A meaningful new platform dedicated to advocacy, understanding, and connection within the autism community. The podcast is designed to spark thoughtful conversations and provide helpful dialogue that sheds light on the real experiences, challenges, and strengths of autistic individuals and the families who love and support them. Through authentic stories, practical insights, and heartfelt discussions, The Autistic Mile aims to further awareness, foster compassion, and build a stronger sense of community. As an extension of JSA’s mission to support individuals with autism and their families, the podcast will serve as a voice for encouragement, education, and positive change.
Listen in the Podli app 🎧
Follow your favourite podcasts, listen offline and in the car with CarPlay and Android Auto, and always pick up where you left off. Free to try.
Nov 12, 2026 · 7:36
Welcome back to The Ideal-ist , the YouTube Shorts companion series to The Autistic Mile . In this series, Shane Gaffney explores the characters, games, shows, and stories that…
Nov 6, 2026 · 0:38
Everyone struggles with something—and that’s often part of how we get better. Shane Gaffney takes a more personal look at the parts of bringing the podcast to life that he finds…
Nov 5, 2026 · 0:22
For many autistic individuals, creativity can be more than a hobby—it can be a way of giving shape to everything happening inside their minds. People on the spectrum are often…
Nov 5, 2026 · 8:25
Welcome back to The Ideal-ist , the YouTube Shorts companion series to The Autistic Mile . In this series, Shane Gaffney explores the characters, games, shows, and stories that…
Nov 5, 2026 · 0:28
Starting a new medication can come with a lot of uncertainty. This short discusses how difficult it can be to judge whether a medication is actually helping when you first begin…
Nov 3, 2026 · 0:48
Creativity can be powerful—but without an outlet, even the best ideas can remain trapped inside. Many autistic individuals are deeply creative and imaginative, yet may struggle…
Nov 2, 2026 · 0:38
Growing older doesn’t mean you suddenly have to handle every problem entirely by yourself. There’s a pressure many adults feel to become completely self-sufficient—and why that…
Nov 2, 2026 · 0:35
Anyone can technically point a camera at themselves and start talking—but making something people genuinely want to listen to takes more than simply reading words from a script.…
Nov 1, 2026 · 0:28
Independence is valuable—but nobody gets through life entirely on their own. Needing help should never be treated as a sign of weakness. Wanting to be self-sufficient, capable,…
Oct 31, 2026 · 7:50
Happy Halloween from The Ideal-ist . For this special episode, Shane Gaffney steps into very different territory with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard —the acclaimed return to horror…
Oct 30, 2026 · 0:44
Running out of medication can turn a manageable routine into a serious problem very quickly. Jim Gaffney shares his own experience with medication shortages and why it’s so…
Oct 29, 2026 · 0:44
The Autistic Mile is about more than raising awareness—it’s about creating opportunity. This short offers a broader look at the mission behind the podcast: helping people better…
Oct 28, 2026 · 0:58
Every episode starts with an idea—but for Shane, the process begins long before the camera turns on. Shane Gaffney walks through how he comes up with topics for new episodes,…
Oct 27, 2026 · 0:37
For many autistic individuals, writing can feel safer than speaking. Text-based communication can be so valuable for people on the spectrum. Writing gives someone more time to…
Oct 26, 2026 · 0:46
Struggling psychologically does not make someone weak, dangerous, or lesser. The stigma that still surrounds mental and psychological struggles—and the harmful assumption that…
Oct 26, 2026 · 37:59
Straitjacket or Safety Net? The Medication Dilemma 💊🧠 Can psychiatric medication be a lifeline, or can it sometimes feel like a straitjacket? Is it possible for medication to…
Oct 25, 2026 · 0:37
Every long journey starts with a first step. Jim Gaffney shares his experiences with marathon running and the lessons he learned from pushing through moments of doubt,…
Oct 24, 2026 · 0:48
Deciding whether medication might help isn’t always a simple yes-or-no question. The best first step when something is affecting your quality of life is often simply to bring it…
Oct 23, 2026 · 0:50
Sometimes the most fulfilling work begins with something you already love doing. There’s value in identifying the hobbies, interests, and activities that naturally bring you…
Oct 22, 2026 · 0:50
Sometimes, adversity can become something more than an obstacle—it can become a way of discovering what you’re capable of. Jim Gaffney reflects on his own journey of developing a…
Oct 22, 2026 · 8:16
Welcome back to The Ideal-ist , the YouTube Shorts companion series to The Autistic Mile . In this series, Shane Gaffney explores the characters, games, shows, and stories that…
Oct 21, 2026 · 0:48
Sometimes, the hardest part of getting help is recognizing that something is worth bringing up in the first place. It’s important to seek professional help when anxiety, sleep…
Oct 21, 2026 · 27:56
☕ The Spectrum Cafe' – We're Always Open! 🌈 Welcome to The Spectrum Cafe', where the coffee is always brewing, the conversations are real, and the doors are ALWAYS OPEN! What do…
Oct 15, 2026 · 9:42
Welcome back to The Ideal-ist , the YouTube Shorts companion series to The Autistic Mile . In this series, Shane Gaffney explores the characters, games, shows, and stories that…
Oct 8, 2026 · 10:40
Welcome back to The Ideal-ist , the YouTube Shorts companion series to The Autistic Mile . In this series, Shane Gaffney explores the characters, games, shows, and stories that…
Oct 1, 2026 · 11:03
Welcome back to The Ideal-ist , the YouTube Shorts companion series to The Autistic Mile . In this series, Shane Gaffney explores the characters, games, shows, and stories that…
Oct 1, 2026 · 46:11
Denied By Design? Inside the Fight for ABA Coverage What happens when a child is receiving ABA therapy—and an insurance decision suddenly puts that care at risk? In this episode…
Sep 25, 2026 · 0:29
Honesty can be a virtue—but sometimes the truth still needs tact. Some autistic individuals can struggle with being honest to a fault. A person may say something they believe is…
Sep 24, 2026 · 0:40
Not everything in life can be predicted, prevented, or controlled—and for many autistic individuals, that uncertainty can be especially difficult to live with. Outcomes can…
Sep 24, 2026 · 12:18
Welcome back to The Ideal-ist , the YouTube Shorts companion series to The Autistic Mile . For the first time, Shane Gaffney steps away from focusing on a single character and…
Sep 24, 2026 · 0:20
Sometimes, an unfinished task can feel much bigger than the task itself. Some autistic individuals can experience significant discomfort when work is left incomplete. An…
Sep 22, 2026 · 0:23
One small problem may be easy to handle. Ten in a row can feel completely different. Minor stressors can become much harder to manage when they arrive back-to-back with little…
Sep 21, 2026 · 0:33
Sometimes, even with experience and self-awareness, emotions can still spill over. Occasional outbursts, shutdowns, or moments of emotional overload can be part of life for some…
Sep 20, 2026 · 0:39
Autism can seem like a distant subject when it doesn’t directly affect your own life—but chances are, it already touches more people around you than you realize. Learning about…
Sep 20, 2026 · 0:44
For many autistic individuals, consistency is more than a preference—it can be a source of emotional stability. It can be difficult sometimes for people on the spectrum to let go…
Sep 18, 2026 · 0:46
Sometimes the hardest part of self-control isn’t knowing what you should do—it’s having enough mental energy left to stop yourself in the moment. Autism can sometimes affect…
Sep 17, 2026 · 0:49
Understanding what another person is thinking can be difficult enough on its own—especially when the social world already feels confusing. Here, Jim and Shane explore what’s…
Sep 17, 2026 · 13:14
Welcome back to The Ideal-ist , the YouTube Shorts companion series to The Autistic Mile . In this series, Shane Gaffney explores the characters, games, shows, and stories that…
Sep 16, 2026 · 0:56
Autism can look very different from one person to another. There’s a wide range of support needs across the autism spectrum. Some autistic individuals may live very…
Sep 16, 2026 · 1:00:42
Cognitive Inflexibility: Welcome to the Dumpster Fire 🔥 Ever have one unfinished task, unexpected change, or problem that your brain simply refuses to let go of? Welcome to the…
Sep 10, 2026 · 13:33
Welcome back to The Ideal-ist , the YouTube Shorts companion series to The Autistic Mile . In this series, Shane Gaffney explores the characters, games, shows, and stories that…
Sep 9, 2026 · 0:28
The internet has made it possible for people to build opportunities for themselves in ways that once would have been almost unimaginable. Online platforms have dramatically…
Sep 9, 2026 · 0:22
A job can provide income—but the best kind of work can provide something more. Personal fulfillment matters just as much as financial stability when it comes to employment.…
Sep 8, 2026 · 0:15
You don’t always need a massive studio, a huge budget, or an army of people to make your voice heard. Podcasts differ from larger, high-investment mediums like television. With…
Sep 6, 2026 · 0:45
Not every important contribution looks glamorous—and some of the most essential work in the world is also some of the easiest to overlook. Occupations and areas of influence that…
Sep 5, 2026 · 0:26
The future can feel exciting, overwhelming, or sometimes both at once. Uncertainty can make future possibilities feel intimidating—whether they involve new technology, major life…
Sep 4, 2026 · 0:25
When something goes wrong, the mistake itself isn’t the end of the story—what matters is what we learn from it. Technological innovation often involves trial and error. Sometimes…
Sep 3, 2026 · 0:47
The internet has changed what it means to have an audience—and who gets the opportunity to create for one. Online platforms have given independent creators unprecedented…
Sep 3, 2026 · 10:50
Welcome back to The Ideal-ist , the companion series to The Autistic Mile . In this series, Shane Gaffney explores the characters, games, shows, and stories that resonate with…
Sep 2, 2026 · 0:19
Not every source is equally trustworthy—and sometimes the most confident claims are the ones worth examining most carefully. It’s important to seek out multiple sources when…
Sep 1, 2026 · 0:43
New and unfamiliar things are often met with fear long before they’re met with understanding. Major technological innovations and autistic people can sometimes face a similar…
Aug 30, 2026 · 0:30
AI can be a powerful tool—but its best results often come when a human being stays involved. AI-generated work, recommendations, and ideas should still be reviewed, fact-checked,…
Aug 30, 2026 · 9:46
Welcome back to The Ideal-ist , the YouTube Shorts companion series to The Autistic Mile . In this series, Shane Gaffney explores the characters, games, shows, and stories that…
Aug 30, 2026 · 0:36
Making mistakes doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re learning. Mistakes are a natural part of growth, and how learning to view them as feedback rather than catastrophe can…
Aug 29, 2026 · 4:09
County Line — The Autistic Mile What happens when you spend your life learning everyone else’s roads, rules, and signs—but never quite feel like you belong on either side?…
Aug 28, 2026 · 0:37
Fear is easy to sell—but understanding takes a little more work. Both artificial intelligence and autism can sometimes be framed in alarmist ways by media outlets chasing…
Aug 27, 2026 · 0:43
Creativity often comes before technical skill—and AI may be giving more people a way to finally bridge that gap. AI-powered music tools can help people who have ideas for songs,…
Aug 27, 2026 · 0:41
AI can sound frightening when the loudest headlines focus on worst-case scenarios—but fear and hype don’t always tell the whole story. New technology often brings uncertainty,…
Aug 26, 2026 · 50:38
Terminator or Teammate? What AI Really Means for Humans Is artificial intelligence leading us toward a Terminator -style future—or could AI become one of the most powerful tools…
Aug 26, 2026 · 0:43
AI is surrounded by enormous promises—but understanding what it can’t do may be just as important as understanding what it can. Jim Gaffney and Derek Crager , founder of…
Aug 24, 2026 · 0:45
AI doesn’t have to be something that replaces human creativity—it can be something that helps people reach more of their own potential. Artificial intelligence, when used…
Aug 23, 2026 · 5:53
Welcome back to The Ideal-ist , the YouTube Shorts companion series to The Autistic Mile . In this series, Shane Gaffney explores the characters, games, shows, and stories that…
Aug 23, 2026 · 2:37
The Night Is Still Too Short — By Shane Gaffney “The Night Is Still Too Short” is an original song by Shane Gaffney , blending emotion, imagination, and a distinctive creative…
Aug 23, 2026 · 0:55
Parenting a child with special needs can feel intimidating from the outside—but fear of the unknown is often much greater than the reality of learning together. Raising a child…
Aug 22, 2026 · 0:57
Giving children a healthy sense of choice can be an important part of helping them build confidence, independence, and trust. It can be beneficial to let children—autistic or…
Aug 21, 2026 · 0:52
Communication doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. AAC, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication , can support autistic individuals and others with…
Aug 20, 2026 · 0:45
Needing support does not make someone lesser—it makes them human. Asking for help, accommodations, or additional support should never be treated as a sign of weakness or failure.…
Aug 19, 2026 · 46:41
Play Dumb & Sabotage: When Helping Less Helps More What if one of the best ways to help a child communicate, learn, and grow is to sometimes…help less? In this episode of The…
Aug 19, 2026 · 0:54
A supportive workplace isn’t just about giving someone a job—it’s about creating the conditions that help everyone succeed. Autism can shape an individual’s needs in the…
Aug 18, 2026 · 0:41
Autism doesn’t exist in isolation—it often becomes part of the rhythm of an entire family. Autism in one family member can become deeply interconnected with the way the household…
Aug 17, 2026 · 0:35
Autism can come with real challenges—but it can also shape remarkable strengths. The potential of autistic individuals and how the traits associated with autism can sometimes…
Aug 16, 2026 · 0:41
Sometimes, you can see it before they ever find the words to explain it—a kind of light in their eyes. Many autistic children and adults carry a deep desire to do good, help…
Aug 14, 2026 · 0:55
Autism is complex—and that complexity may be one reason authentic autistic representation can still feel so rare. Portraying autism thoughtfully in movies, television, games, and…
Aug 14, 2026 · 39:49
The Light & The Darkness | The Autistic Mile Parenting is filled with moments of incredible joy, but it can also carry challenges that few people outside the family ever see. In…
Aug 14, 2026 · 0:42
When you want to get everything exactly right, spontaneous communication can become especially challenging. Many autistic individuals can have perfectionistic tendencies,…
Aug 13, 2026 · 0:36
Stress doesn’t always stay in the mind—it can affect the body, too. Stress and anxiety can have a significant impact on autistic individuals, both mentally and physically. When…
Aug 12, 2026 · 0:21
What you see on the surface is rarely the whole story. Many autistic individuals learn to carefully curate which parts of themselves they show to the world. Depending on the…
Aug 11, 2026 · 6:26
Welcome back to The Ideal-ist , the YouTube Shorts companion series to The Autistic Mile . In this series, Shane Gaffney explores the characters, games, shows, and stories that…
Aug 11, 2026 · 0:37
Having something meaningful to contribute can be about far more than simply having a job—it can become an important part of understanding who you are. Finding meaningful work can…
Aug 10, 2026 · 0:32
Sometimes, a little time to prepare can make all the difference. Giving an autistic individual advance notice and an opportunity to gather themselves before an event can help…
Aug 9, 2026 · 0:30
A new day doesn’t always mean a full reset. An autistic individual’s energy levels can vary dramatically from one day to the next. Even after a full night’s sleep, stress from…
Aug 8, 2026 · 0:22
Some of the greatest strengths an autistic individual possesses aren’t always the easiest to see. Many autistic people have qualities that often go unnoticed by those around…
Aug 7, 2026 · 0:47
Feeling overwhelmed isn’t always a matter of stress—for many autistic individuals, it can be the result of overload. Autistic overload and dysregulation can often affect everyday…
Aug 5, 2026 · 0:40
Sometimes, the hardest struggles are the ones no one else can see. Many autistic individuals become so accustomed to masking their emotions and pushing through exhaustion that…
Aug 4, 2026 · 0:39
Why can everyday tasks feel so much more exhausting for an autistic person? Many autistic individuals begin the day with a more limited reserve of mental and emotional energy…
Aug 4, 2026 · 6:23
Welcome back to The Ideal-ist , the YouTube Shorts companion series to The Autistic Mile . In this series, Shane Gaffney explores the characters, games, shows, and stories that…
Aug 3, 2026 · 0:44
Anxiety is something many autistic individuals experience—but it doesn’t always look the same from one person to the next. Anxiety can become increasingly common for autistic…
Aug 2, 2026 · 1:20
The Autistic Mile is more than a podcast. Through Autistic Mile Productions, we create vocational training and meaningful employment opportunities for autistic adults while…
Aug 2, 2026 · 0:24
Creativity can take many forms—and for many autistic individuals, it’s one of the most powerful ways they connect with the world. Many people on the autism spectrum possess a…
Aug 2, 2026 · 36:03
The Daily Weight of Autism: 5 Challenges You Don’t Always See What does it really take for an autistic adult to get through an ordinary day? In this episode of The Autistic Mile…
Aug 2, 2026 · 1:20
Every purchase. Every contribution. Every mile. It all helps move our mission forward. The Autistic Mile is more than a podcast. Through Autistic Mile Productions , our mission…
Aug 1, 2026 · 0:50
Why do so many autistic people spend so much energy trying to fit in? Many autistic individuals learn to hide or suppress their natural behaviors, mimic social norms, or put the…
Jul 31, 2026 · 0:41
Jim Shares Perspectives on Autism and Life Autism isn't about wishing for a different life—it's about learning to make the most of the tools you've been given. In this short, Jim…
Jul 31, 2026 · 0:43
Autistic Mile: Letting You Know You're Important Sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone isn't a paycheck—it's letting them know they matter. In this short, we explore…
Jul 30, 2026 · 0:41
Communication is something many people take for granted—but for many autistic individuals, it can be one of life’s greatest challenges. Expressing thoughts, emotions, and ideas…
Jul 30, 2026 · 0:34
What role does meaningful work play in the lives of autistic individuals? Professional opportunities can be about far more than earning a paycheck. For many autistic people, the…
Jul 30, 2026 · 0:45
Authenticity isn't about fitting into someone else's expectations—it's about having the courage to be yourself. For many autistic individuals, and for anyone who's ever felt…
Jul 30, 2026 · 41:36
The Opportunity To Belong | Why Meaningful Work Matters for Autistic Adults What does a career really mean? Is it just about earning a paycheck, or is it about finding purpose,…
Jul 29, 2026 · 8:55
Welcome back to The Ideal-ist , the YouTube Shorts companion series to The Autistic Mile . In this series, Shane Gaffney explores the characters, games, shows, and stories that…
Jul 23, 2026 · 1:39
The Autistic Mile is more than a podcast—it's a mission. Hosted by autistic father and endurance runner Jim Gaffney, The Autistic Mile shares honest conversations, practical…
Listen in the Podli app 🎧
Follow your favourite podcasts, listen offline and in the car with CarPlay and Android Auto, and always pick up where you left off. Free to try.
Your podcast? Get the Podli badge for your site
