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