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Content warning: There is a discussion of suicide and self-harm during this episode. It is important and contextualised but this is a content warning nonetheless.

If you are struggling, there is help available. In the UK, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, You can also email jo@samaritans.org. If phone calls aren't accessible for you, text SHOUT to 85258.

In the US, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. They also have a web chat. And there's the Crisis Text Line - text HELLO to 741741.

Elsewhere, the International Association for Suicide Prevention has a directory of crisis centres worldwide www.iasp.info

Papers used in preparation of this episode include:

• Link to Roper et al. 2025 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13229-025-00693-x
• Link to Chikaura et al. 2025 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aur.70137
• Link to 2023 meta-analysis: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13229-023-00544-7
• Link to DBT RCT: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/effectiveness-and-safety-of-dialectical-behavior-therapy-for-suicidal-ideation-and-behavior-in-autistic-adults-a-pragmatic-randomized-controlled-trial/4464CA3C0D3DDEF5F3A4BD45415B9B50
• Link to AASP download: https://research.ncl.ac.uk/neurodisability/leafletsandmeasures/autismadaptedsafetyplans/
• Link to UK Suicide Prevention Strategy: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/suicide-prevention-strategy-for-england-2023-to-2028
• Link to JAMA paper on autism/TGNC intersection: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2824667
• Autistic identity systematic review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38334318/
• Interpersonal Theory in autism: https://molecularautism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13229-022-00495-5
• Camouflaging and suicide: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31820344/
• 988 autism resources: https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/if-youre-neurodivergent/
• Autistica suicide page: https://www.autistica.org.uk/what-is-autism/suicide-and-autism
• Trevor Project autism brief: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/mental-health-among-autistic-lgbtq-youth-apr-2022/
• Warning signs resource (988): https://988lifeline.org/wp-content/upl

As ever we thank you, our loyal listeners for sticking with us. We would love to hear from you so look for our contact details in your podcast app or via our website.

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Sigh. Ok, paracetamol DOES NOT cause autism. Here is why it's dangerous to say so.

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38592388/
• https://pharmasource.global/content/policy-briefing/trump-administration-draws-autism-acetaminophen-link-despite-scientific-skepticism/
• https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx20d4lr67lo
• https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/trump-expected-link-autism-with-tylenol-experts-say-more-research-needed-2025-09-22/
• https://www.bmj.com/content/390/bmj.r2004
• https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsocialsciences/2025/09/24/the-tylenol-paracetamol-autism-scare-poses-a-grave-challenge-for-science-communicators/
• https://abcnews.go.com/Health/sick-stomach-trump-distorts-facts-autism-tylenol-vaccines/story?id=125852331
• https://www.statnews.com/2025/09/23/researcher-behind-trump-tylenol-autism-expert-testimony-tossed/
• https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-02876-1
• 
  

As ever we thank you, our loyal listeners for sticking with us. We would love to hear from you so look for our contact details in your podcast app or via our website.

Have a topic you would like us to cover, or do you fancy joining us for a natter, maybe tell us about your area of interest or expertise and share these things with everyone.

We would also recommend our friend The Autistic Women for another great view on living with autism and our friends at the All Bets are Off podcast who cover addiction.

Send us a text

Simon got annoyed and took to the mic to talk about IQ testing. Health warning, it's not a great subject. IQ testing has been used to justify racism, classism and genocide. But we need to face up to this stuff to make sure it is left in the dustbin of history.

As ever we thank you, our loyal listeners for sticking with us. We would love to hear from you so look for our contact details in your podcast app or via our website.

Have a topic you would like us to cover, or do you fancy joining us for a natter, maybe tell us about your area of interest or expertise and share these things with everyone.

We would also recommend our friend The Autistic Women for another great view on living with autism and our friends at the All Bets are Off podcast who cover addiction.