<![CDATA[AFI: Autism and Financial Independence]]>AFI is the podcast exploring the intersection of autism and financial independence.

Financial wellbeing matters to everyone. Yet autistic people are significantly more likely than the wider population to experience unemployment, underemployment and financial insecurity, with profound consequences for independence, health, and quality of life.

Hosts Darren and David Scothern are two working-class autistic men who have experienced financial hardship firsthand. Together, they explore financial concepts which many autistic people may feel excluded from or intimidated by. 

Whether you're autistic, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in personal finance and financial independence, AFI offers thoughtful discussion, practical ideas and a fresh perspective on living a more stable, fulfilling, and financially secure life.

We are not selling financial products or services.  We are two autistic guys making sense of a world in which many autistic people are financially marginalised. 

You can also find David and Darren at their respective blogs, davidscothern.com, and autisticwriter.com.

]]>https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068402424172Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Fri, 11 Sep 2026 03:19:20 GMTTue, 04 Aug 2026 09:50:41 GMT60David Scothern and Darren Scothern<p>AFI is the podcast exploring the intersection of autism and financial independence.</p><p></p><p>Financial wellbeing matters to everyone. Yet autistic people are significantly more likely than the wider population to experience unemployment, underemployment and financial insecurity, with profound consequences for independence, health, and quality of life.</p><p></p><p>Hosts Darren and David Scothern are two working-class autistic men who have experienced financial hardship firsthand. Together, they explore financial concepts which many autistic people may feel excluded from or intimidated by. </p><p></p><p>Whether you're autistic, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in personal finance and financial independence, AFI offers thoughtful discussion, practical ideas and a fresh perspective on living a more stable, fulfilling, and financially secure life.</p><p></p><p>We are not selling financial products or services.  We are two autistic guys making sense of a world in which many autistic people are financially marginalised. </p><p></p><p>You can also find David and Darren at their respective blogs, <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://davidscothern.com" target="_blank">davidscothern.com</a>, and <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://autisticwriter.com" target="_blank">autisticwriter.com</a>.<br /></p>episodicDavid Scothern and Darren Scothernscothed@hotmail.co.ukno<![CDATA[Episode 6: Who are the A**holes, What is Autism, and What are the Assets?]]>AFI: Autism and Financial Independence.   Episode 6: Who are the A**holes, What is Autism, and What are the Assets?

Autistic bloggers David Scothern (Mortgage Advisor on FIRE) and Darren Scothern (The Autistic Writer) discuss the intersection of autism and financial independence.

Part 2 of What is Autism? Some thoughts on an interview with Edward Norton. Another autism microaggression, and a dive into the world of asset classes in investing.

A note from Darren and David 

Darren and David do not sell, promote, or endorse any financial services or products. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be taken as personal financial advice.


Blog Links

David: davidscothern.com

Darren: autisticwriter.com


Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593076251704

If you're struggling financially

Help is available:

StepChange is a UK charity providing free debt advice and solutions: https://www.stepchange.org/

Citizens Advice also provides advice and guidance on debt and money: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/


]]>542a6e5f-1592-4ad1-b9ba-c8067ba83646Wed, 09 Sep 2026 19:18:34 GMT<p><b>AFI: Autism and Financial Independence.   Episode 6: Who are the A**holes, What is Autism, and What are the Assets?</b></p><p></p><p>Autistic bloggers David Scothern (Mortgage Advisor on FIRE) and Darren Scothern (The Autistic Writer) discuss the intersection of autism and financial independence.</p><p></p><p>Part 2 of What is Autism? Some thoughts on an interview with Edward Norton. Another autism microaggression, and a dive into the world of asset classes in investing. </p><p></p><p><b>A note from Darren and David </b></p><p>Darren and David do not sell, promote, or endorse any financial services or products. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be taken as personal financial advice.</p><p><br /><b>Blog Links</b></p><p>David:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://davidscothern.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://davidscothern.com" target="_blank">davidscothern.com</a></p><p>Darren:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://autisticwriter.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://autisticwriter.com" target="_blank">autisticwriter.com</a></p><p><br /><b>Facebook Page</b></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593076251704" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593076251704</a></p><p></p><p><b>If you're struggling financially</b></p><p></p><p>Help is available:</p><p></p><p>StepChange is a UK charity providing free debt advice and solutions:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stepchange.org/" target="_blank"> https://www.stepchange.org/</a></p><p></p><p>Citizens Advice also provides advice and guidance on debt and money:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/" target="_blank"> https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/</a></p><p><br /></p>no01:59:08Episode 6: Who are the A**holes, What is Autism, and What are the Assets?full<![CDATA[Episode 5: Boring is Brilliant, Autism is Complicated, and How We Get Things Wrong]]>AFI: Autism and Financial Independence.   Episode 5: What Is It?

Autistic bloggers David Scothern (Mortgage Advisor on FIRE) and Darren Scothern (The Autistic Writer) discuss the intersection of autism and financial independence.

In Episode 5, David talks us through Survivorship Bias, Wants vs Needs, and Why Boring Can Be Brilliant.

Darren Gives a clarification on the finer points of the autism cultural divide discussed in the previous episode, before attempting to answer the big question: What is Autism?

Also: 


Microaggression of the week: Being a little bit autistic. 


Autism in the News

The hosts discuss how a news report about statistical methods could potentially send the wrong message about genetic research. 


And as promised: a link to the What Is It scene from Red Dwarf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLc5mvOGgxc

A note from Darren and David 

Darren and David do not sell, promote, or endorse any financial services or products. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be taken as personal financial advice.


Blog Links

David: davidscothern.com

Darren: autisticwriter.com


Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593076251704


]]>9f7690a1-2c85-4268-99d2-92660666767cThu, 03 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT<p><b>AFI: Autism and Financial Independence.   Episode 5: What Is It?</b></p><p></p><p>Autistic bloggers David Scothern (Mortgage Advisor on FIRE) and Darren Scothern (The Autistic Writer) discuss the intersection of autism and financial independence.</p><p></p><p>In Episode 5, David talks us through Survivorship Bias, Wants vs Needs, and Why Boring Can Be Brilliant.</p><p></p><p>Darren Gives a clarification on the finer points of the autism cultural divide discussed in the previous episode, before attempting to answer the big question: What is Autism?</p><p></p><p><b>Also: </b></p><p><br /><b>Microaggression of the week: </b>Being a little bit autistic<b>. </b></p><p><br /><b>Autism in the News</b></p><p>The hosts discuss how a news report about statistical methods could potentially send the wrong message about genetic research. </p><p><br /><b>And as promised</b>: a link to the <i>What Is It</i> scene from Red Dwarf: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLc5mvOGgxc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLc5mvOGgxc</a></p><p></p><p><b>A note from Darren and David </b></p><p>Darren and David do not sell, promote, or endorse any financial services or products. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be taken as personal financial advice.</p><p><br /><b>Blog Links</b></p><p>David:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://davidscothern.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://davidscothern.com" target="_blank">davidscothern.com</a></p><p>Darren:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://autisticwriter.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://autisticwriter.com" target="_blank">autisticwriter.com</a></p><p><br /><b>Facebook Page</b></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593076251704" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593076251704</a></p><p><br /></p>no01:36:10Episode 5: Boring is Brilliant, Autism is Complicated, and How We Get Things Wrongfull<![CDATA[Episode 4: Why Autism Matters, and How Much is Enough?]]>AFI: Autism and Financial Independence.   Episode 4: Why Autism Matters, and How Much Is Enough?

Autism, safe withdrawal rates, your FI number, and getting autism coverage right.

Autistic bloggers David Scothern (Mortgage Advisor on FIRE) and Darren Scothern (The Autistic Writer) discuss the intersection of autism and financial independence.


In Episode 4, David talks us through approaches to financial independence and retiring early, based around safe withdrawal rates and your FI number.  Darren explains how to break out of the autism bubble and explain to neurotypical people why autism really is relevant to them. 

Also: Autism in the News

The hosts discuss some problematic coverage of autism on a very popular podcast whose presenters should know better. 

A note from Darren and David 

Darren and David do not sell, promote, or endorse any financial services or products. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be taken as personal financial advice.

Blog Links

David: davidscothern.com

Darren: autisticwriter.com

Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593076251704

If you're struggling financially

Help is available:

StepChange is a UK charity providing free debt advice and solutions: https://www.stepchange.org/

Citizens Advice also provides advice and guidance on debt and money: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/


YouTube Music Attribution

Music licensed through Soundstripe.

Code: W1GW9WHEYJOL5J9E

]]>5c96dddd-b17f-4b2a-a183-c460838e39b4Thu, 27 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT<p><b>AFI: Autism and Financial Independence.   Episode 4: Why Autism Matters, and How Much Is Enough?</b></p><p></p><p><b>Autism, safe withdrawal rates, your FI number, and getting autism coverage right.</b></p><p></p><p>Autistic bloggers David Scothern (Mortgage Advisor on FIRE) and Darren Scothern (The Autistic Writer) discuss the intersection of autism and financial independence.</p><p><br />In Episode 4, David talks us through approaches to financial independence and retiring early, based around safe withdrawal rates and your FI number.  Darren explains how to break out of the autism bubble and explain to neurotypical people why autism really is relevant to them. </p><p></p><p><b>Also: Autism in the News</b></p><p>The hosts discuss some problematic coverage of autism on a very popular podcast whose presenters should know better. </p><p></p><p><b>A note from Darren and David </b></p><p>Darren and David do not sell, promote, or endorse any financial services or products. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be taken as personal financial advice.</p><p></p><p><b>Blog Links</b></p><p>David:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://davidscothern.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://davidscothern.com" target="_blank">davidscothern.com</a></p><p>Darren:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://autisticwriter.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://autisticwriter.com" target="_blank">autisticwriter.com</a></p><p></p><p><b>Facebook Page</b></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593076251704" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593076251704</a></p><p></p><p><b>If you're struggling financially</b></p><p>Help is available:</p><p>StepChange is a UK charity providing free debt advice and solutions:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stepchange.org/" target="_blank"> https://www.stepchange.org/</a></p><p>Citizens Advice also provides advice and guidance on debt and money:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/" target="_blank"> https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/</a></p><p><br />YouTube Music Attribution</p><p>Music licensed through Soundstripe.</p><p>Code: W1GW9WHEYJOL5J9E</p>no01:52:09Episode 4: Why Autism Matters, and How Much is Enough?full<![CDATA[Episode 3: Follow The Money]]>AFI: Autism and Financial Independence — Episode 3: Follow the Money

Autistic bloggers David Scothern (Mortgage Advisor on FIRE) and Darren Scothern (The Autistic Writer) discuss the intersection of autism and financial independence.

In Episode 3, Darren lays bare the huge amounts of money flowing through the autism industry, and explains why it’s not helping autistic people. David then talks about why personal budgeting is important, and why the best method of doing it is so counter-intuitive.

Also: Autism in the News

The hosts share their thoughts on one of the most ridiculous stories to emerge in autism news, and try, with limited success, to keep straight faces.

A note from Darren and David

Darren and David do not sell, promote, or endorse any financial services or products. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be taken as personal financial advice.

Blog Links

David: davidscothern.com

Darren: autisticwriter.com

Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593076251704


If you're struggling financially

Help is available:

StepChange is a UK charity providing free debt advice and solutions: https://www.stepchange.org/

Citizens Advice also provides advice and guidance on debt and money: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/

YouTube Music Attribution

Music licensed through Soundstripe.

Code: W1GW9WHEYJOL5J9E

]]>2286d96b-1ee3-4527-8539-2875e5699426Sat, 22 Aug 2026 11:42:46 GMT<p><b>AFI: Autism and Financial Independence — Episode 3: Follow the Money</b></p><p></p><p>Autistic bloggers David Scothern (Mortgage Advisor on FIRE) and Darren Scothern (The Autistic Writer) discuss the intersection of autism and financial independence.</p><p></p><p>In Episode 3, Darren lays bare the huge amounts of money flowing through the autism industry, and explains why it’s not helping autistic people. David then talks about why personal budgeting is important, and why the best method of doing it is so counter-intuitive.</p><p></p><p><b>Also: Autism in the News</b></p><p></p><p>The hosts share their thoughts on one of the most ridiculous stories to emerge in autism news, and try, with limited success, to keep straight faces.</p><p></p><p><b>A note from Darren and David</b></p><p></p><p>Darren and David do not sell, promote, or endorse any financial services or products. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be taken as personal financial advice.</p><p></p><p><b>Blog Links</b></p><p></p><p>David:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://davidscothern.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://davidscothern.com" target="_blank">davidscothern.com</a></p><p></p><p>Darren:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://autisticwriter.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://autisticwriter.com" target="_blank">autisticwriter.com</a></p><p></p><p><b>Facebook Page</b></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593076251704" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593076251704</a></p><p><br /><b>If you're struggling financially</b></p><p></p><p>Help is available:</p><p></p><p>StepChange is a UK charity providing free debt advice and solutions:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stepchange.org/" target="_blank"> https://www.stepchange.org/</a></p><p></p><p>Citizens Advice also provides advice and guidance on debt and money:<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/" target="_blank"> https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/</a></p><p></p><p>YouTube Music Attribution</p><p>Music licensed through Soundstripe.</p><p>Code: W1GW9WHEYJOL5J9E<br /></p>no01:43:21Episode 3: Follow The Moneyfull<![CDATA[Episode 2: What Money Is, and Why It's Hard to Get]]>AFI: Autism and Financial Independence — Episode 2: What Money Is, and Why It’s Hard to Get

Autistic bloggers David Scothern (Mortgage Advisor on FIRE) and Darren Scothern (The Autistic Writer) discuss the intersection of autism and financial independence.

In Episode 2, David takes us through what money is, how it developed, and its relationship with time. Darren discusses how the route from childhood to financial independence in adulthood can be different for autistic people, and the obstacles they can encounter along the way.

Also: Autism in the News

David and Darren discuss the tragic developments in the Jason Arday story, and the direction of US policy on vaccines and autism.

A note from Darren and David

Darren and David do not sell, promote, or endorse any financial services or products. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be taken as personal financial advice.

Blog Links

David: davidscothern.com

Darren: autisticwriter.com

If you're struggling financially

Help is available.

StepChange is a UK charity providing free debt advice and solutions: https://www.stepchange.org/

Citizens Advice also provides advice and guidance on debt and money: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/


]]>2d91963a-0e08-4a84-9211-4ed4eecb7068Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:14:54 GMT<p><b>AFI: Autism and Financial Independence — Episode 2: What Money Is, and Why It’s Hard to Get</b></p><p></p><p>Autistic bloggers David Scothern (Mortgage Advisor on FIRE) and Darren Scothern (The Autistic Writer) discuss the intersection of autism and financial independence.</p><p></p><p>In Episode 2, David takes us through what money is, how it developed, and its relationship with time. Darren discusses how the route from childhood to financial independence in adulthood can be different for autistic people, and the obstacles they can encounter along the way.</p><p></p><p><b>Also: Autism in the News</b></p><p></p><p>David and Darren discuss the tragic developments in the Jason Arday story, and the direction of US policy on vaccines and autism.</p><p></p><p><b>A note from Darren and David</b></p><p></p><p>Darren and David do not sell, promote, or endorse any financial services or products. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be taken as personal financial advice.</p><p></p><p><b>Blog Links</b></p><p></p><p>David: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://davidscothern.com" target="_blank">davidscothern.com</a></p><p>Darren: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://autisticwriter.com" target="_blank">autisticwriter.com</a></p><p></p><p><b>If you're struggling financially</b></p><p></p><p>Help is available.</p><p></p><p>StepChange is a UK charity providing free debt advice and solutions: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stepchange.org/" target="_blank">https://www.stepchange.org/</a></p><p></p><p>Citizens Advice also provides advice and guidance on debt and money: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/" target="_blank">https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/</a></p><p><br /></p>no01:59:06Episode 2: What Money Is, and Why It's Hard to Getfull<![CDATA[Episode 1: Introductions]]>AFI: Autism and Financial Independence — Episode 1: Autism, Financial Independence, and Why It Matters

In this new podcast, autistic bloggers David Scothern (Mortgage Advisor on FIRE) and Darren Scothern (The Autistic Writer) discuss the intersection of autism and financial independence.

Financial hardship affects many people, but autistic people are disproportionately affected by poverty and financial insecurity. Achieving financial independence, and the security that brings, is hugely important.

In this first episode, David and Darren discuss how financial hardship affects autistic people, what financial independence actually means, and why it matters.

Also: Autism in the News

David and Darren discuss recent stories involving Robbie Williams and Uta Frith.

A note from Darren and David

Darren and David do not sell, promote, or endorse any financial services or products. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be taken as personal financial advice.

If you're struggling financially

Help is available. 

StepChange is a UK charity providing free debt advice and solutions: https://www.stepchange.org/

Citizens Advice also provides advice and guidance on debt and money: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/

Finally, links to our individual blogs:

www.davidscothern.com

www.autisticwriter.com


]]>fc2549cf-58fb-4ea5-92f5-b7e87b40af8bMon, 17 Aug 2026 14:16:41 GMT<p><b>AFI: Autism and Financial Independence — Episode 1: Autism, Financial Independence, and Why It Matters</b></p><p></p><p>In this new podcast, autistic bloggers David Scothern (Mortgage Advisor on FIRE) and Darren Scothern (The Autistic Writer) discuss the intersection of autism and financial independence.</p><p></p><p>Financial hardship affects many people, but autistic people are disproportionately affected by poverty and financial insecurity. Achieving financial independence, and the security that brings, is hugely important.</p><p></p><p>In this first episode, David and Darren discuss how financial hardship affects autistic people, what financial independence actually means, and why it matters.</p><p></p><p><b>Also: Autism in the News<br /></b></p><p>David and Darren discuss recent stories involving Robbie Williams and Uta Frith.</p><p></p><p><b>A note from Darren and David<br /></b></p><p>Darren and David do not sell, promote, or endorse any financial services or products. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be taken as personal financial advice.</p><p></p><p><b>If you're struggling financially</b></p><p></p><p>Help is available. </p><p></p><p>StepChange is a UK charity providing free debt advice and solutions: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.stepchange.org/" target="_blank">https://www.stepchange.org/</a></p><p></p><p>Citizens Advice also provides advice and guidance on debt and money: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/" target="_blank">https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/</a></p><p></p><p>Finally, links to our individual blogs:</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.davidscothern.com" target="_blank">www.davidscothern.com</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.autisticwriter.com" target="_blank">www.autisticwriter.com</a></p><p><br /></p>no01:25:59Episode 1: Introductionsfull