advocate effectively while caring for themselves in the process. With thanks to the Victorian Department of Education.

Welcome to our eight-part podcast series sharing key topics and insights about supporting autistic girls, women and gender-diverse people. In this episode, we’ll explore Family Dynamics: Complex Relationships and Competing Needs with Dr Alberto Veloso from Relational Minds. Today’s discussion is a real and honest look at the emotional pressure cooker that family life can become when neurodivergent needs collide. We’ll talk about why stress builds up, why even small things can trigger conflict, and how to recognise the signs of burnout in yourself and your family. We’ll also share practical strategies to navigate competing needs, rebuild trust after conflict, and move from survival mode back towards connection. Whether you’re a parent, carer, educator or professional, we hope this episode offers understanding, validation and ideas you can use right away. With thanks to the Victorian Department of Education.

Welcome to our eight-part podcast series sharing key topics and insights about supporting autistic girls, women, and gender-diverse people. In this episode, we're focusing on Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others: Managing Parental Stress and Avoiding Burnout with Sarah Hayden, Mel Spencer and Cassandra Allen. Today’s conversation is an honest, compassionate look at recognising the emotional load carers carry, why typical “self-care” advice can fall short, and how we can shift the focus toward genuine, practical, and shared support. Whether you're a parent, carer, educator, or professional, we hope this episode helps you feel seen, supported, and just a little bit lighter. With thanks to the Victorian Department of Education.

Welcome to our eight-part podcast series sharing key topics and insights about supporting autistic girls, women, and gender-diverse people. In this episode, we’re focusing on Friendships & Safe Relationships: Recognising Red Flags and Green Flags with Frances Brennan, Annelil Desille and Caitlin Hughes. Today’s conversation explores how to spot healthy, affirming connections and understand when a friendship might feel unsafe or disrespectful. We’ll share practical examples of red flags, green flags and everything in between, all through a neuro-affirming, lived-experience lens. Whether you’re a parent, carer, educator or professional, we hope this episode leaves you with clear ideas and the confidence to help young people build safe, meaningful friendships. With thanks to the Victorian Department of Education.

Welcome to our eight-part podcast series exploring key topics that help us better support autistic girls, women, and gender-diverse people. This episode we will focus on Energy Regulation: Leveling Up Our Support for Our Ladybugs with Amy Laurent and Jac Fede. Today you’ll hear a practical, honest discussion about why supporting our ladybugs through the lens of energy regulation is a shift in thinking that matters so much. We’ll talk about moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches about emotions, and towards neuro-affirming support that meets young people where they are. Whether you’re a parent, carer, teacher, professional or autistic yourself, we hope this conversation offers you fresh ideas and practical ways to support the young people in your life - and yourself too. With thanks to the Victorian Department of Education.

Welcome to our eight-part podcast series sharing key topics and insights about supporting autistic girls, women and gender-diverse people. In this episode, we’ll explore Window of Tolerance: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know with Megan Anna Neff. This episode is a deep dive into what the Window of Tolerance actually means, how our autistic young people can have a smaller or thinner window, and why that matters for behaviour, regulation and safety. We’ll talk about hyperarousal, hypoarousal, masking, shutdowns, fawning and the risks that come with being outside our window of tolerance. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, allied health professional or just someone wanting to better support our ladybugs, this conversation is for you. With thanks to the Victorian Department of Education.

Welcome to our eight-part podcast series exploring key topics that help us better support autistic girls, women, and gender-diverse people. This episode we will focus on Creating Safe Spaces for Anxious Autistic Brains: Understanding Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn Responses with Chelsea Luker and Chenai Mupotsa-Russell. Today’s conversation takes an honest, compassionate look at understanding what these survival responses really mean, how they can show up in both obvious and hidden ways, and why safety must come before regulation. Whether you're a parent, carer, educator, or professional, we hope this episode offers you practical insights, new ways of thinking, and a reminder that our ladybugs deserve understanding, patience, and true relational safety. With thanks to the Victorian Department of Education.

Welcome to our eight-part podcast series exploring key topics that help us better support autistic girls, women, and gender-diverse people. This episode we will focus on Back to Basics: Learn How Classrooms Can be Inclusive and Affirming for Our Ladybugs with Em Hammond, Adina Levy and Ebony Birch-Hanger. We know many autistic students spend years believing they are broken, when really the system was not built for them. Safety in the classroom means not having to pretend. It means being able to stim, leave, speak up, and not get in trouble for being yourself. Today we will talk about what genuine inclusion looks like, exploring the essential building blocks for a neuro-affirming classroom environment. We will also be uncovering the hidden, and often unmet needs of our ladybugs, finding ways to support students who work so hard to appear just fine. With thanks to the Victorian Department of Education.

This episode describes what advocacy really means—especially when it’s led by autistic people with lived experience. Advocacy can take many forms, from speaking up in a classroom to challenging systems that exclude or harm. For autistic girls and gender-diverse young people, advocacy is not just about raising awareness—it’s about being heard, believed, and respected. We explore how advocacy can be empowering, how it can create change, and how to support young people in finding their voice.

This episode describes the unique experiences of First Nations autistic girls and gender-diverse young people, and the importance of listening deeply to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in the autism space. Cultural identity, community connection, and intergenerational knowledge are powerful strengths—but systemic barriers, racism, and a lack of culturally safe support continue to impact too many families. This conversation centres the lived experience of First Nations people, and highlights the need for culturally informed, neuro-affirming approaches that honour both culture and neurodiversity.

This episode describes what life feels like through the eyes of autistic girls and gender-diverse young people. Too often, decisions are made about young people without hearing directly from them. In this conversation, we centre their voices—sharing firsthand experiences, insights, and reflections that challenge assumptions and deepen understanding. Our youth panellists speak openly about what helps, what hurts, and what they wish adults really knew.

Welcome to Episode 5 of Season 5 of the Yellow Ladybugs Podcast series. This episode describes how autistic burnout is different from everyday exhaustion—and how it often goes unrecognised in autistic girls and gender-diverse young people. Burnout can build slowly over time, especially when young people are constantly masking, trying to meet expectations, or pushing through overwhelm. We talk about what burnout really looks like, why it happens, and how we can support recovery and prevention through a more realistic, neuro-affirming approach to self-care.

Welcome to Episode 4 of Season 5 of the Yellow Ladybugs Podcast series. This episode describes how autistic pride and emotional wellbeing are closely linked—especially for autistic girls and gender-diverse young people, who often grow up feeling different, misunderstood, or unseen. Without the right support, this can lead to shame, isolation, and poor mental health. But when young people feel affirmed in their identity and connected to community, everything changes.

Welcome to Episode 3 of Season 5 of the Yellow Ladybugs Podcast series. This episode describes how interoception—the sense that helps us understand what’s happening inside our body—plays a key role in the wellbeing of autistic girls and gender-diverse young people. When interoception is underdeveloped or misunderstood, it can impact everything from recognising hunger and pain to managing emotions and setting boundaries. We explore why interoception is often overlooked, how it connects to emotional regulation, and why building interoceptive awareness is a powerful protective factor.