Have you ever wondered what it feels like to experience the world through a different lens? In this personal episode, I take you beneath the surface of autism, sharing my journey through powerful metaphors that illuminate the lived experience of neurodivergence.

The metaphor of ‘A New World Coming Into Focus’, reveals how my differences in language processing, social interaction, and perception gradually became clearer. It was not just for me, but for everyone connected to me. I recount my early school experiences, from the initial struggles of “wandering around the classroom" to the transformative moment when educators began to recognise my unique strengths rather than focusing solely on challenges.

You'll hear how a supportive primary school environment created the conditions for my growth by embracing flexibility and celebrating my musical talents. This acceptance opened doors to meaningful friendships, social invitations, and a sense of belonging that proved crucial to my development. The episode explores how recognition of my abilities, including piano playing and mental arithmetic, offered a powerful shift in perspective - one that asked "What's this telling us?" rather than "What's wrong?"

This episode, for me, highlights the potential of changing our lens when viewing neurodiversity. By identifying what may seem to be different or unusual can actually become meaningful and valuable, we change our understanding of autism. My journey continues to unfold and evolve, but the message remains clear. It is, to take the time to understand differences. For me, this may reveal a richer, more understanding world. Join me in exploring how shifting our perspective can help us all see strengths where others might only see challenges.

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Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

What happens when autism presents without obvious signs? When differences are subtle enough to be noticed but difficult to define? In this personal episode, I aim to explore the concept of "quiet currents beneath the waves". For me, these were the subtle signs of autism that shaped my educational journey without dramatically setting me apart.

From early school observations of language repetition and fixations to my preference for solitude and concrete thinking, teachers recognised I processed the world differently but were unsure exactly how. My case was likened to "being in the Pacific Ocean, but within safe reach of the seashore" . They were different enough to notice, but not requiring dramatic intervention. These gentle currents nudged me in different directions, creating challenges with language processing, social interaction, and understanding others' perspectives, while simultaneously highlighting strengths in memory, music, and mathematical calculation.

The power of early diagnosis allowed appropriate support to be implemented, including observations by therapists to support me, to teachers who adapted their methods to my visual learning style.

My mainstream education was successful in its own right, not only because of my underlying improvements, but because subtle accommodations made space for my differences. A former headteacher later admitted they’d learned plenty from my case.

This episode invites listeners to consider the quietly different people in their lives, and even how small adjustments can make profound differences in helping neurodivergent individuals thrive.

Have you ever felt quietly different or known someone who processes the world just a little differently? Share your experiences and join our growing conversation about the full spectrum of neurodiversity.

Please note: This episode is the last one before I take a 4 week break from podcasting for Easter.

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

Just like the oak trees that bear acorns at different ages, we all grow, develop, and evolve in our own time. In this episode, I explore how the metaphor 'Bearing Acorns in Your Own Time', relates to autism, personal growth, and the pressure one might feel to meet societies timelines. As World Autism Awareness Day approaches (Wednesday 2nd April 2025), I take this opportunity to aim to spread awareness that true acceptance can mean recognising how everyone's journey is unique. Growth isn't a race. The way I see it is, it's a process that unfolds naturally.

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

Have you ever found yourself planting seeds without seeing where they might lead? This deeply personal exploration aims to take you on a journey through the unexpected ways inspiration can bloom, particularly through the lens of autism and language development.

For me, the concept of ‘planting seeds in the dark’ perfectly captures those moments when we're putting in effort without immediate results. This may be a feeling familiar to many, but particularly resonant for me navigating the world as a neurodivergent individual. From creating idiom stories that aim to transform abstract concepts into visual narratives to finding unexpected inspiration during outdoor runs, this episode reveals how creativity can emerge during moments when we least expect it.

Through reflections on my journey with language comprehension as an autistic person, I share insights about how brain connections may develop differently but can ultimately lead to profound understanding and creative expression. I’m not sure if this is true, but I think it’s an intriguing possibility. The story of my blog post featuring short idiom stories. It now happens to be my most popular content. To me, this demonstrates how patience and persistence can permit those seeds planted in uncertainty to eventually bloom into something meaningful. I also briefly explore my latest idiom story around the phrase ‘A Spring in Its Step,’ showing how nature and personal interests can spark unexpected creative connections in us.

Whether you're neurodivergent or neurotypical, this episode, I believe, can offer valuable perspectives on embracing uncertainty and finding hope when creativity feels elusive.

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

Embrace the journey of personal growth and resilience with this episode that aims to delve into the metaphor of the 'Tree of Wisdom'. By drawing on personal experiences as someone on the autistic spectrum, I share some insights on how our struggles can shape us and inform the wisdom we gain throughout life's journey. This episode was inspired by a video I found informative I recently watched on YouTube. I didn't mention it during the episode. However, I'm providing the link to it here, if you wish to watch it.

Through this episode, the objective is to try and highlight how the roots of our experiences can help to establish a strong foundation, while the trunk represents the resilience built through challenges and triumphs.

Listen in as I explore the importance of expressing ourselves, whether through creative endeavours or personal storytelling, and understand how sharing our lived experiences can contribute to greater societal acceptance of autism. The branches of our Tree symbolise unique perspectives, offering fresh insights into problem-solving and communication.

As I try to connect the metaphor to my experiences, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their wisdom and consider how they can contribute meaningfully to the discussions surrounding autism. The canopy of the tree embodies growth and understanding, reminding us that every journey offers valuable lessons worth sharing. Join me and nurture your personal 'Tree of Wisdom'.

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

Imagine a world where the growth of autistic individuals is celebrated as uniquely as the "wood wide web" of trees. Join me, Stephen McHugh, as I share my personal journey through a nurturing junior school environment that identified my unique needs and allowed me to flourish. By weaving together stories of tailored educational support and my passions for music and nature, I illuminate how individualised attention can foster personal and academic growth. Discover how understanding and embracing our individual growth patterns can lead to harmonious environments where everyone, like the interconnected trees, can thrive.

Stay connected and be part of this exploration of interconnectedness by subscribing to the podcast updates through the 'Stay in the Loop' link on my website, stephensevolution.com. This episode underscores the importance of recognising our roles within a larger tapestry of existence, from trees to people to stars.

As you tune in, why not reflect on your own growth journey and learn how to support the development of those around you. This way, I believe we can create communities that value diversity and celebrate individual potential. Join me in this discussion to try and deepen your understanding of personal and communal growth.

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

Life, much like the seasons, has its challenges and breakthroughs. In this episode, I reflect on recent testing parkruns, and connect them to my journey of growth, both in running and in life. I explore how my experiences with language development, creativity, and resilience as an autistic person have shaped my progress.

This is a recent new direction for my podcast, connecting my experiences with words and phrases. Along the way, I share how words and metaphors bring meaning to personal challenges and experiences, turning struggles into stories of growth.

A quick note: This episode touches on resilience and overcoming difficulties. If any topic feels personal or challenging, please take care while listening. My aim is to share my journey in a way that encourages reflection and hope.

Before wrapping up, I offer some final thoughts on embracing progress at your own pace, seeking support if and when needed, and remembering that setbacks don’t define us, how we move forward does.

Listen now and reflect on your own moments of progress, even in challenging seasons.

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz

What if each of us, like snowflakes, takes a distinct journey, shaped by our experiences and challenges?

Join me, as I explore this metaphor, 'Like snowflakes each of us takes a unique journey, shaped by the experiences and challenges that make us beautifully one of a kind'. This was inspired by the recent snowfall, which led me to reflect on the parallels between these natural wonders, and our own life paths.

As we step into a new year, I share my personal journey of growth, particularly around overcoming language challenges, and how these experiences have shaped me into the person I am today. This episode offers a moment of introspection and connection, encouraging listeners to appreciate the beauty and diversity in their own stories.

Reflecting on my journey as an autistic individual, I've found new ways to express myself through the fascinating world of figurative language. From my struggles with language growing up, to my growth and newfound appreciation for metaphors, this episode, I believe, captures the essence of my evolution.

As I recount the unique paths each snowflake takes, I invite listeners to consider lessons learned from their own experiences, and how they contribute to their ever-evolving selves. Embrace the uniqueness and celebrate the extraordinary individuals we are all becoming.

Send me your comments and questions

Thanks for listening. You can find me on my website stephensevolution.com, or on twitter here. You can sign up to receive news of new episodes when they're released here.


Artwork produced by Elena Designe
Music composed by Nela Ruiz