“The One Thing About Autism That F*cks Me Off” - My Wife, Sam Branson Opens Up

Seventeen months on, Sam Branson - Ben’s Wife - returns for her
most honest conversation yet. Their daughter River is now
diagnosed autistic, and Sam and Ben reflect on how that has
reshaped their marriage, family life and understanding of each
other.


This episode is their most vulnerable yet.


Sam reflects on what it has really been like since Ben’s autism
diagnosis and the pain of autistic shutdowns from both
perspectives. 


Together, they talk about parenting an autistic child, adjusting
their communication and finding understanding and compassion in
the hard moments.


This is a raw, honest conversation for anyone raising an ND child
or loving someone whose brain works differently.


Join us at hidden20.org/donate.


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Host: Ben Branson


Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné


Video Editor: James Scriven


Social Media Manager: Charlie Young


Music: Jackson Greenberg


Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller


00:00 Introduction


01:26 Reflecting Since Sam’s Last Episode (17 Months Later)


05:22 Autism Diagnosis: How Are Things Now in Our Marriage?


06:19 “Let’s Talk About Autistic Shutdowns”: The Pain From Both
Sides


21:12 Ben & Sam on Their Daughter River’s Autism Diagnosis


28:34 Sam vs Ben: Parenting an Autistic Child Differently


36:25 The Importance of Neurodiversity-Aware Schooling


38:45 “I Have More Patience for Our Daughter’s Autism Than Yours”


39:45 “I Wasn’t For Our Daughter’s Autism Diagnosis”


58:11 Navigating Autism, Marriage, Shutdowns & Family Life


1:00:12 Sam’s Top Tips for ND Families at Christmas


1:14:15 Sam’s Green Dot Badge





The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic
entrepreneur Ben Branson.


Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees
neurodivergence.


No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.


1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet
too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without
support.


To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep
showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing
stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and
research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people
turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about
brilliant brains.


With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep
fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.


Join us at hidden20.org/donate.


Become a monthly donor.


Be part of our community where great minds think differently.





Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348


______________


Follow & subscribe…


Website: www.hidden20.org


Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity


Ben Branson @seedlip_ben





If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green
dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All
proceeds go to the charity.


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