Episode
“The One Thing About Autism That F*cks Me Off” - My Wife, Sam Branson Opens Up
- Podcast
- The Hidden 20%
- Published
- Dec 3, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 4603
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://shows.acast.com/hidden-20/episodes/sam-branson-opens-up
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Summary
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 . _________ 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 neuro…