Unravel the journey from 'literal' to 'figurative' as we explore together the world of language through the lens of my personal lived experiences with autism. Join me for a transformative ride filled with insights and newfound language appreciation.

Introduction  (0 - 3:06)
In the opening moments of this episode, I take you on a journey into my evolving relationship with language. After introducing myself and my mission to inspire and support those on similar paths, I dive into the episode's topic, which revolves around the deepening of my interest and understanding of language over the years.

Early Experiences (3:11 - 8:54)
This segment transports us to my early years, where I share memorable experiences that encapsulate my literal view of language. From humorous misinterpretations to the challenges I faced in understanding idiomatic expressions and metaphors, we'll explore together the unique lens through which I perceived language in my formative years.

Transformation (8:58 - 13:24)
In this section, we explore the turning points in my life that led to a transformation in my relationship with language. From the struggles of my mid to later teens to newfound opportunities in my twenties, I reflect on how support, determination, and hard work contributed to my improvement in understanding and using language.

Exploring Complexity  (13:28 - 17:30)
During my later years in secondary school, I encountered metaphors and more complex forms of language. In this segment, I dive into how I learned to navigate idioms and metaphors, using my interest in logic and visualization to unlock their meanings. Together, we'll explore the beauty of comparing things through language, painting vivid scenes with words.

Application of Knowledge (17:35 - 22:15)
This section delves into my growing interest in science and how my improved understanding and language skills have empowered me to think critically and express my views on scientific matters. We touch on diverse topics, from the search for life elsewhere in the universe, to the causes and consequences of climate change, and the application of knowledge in various areas.

Listeners' Stories (22:20 - 24:57)
Explore the multifaceted relationship between language and autism as I invite insightful experiences and perspectives from our community, including educators, parents, and individuals on the autism spectrum. I invite people to share their own experiences and insights at their convenience.

Conclusion  (25:02 - 27:08)
As I wrap up our exploration of language evolution, I summarise the key points discussed throughout the episode. We reflect on the progress made in my understanding and appreciation of language and the broader implications for personal growth.

Outro (27:13 - End)
In the closing moments, I express gratitude to our listeners for joining this journey and invite them to subscribe, leave reviews, and share the podcast with others who might benefit. I provide easy ways for them to connect with upcoming episodes and engage with the community.

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