A clear and compassionate exploration of autistic diversity, explaining why autism presents so differently from one individual to another across the spectrum.
In Episode 8 of The William Gomes Podcast, “Why Autism Looks So Different in Every Person,” William Gomes explains that autism is not a collection of isolated traits, but a set of interconnected cognitive and sensory patterns. These patterns shape how attention, prediction, emotion, and perception work together, resulting in distinct and highly individual lived experiences.
Understanding Diversity Across the Autism Spectrum
The episode examines how the same underlying neurodevelopmental differences can lead to very different outward presentations. Gomes explains why some autistic people may appear highly verbal while others communicate more quietly, why environments affect individuals in different ways, and why strengths and challenges often coexist in complex, individualised patterns.
This perspective moves understanding beyond surface behaviour and toward the internal processes shaping autistic experience.
Moving Beyond “Mild” and “Severe”
A key focus of the discussion is the limitation of labels such as “mild” or “severe.” Gomes explains how these terms fail to capture the richness and variability of autism, often overlooking internal effort, sensory load, emotional regulation, and contextual demands.
The episode encourages listeners to move away from simplified categorisation and toward a more nuanced understanding of autism as a spectrum of diverse developmental pathways, rather than a linear scale.
Seeing the Individual
Clear and accessible in tone, the episode is intended for parents, educators, and professionals who want to better understand why autism cannot be reduced to a single profile. By highlighting diversity within the spectrum, the discussion supports individualised, respectful, and effective approaches to support.
Part of a Wider Autism Series
As part of the wider autism series on The William Gomes Podcast, Episode 8 contributes to ongoing conversations about neurodiversity, inclusion, and the importance of recognising each autistic person as an individual.
Listen to Episode 8
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-william-gomes-podcast/id1582677051?i=1000742177635
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/25m1hzhLZdraNXA4sH2ul2?si=679f7522b3d9450e
YouTube
https://youtu.be/bqBrZbV5v8M?si=Cu-VOiIWPc-6Hn0e
The William Gomes Podcast is an independent podcast series focused on autism, child development, and neurodiversity, offering evidence-informed and accessible discussions designed to support understanding across families, education, and professional practice.
