Thoughty Auti - The Autism Podcast

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