Latest news with #InsideOurAutisticMinds
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Chris Packham: Autistic people are not broken, just different
Chris Packham has said that autistic people are not 'broken', but just 'different'. The BBC presenter and naturalist, 64, insisted that the condition did not need a 'cure' after Robert F Kennedy Jr, Donald Trump's health secretary, vowed to find the cause of autism by September. On ITV's Good Morning Britain, the Springwatch presenter said that he had 'mixed feelings' about the politician's announcement that he would look for a cause to what he described as an 'autism epidemic'. 'Firstly, there's no epidemic,' Packham countered. 'What we have done is we've created a wider awareness of this condition and therefore more people are able, hopefully, to access help. And that has to be seen as a very, very positive thing. 'Because people are learning about these conditions on social media, which we all use every day, that's not a bad thing. That's opening our eyes to the fact that these conditions are real and they need addressing and support.' Packham, who was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism, in his 40s, said he 'once hid my autistic traits' while he struggled with the then-undiagnosed condition in his youth. He told Good Morning Britain that many autistic people would be frightened by the search for a 'cure'. 'We don't want a cure. We are not broken. We are merely different, and those differences are sometimes presenting us with enormous disabling problems or difficulties, those challenges that I spoke of.' Autism is described by the National Autistic Society as a 'lifelong neurodivergence and disability' which influences how people experience and interact in the world. This may include finding socialising confusing or tiring, being overwhelmed in loud places, experiencing intense interests and preferring order and routine. Packham has become a prominent neurodiversity campaigner following his autism diagnosis, and now his awareness advocacy often extends to discussions about ADHD and dyslexia. His comments come after The Telegraph revealed that the NHS will test all children who believe they are transgender for autism. Every child referred to a gender clinic will be 'screened for neurodevelopmental conditions' such as autism and ADHD under new guidance after a review found that the mental health conditions were disproportionately common among children and young people with gender dysphoria. Packham has previously spoken about his autism diagnosis in a two-part BBC Two docuseries in 2023 called Inside Our Autistic Minds, which aimed to shine a light on how neurodivergent people think. He recently said he was thanked by strangers 'on an almost daily basis' for the series, with people saying it 'gave them a better understanding of themselves or one of their relatives or colleagues'. Speaking on GMB about the condition, he continued: 'As a scientist, I would love to know what has made me an autistic person. My curiosity is in that direction.' He added: 'Without people who think differently, some of the world's problems simply would not have been and will not be solved. We are here to play a very valuable part in society. So we don't want to be cured. 'I'm curious to know why, and I always will be, but I don't want someone giving me a tablet or stopping the future development of autistic people. 'We are a proud, intact community of people who have an enormous amount to offer society.' Packham returns for a second instalment of Inside Our Minds with two new episodes exploring ADHD and dyslexia. His two new documentaries, Inside Our ADHD Minds and Inside Our Dyslexic Minds, will be aired by the BBC later this month. Speaking about the series, Packham added: 'There is a tendency these days for people to say, 'Well, I think I'm a little bit autistic, a little bit ADHD, a little bit OCD', but these are real conditions that impact people's lives all of the time. 'They're not a little bit any of these things. They're full-on, these things, all of the time, and that can have quite a significant impact on their lives, particularly…if they are young females, girls and young women, where they're not getting a diagnosis in the time that they should so that they can live happier and more fulfilled lives.' Packham's stepdaughter, Megan, has dyslexia, meaning the presenter has 'experience of the positive and challenging impacts of that'. He explained: 'Our mission here is to ask people to better understand these conditions so that we can make small changes in society to make all of our lives easier and more productive.' Inside Our ADHD Minds will be broadcast on BBC Two on Monday May 12, with episode two, Inside Our Dyslexic Minds, due to air on Monday May 19. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Leader Live
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Chris Packham says autism does not need a cure: ‘We are not broken'
The conservationist, 64, is best known for presenting popular nature programmes such as BBC's Springwatch and The Really Wild Show and has spoken out about being autistic. Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain, the presenter said he had 'mixed feelings' about RFK Jr looking for a cause to what he described as an 'autism epidemic'. He said: 'Firstly, there's no epidemic. What we have done is we've created a wider awareness of this condition (autism) and therefore more people are able, hopefully, to access help. And that has to be seen as a very, very positive thing 'Because people are learning about these conditions on social media, which we all use every day, that's not a bad thing. That's opening our eyes to the fact that these conditions are real and they need addressing and support. 'The second thing, as a scientist, I would love to know what has made me an autistic person. My curiosity is in that direction.' Autism is described by the National Autistic Society as a 'lifelong neurodivergence and disability' which influences how people experience and interact in the world. This may include finding socialising confusing or tiring, being overwhelmed in loud places, experiencing intense interests and preferring order and routine. The TV presenter spoke about his autism diagnosis in a two-part BBC Two docuseries called Inside Our Autistic Minds, which aimed to shine a light on how neurodivergent people think. The series follows Packham as he pairs a group of autistic people with creative experts, including filmmakers, graphic designers, animators and musicians, to help them create a short film expressing how their personal experiences and how they feel. He added: 'Many autistic people are frightened by that because of the third thing that you mentioned and that is driving towards a cure. 'We don't want a cure. We are not broken. We are merely different, and those differences are sometimes presenting us with enormous disabling problems or difficulties, those challenges that I spoke of. 'Without people who think differently, some of the world's problems simply would not have been and will not be solved. We are here to play a very valuable part in society. So we don't want to be cured. 'I'm curious to know why, and I always will be, but I don't want someone giving me a tablet or stopping the future development of autistic people. 'We are a proud, intact community of people who have an enormous amount to offer society.' Packham returns for a second instalment of BBC Two's Inside Our Minds with two new episodes exploring ADHD and Dyslexia. The episodes will follow four individuals as they collaborate with creatives to explore and express what it is like living with these conditions through a short film. Speaking about the new series, Packham added: 'There is a tendency these days for people to say, 'Well, I think I'm a little bit autistic, a little bit ADHD, a little bit OCD', but these are real conditions that impact people's lives all of the time. 'They're not a little bit any of these things. They're full on, these things, all of the time, and that can have quite a significant impact on their lives, particularly when they're young, and particularly, I have to say, if they are young females, girls and young women, where they're not getting a diagnosis in the time that they should so that they can live happier and more fulfilled lives. 'Our mission here is to ask people to better understand these conditions so that we can make small changes in society to make all of our lives easier and more productive. 'It is a spectrum condition, you may have some of those (traits), but they may not be impacting on your life in the same way that they do ours. So I appreciate that it niggles, but nevertheless, that this is what we're trying to do is develop that broader understanding.' Inside Our ADHD Minds will air on BBC Two on Monday May 12 with episode two, Inside Our Dyslexic Minds, due to air on Monday May 19.
South Wales Guardian
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Chris Packham says autism does not need a cure: ‘We are not broken'
The conservationist, 64, is best known for presenting popular nature programmes such as BBC's Springwatch and The Really Wild Show and has spoken out about being autistic. Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain, the presenter said he had 'mixed feelings' about RFK Jr looking for a cause to what he described as an 'autism epidemic'. He said: 'Firstly, there's no epidemic. What we have done is we've created a wider awareness of this condition (autism) and therefore more people are able, hopefully, to access help. And that has to be seen as a very, very positive thing 'Because people are learning about these conditions on social media, which we all use every day, that's not a bad thing. That's opening our eyes to the fact that these conditions are real and they need addressing and support. 'The second thing, as a scientist, I would love to know what has made me an autistic person. My curiosity is in that direction.' Autism is described by the National Autistic Society as a 'lifelong neurodivergence and disability' which influences how people experience and interact in the world. This may include finding socialising confusing or tiring, being overwhelmed in loud places, experiencing intense interests and preferring order and routine. The TV presenter spoke about his autism diagnosis in a two-part BBC Two docuseries called Inside Our Autistic Minds, which aimed to shine a light on how neurodivergent people think. The series follows Packham as he pairs a group of autistic people with creative experts, including filmmakers, graphic designers, animators and musicians, to help them create a short film expressing how their personal experiences and how they feel. He added: 'Many autistic people are frightened by that because of the third thing that you mentioned and that is driving towards a cure. 'We don't want a cure. We are not broken. We are merely different, and those differences are sometimes presenting us with enormous disabling problems or difficulties, those challenges that I spoke of. 'Without people who think differently, some of the world's problems simply would not have been and will not be solved. We are here to play a very valuable part in society. So we don't want to be cured. 'I'm curious to know why, and I always will be, but I don't want someone giving me a tablet or stopping the future development of autistic people. 'We are a proud, intact community of people who have an enormous amount to offer society.' Packham returns for a second instalment of BBC Two's Inside Our Minds with two new episodes exploring ADHD and Dyslexia. The episodes will follow four individuals as they collaborate with creatives to explore and express what it is like living with these conditions through a short film. Speaking about the new series, Packham added: 'There is a tendency these days for people to say, 'Well, I think I'm a little bit autistic, a little bit ADHD, a little bit OCD', but these are real conditions that impact people's lives all of the time. 'They're not a little bit any of these things. They're full on, these things, all of the time, and that can have quite a significant impact on their lives, particularly when they're young, and particularly, I have to say, if they are young females, girls and young women, where they're not getting a diagnosis in the time that they should so that they can live happier and more fulfilled lives. 'Our mission here is to ask people to better understand these conditions so that we can make small changes in society to make all of our lives easier and more productive. 'It is a spectrum condition, you may have some of those (traits), but they may not be impacting on your life in the same way that they do ours. So I appreciate that it niggles, but nevertheless, that this is what we're trying to do is develop that broader understanding.' Inside Our ADHD Minds will air on BBC Two on Monday May 12 with episode two, Inside Our Dyslexic Minds, due to air on Monday May 19.
Rhyl Journal
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Chris Packham says autism does not need a cure: ‘We are not broken'
The conservationist, 64, is best known for presenting popular nature programmes such as BBC's Springwatch and The Really Wild Show and has spoken out about being autistic. Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain, the presenter said he had 'mixed feelings' about RFK Jr looking for a cause to what he described as an 'autism epidemic'. He said: 'Firstly, there's no epidemic. What we have done is we've created a wider awareness of this condition (autism) and therefore more people are able, hopefully, to access help. And that has to be seen as a very, very positive thing 'Because people are learning about these conditions on social media, which we all use every day, that's not a bad thing. That's opening our eyes to the fact that these conditions are real and they need addressing and support. 'The second thing, as a scientist, I would love to know what has made me an autistic person. My curiosity is in that direction.' Autism is described by the National Autistic Society as a 'lifelong neurodivergence and disability' which influences how people experience and interact in the world. This may include finding socialising confusing or tiring, being overwhelmed in loud places, experiencing intense interests and preferring order and routine. The TV presenter spoke about his autism diagnosis in a two-part BBC Two docuseries called Inside Our Autistic Minds, which aimed to shine a light on how neurodivergent people think. The series follows Packham as he pairs a group of autistic people with creative experts, including filmmakers, graphic designers, animators and musicians, to help them create a short film expressing how their personal experiences and how they feel. He added: 'Many autistic people are frightened by that because of the third thing that you mentioned and that is driving towards a cure. 'We don't want a cure. We are not broken. We are merely different, and those differences are sometimes presenting us with enormous disabling problems or difficulties, those challenges that I spoke of. 'Without people who think differently, some of the world's problems simply would not have been and will not be solved. We are here to play a very valuable part in society. So we don't want to be cured. 'I'm curious to know why, and I always will be, but I don't want someone giving me a tablet or stopping the future development of autistic people. 'We are a proud, intact community of people who have an enormous amount to offer society.' Packham returns for a second instalment of BBC Two's Inside Our Minds with two new episodes exploring ADHD and Dyslexia. The episodes will follow four individuals as they collaborate with creatives to explore and express what it is like living with these conditions through a short film. Speaking about the new series, Packham added: 'There is a tendency these days for people to say, 'Well, I think I'm a little bit autistic, a little bit ADHD, a little bit OCD', but these are real conditions that impact people's lives all of the time. 'They're not a little bit any of these things. They're full on, these things, all of the time, and that can have quite a significant impact on their lives, particularly when they're young, and particularly, I have to say, if they are young females, girls and young women, where they're not getting a diagnosis in the time that they should so that they can live happier and more fulfilled lives. 'Our mission here is to ask people to better understand these conditions so that we can make small changes in society to make all of our lives easier and more productive. 'It is a spectrum condition, you may have some of those (traits), but they may not be impacting on your life in the same way that they do ours. So I appreciate that it niggles, but nevertheless, that this is what we're trying to do is develop that broader understanding.' Inside Our ADHD Minds will air on BBC Two on Monday May 12 with episode two, Inside Our Dyslexic Minds, due to air on Monday May 19.
Irish Independent
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming choices: Bad Nanny, Inside Our ADHD Minds and The Match
Bog Amach RTÉ One, 8.30pm Emer Mhic an Fhailí meets Ciara Devaney, who has spent two years trying to find a property close to where she lives in Clondalkin that is commutable to where she works in the centre of Dublin. Inside Our ADHD Minds BBC Two, 9pm Following the success of 2023's Inside Our Autistic Minds, Chris Packham explores Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The aim is for viewers to gain a greater understanding of the neurodivergent world, whether they have received a diagnosis or not. Bad Nanny RTÉ One, 9.35pm Two-part profile of Samantha Cookes, who was jailed earlier this year, after being convicted on multiple counts of deception and theft. The programme begins by detailing the schemes she carried out while posing as a terminally ill author. Schindler's List TG4, 9.30pm Steven Spielberg's Holocaust drama focuses on the true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a Nazi party member who saved Jews by employing them in his factory. A Deadly American Marriage Netflix, streaming now The story of Jason Corbett and Molly Martens was always going to be made into a Netflix documentary. Corbett, a widower, got married in 2008 to Martens, his Tennessee au pair. They left Ireland to start over in North Carolina with his kids, Jack and Sarah. Their story took a dark turn in August 2015, when Molly and her dad, former FBI agent Thomas Martens, were in an altercation resulting in Jason's death. Molly later entered a no-contest plea, claiming self-defence, while Thomas was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in 2023. After their 2024 prison release, uncertainty remained about certain facets. Directed by Jessica Burgess and Jenny Popplewell, this documentary includes exclusive interviews providing insight into the divergent perspectives of those involved, leaving some grappling with the question of: 'Who was the real victim?' And, given Jack and Sarah's unbelievably brave contributions, the answer to that would be: the kids. Rose International Dance Prize Marquee TV, streaming now For those unfamiliar with Marquee TV, it's your global streaming platform for the arts. This 60-minute film, narrated by Fiona Shaw (Bad Sisters, Harry Potter, plus too many more to mention), sees internationally acclaimed choreographers compete for dance's version of the Oscars. Octopus! Prime Video, streaming now Narrated by Phoebe Fleabag Waller-Bridge, this marvellous mash-up chronicles being killed by a lover, losing yourself in Mexico, spotting a unicorn, befriending a competitive quilter, exploring our connection with aliens, and extra Tracy Morgan. This is how all nature documentaries ought to be produced from now on. The Match Netflix, streaming now If you're watching season two of The Devil's Plan and wondering why there's always a Go master in the line-up, this cut-throat drama could give you some context. For something at the other end of the spectrum entirely, Vince Vaughn, Susan Sarandon and a rake load of other famous people star in Nonnas.
