"He Ran Straight in Front of a Car": Autism, Elopement & Harry’s Harness | Joanne Bourne

Send Me A Text Message In this episode of The Danifesto Podcast, I’m joined by Joanne Bourne, mum to Harry and the person behind Harry’s Harness. Joanne shares what life is really like raising a non-verbal autistic teenager with ADHD and developmental delay. We talk about Harry’s early diagnosis, communication, sensory needs, SEN education, social media, judgment from strangers and the reality of keeping him safe. Joanne also opens up about one terrifying moment when Harry ran straight in front of a car, and how experiences like that eventually led to the creation of Harry’s Harness. What started as something designed to keep Harry safe has grown into something helping other families feel more confident getting out and about. We also talk about AAC communication, ear defenders, sensory regulation, elopement, parenting criticism, online trolling, independence, dignity and what Joanne hopes Harry’s future will look like. This is an honest conversation about autism, ADHD, parenting, support, inclusion and why people need to understand neurodivergent families rather than judge them. The Danifesto Podcast Real talk. Real life. No filter. Support the show Thanks for listening to The Danifesto. If this episode meant something to you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs that little push to back themselves. You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for behind the scenes clips and updates. If you want early episodes and bonus content, you can join The Danifesto Plus through my Buzzsprout page. Your support helps me keep growing this and bringing bigger conversations to the mic.