Exploring the Autism Spectrum with Matt Pisauro and Dane Dougan: September 30, 2021

Roughly 1-2% of New Zealanders are said to be on the autism spectrum. Those on the spectrum deal with difficulty with social interactions, communication, and repetitive behaviours. As someone on the spectrum, Trishil sought to reach out to report on the lived experience of autism.

Trishil speaks to Matt Pisauro about his experiences living on the spectrum and relates to his own experience along the way. The conversation touches on masking, meltdowns, diagnosis, and communicating with others.

In the second half, Trishil speaks to Autism New Zealand CEO Dane Dougan to discuss his work with the autistic community and autistic burnout. The conversation covers aspects of burnout, such as the effect of the pandemic, ways to deal with the feeling, and masking as a contributing factor.