The Middletown Centre for Autism Podcast

Break time can look like freedom from the outside, but for many autistic students it can feel like the most demanding part of the day: unstructured social rules, sensory overload, and nowhere obvious to recharge or recover. In this episode, we're joined by Jenny Gibson, a researcher at the University of Cambridge, to get specific about why play matters and what schools can do to make playtime...

In the latest episode of the Middletown Podcast, we chat to Elaine McGoldrick and Aoife Munroe about how they have adapted the SPACE Framework for an education setting. The framework is a neuroaffirming guide for professionals that are supporting autistic people. They share practical tips founded in the framework to guide educators to better understand and support autistic experience. 

In the latest episode of the Middletown Podcast we chat to Niamh Mellerick from AsIAm about their recent report focusing on consent and sex education in Ireland. They collaborated with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland to learn more about how autistic people learn about and understand consent. Niamh shares their findings and practical ideas to support an un...

In the latest episode of the Middletown Podcast, we chat to Dr Amy Pearson about her research on autistic people’s experiences of relationships. She and her team at Durham University created a guide to help autistic people recognise healthy and unhealthy relationship traits.   Find out more about the Autistic Guide to Healthy Relationships here: https://www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/latest-news/202...

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat about sexual wellbeing for autistic people. Dr Jeroen Dewinter shares his research on community perspectives to better understand and support sexual wellbeing.   In this episode we mention the support service BelongTo  

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to Dr Brett Heasman about his research into Autistic Flow. He explains how it can be a helpful model for understanding autistic experience and how beneficial flow states can be for wellbeing.   Find out more about the work that Brett and his team are doing at the Heasman Flow Lab .  

In latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to autistic advocate Niamh Biddulph. Niamh has been an advocate for many issues faced by the community, including inclusive employment.  We talk about how she’s navigated anxiety to achieve so much.  

On the latest Middletown Podcast chat to autistic parent and advocate, Amanda McGuinness. We talk about Christmas and how Amanda and her family navigate pressure, excitement and expectations around the holiday season. We try very hard not to spoil any of the magic of Christmas in our chat, but you might want to listen to this one away from the ears of little believers.  More about Amanda:  Amanda...

On the Middletown Podcast we chat to playwright, accessibility consultant and community activist, Jody O’Neill. She discusses Neuroconvergence, a new initiative that is building community and celebrating autistic creativity.    You can find out more about Neuroconvergence here: https://www.neuroconvergence.ie/  

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to autistic teacher, lecturer and author Dr Kara Dymond. Kara is passionate about creating truly inclusive classrooms and she shares her experience and her philosophy around teaching. We also discuss Kara’s new book “Creating a Neurodiversity-Affirming Classroom”.  You can find out more about Kara’s work here  

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to researcher, Dr Sinead McNally about recent DCU research focused on the experiences that young, Irish autistic people have of bullying. We talk about how the team supported young people to feel comfortable enough to share their experiences and what we can learn from them.  You can find out more about the bullying study here .  Find out more about the Aut...

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to Occupational Therapist, Sorcha Rice. Sorcha brings her expertise and lived experience to discuss PDA (Persistent Drive for Autonomy). We discuss what PDA feels like and what supports might be useful at school and at home.   You can find out more about Sorcha and her work here

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to play therapist Gráinne Warren about building authentic connections rather than “training” social skills. Gráinne brings years of practice, research and lived experience to her work, and she has created a resource focused on supporting young people to create connections that make them comfortable.  You can find Gráinne’s resources here: https://grainnewa...

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to Australian authors Clem Bastow and Jo Case about “Someone Like Me”, a new anthology of autistic writing that they have edited. We talk about how the book came about and the importance of real representation.   📚You can find out more about the book here: https://www.vervebooks.co.uk/bookpage.php?isbn=9780857309266 

Festival season may be coming to an end for this year, but in the latest episode of the podcast we’re thinking about how festivals and events can be made more comfortable for autistic people. We’re joined by event inclusion expert, Adam O’Brien, who shares lived experience and expertise to help organisers create inclusive events. 

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to CJay Smith, Assistive Technology and Communication Specialist with Neurodiversity Ireland. CJay brings their expertise and lived experience to share their knowledge on the benefits of technology and myths around its use. CJay also shares lots of advice for parents and educators who want to learn more about supporting communication.  You can find out mor...

In the latest Middletown Podcast, Adam Harris joins us to chat about the upcoming Autism Europe Congress. Adam and Cat are both involved in organising the Congress, and they discuss why hosting the Congress in Ireland is important, what they’re most excited about and what they hope the impact of the Congress will be.  

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we speak to Allie Mason – author, advocate and adventurer! Allie has written a book, “The Autistic Guide to Adventure”. Her book is designed to support autistic folk of all ages to take part in new activities and find fun and adventure at their own pace.  Find out more about Allie’s work here: https://alliewrote.com/  

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat with Nessa Hill from Neurodiversity Ireland. We talk about the importance of practical autism-affirming supports and the positive impact that a neurodiversity-informed approach can have for everyone. Nessa chats about how seeing neurodiversity as a social justice movement informs her work.  Find out more about Neurodiversity Ireland: https://neurodiversity...

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we speak to Joan McDonald, autism advocate, consultant, specialist teacher and trainer. Joan has a wealth of knowledge on many topics, but for this episode we’re chatting about Monotropism. Joan shares a practical perspective informed by research and lived experience. She explains exactly what Monotropism is and how we can support monotropic thinking.  

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we speak to Charli Clement, autistic author and activist. They live with chronic pain and have written a book to support other autistic young people experiencing chronic pain.   For more information about Charli’s book, All Tangled Up in Autism & Chronic Illness click here . To keep up to date on Charli’s work click here  

In our latest podcast, we speak to autistic psychologist and author, Maja Toudal. She has developed Energy Accounting, a system to help manage anxiety and support good mental health.   You can find out more about Maja’s book, click here   Maja is a keynote speaker at the upcoming Autism Europe Congress in Dublin this September. You can find out more, click here 

In the latest Middletown Podcast,  we chat with researcher Holly Sutherland about her ground-breaking work focusing on autistic communication. We discuss differences in communication between autistic and non-autistic people and practical ways for non-autistic people to make their communication more meaningful. We also discuss Holly’s experience as an autistic autism researcher. 

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we speak to Steven Murray - creative, storyteller and Engagement Officer with Aspire Ireland. We discuss his journey through education, his creative life and how he feels about autism representation.   

In this episode, we’re delighted to chat to professional athlete and Rugby Referee, Aimee Barrett-Theron. Aimee represented South Africa in the Rugby World Cup before becoming an International referee. We discuss the positives that being autistic brings to refereeing and how she shapes her sensory and communicative experience.