The Neuroconvergence Podcast

Non-speaking autistic spellers share their lived experience of communication, autonomy, and intelligence—challenging assumptions and redefining what access, education, and inclusion should look like. Guests Anna Lechleiter — Spell to Communicate practitioner; communication regulation partner supporting non-speaking spellers in Ireland Adrienne Murphy — Advocate and parent; early adopter of spellin...

Padraig Danaher is a Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist and Psychological Coach with over 15 years of experience supporting teenagers and adults through complex adversity and psychological challenges. Since 2011, Padraig has specialised in trauma, a strengths-based approach and attachment, guiding clients to reclaim meaning and purpose in their lives. Handle: @the_ot_coach Through evidence...

Guest: Chloe Victory — Trans autistic writer, filmmaker, performer, and black belt martial artist (Silat). Director of the documentary A Far Green Country , creator of the solo show Elementaller , and advocate for accessible martial arts and creative expression. Host: Al Bellamy Producer: Ian Lawton Episode summary Chloe Victory joins Al Bellamy for a vibrant conversation about martial arts, filmm...

Episode: Reading Between the Lines: Dyslexia, Education, and Real Systemic Change Guest: Rosie Bissett — CEO of Dyslexia Ireland, national advocate for literacy, access, and equity in education. With decades of leadership, Rosie brings systemic insight, lived empathy, and policy-level experience into the conversation around dyslexia, co-occurring conditions, and structural change. Host: Peter O'Br...

Episode: Sharks, Scripts & Showing Up Neurodivergent Guest: Tierra Porter — Actor, musician, writer, and neurodivergent artist of Indigenous American, African, and Puerto Rican descent. Tierra has toured internationally with Missoula Children's Theatre, graduated with First Class Honours from The Lir Academy, and recently performed at the Gate, Abbey, and Dublin Theatre Festival stages. Host: Al B...

Episode: ADHD, Comedy & Coaching: Building a Life That Works for Your Brain Guest: Elle Felicity — Writer, performer, and ADHD coach; founder of Chaotic Good Coaching ; creator of Close All Tabs (Smock Alley, 2024); advocate for lived-experience-led support and sustainable neurodivergent life design. Host: Al Bellamy Producer: Ian Lawton Episode summary Writer, performer, and ADHD coach Elle Felic...

Episode: Research, Lived Experience & the Future of Neurodiversity Practice Guest: Dr. Blánaid Gavin — Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist; subspecialist in ADHD; Chair of UCD's Neurodiversity Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Working Group; Co-lead of Making UCD a Neurodiversity-Friendly Campus ; researcher, lecturer, and clinical practitioner. Host: Michele Van Valey Producer: Ian Lawton Ep...

Episode: Relaxed Performance, Representation & Disabled Lives in the Arts Guest: Eleanor Walsh — Autistic actor, writer, disability advocate; performer in Chronically Hopeful , Grace , Yellow , Daughter of God , and What I Don't Know About Autism at the Abbey Theatre; Youth Ambassador with AsIAm; featured in Be Inspired: Young Irish People Changing the World by Sarah Webb. Host: Al Bellamy Produce...

Episode: Understanding ADHD Across the Lifespan: Lived Experience, Leadership & Looking Ahead Guest: Ken Kilbride — CEO of ADHD Ireland; advocate for national ADHD supports; parent of a multiply-neurodivergent adult; long-time collaborator with national organisations. Episode summary Peter O'Brien speaks with Ken Kilbride about ADHD Ireland's mission, the realities of ADHD across the lifespan, med...

Episode: Autism, Advocacy & the Changing Landscape of Ireland Guest: Adam Harris — Founder & CEO of AsIAm; leading national advocate for autistic rights; writer, speaker, and policy influencer. Episode summary Adam Harris traces his journey from early childhood in Ireland—when autism was barely understood—to founding AsIAm , now the country's national autism organisation. He speaks openly about ea...

A clear, lived-experience guide to the Autistic SPACE framework—how sensory needs, predictability, acceptance, communication, and empathy transform care in clinics, hospitals, and classrooms. Guests Dr. Mary Doherty — Autistic physician and researcher; lead author of the Autistic SPACE framework for healthcare. Elaine McGoldrick — Autistic educator and former special-education teacher; co-author o...

The Neuroconvergence Podcast — Show Notes Episode: Meeting Children Where They Are: Neuro-distinct Needs, School Stress & Strengths-Based Parenting Guest: Dr. John Sharry — social worker & psychotherapist; Clinical Director, Parents Plus; Adjunct Professor (UCD School of Psychology); Irish Times parenting columnist; author of 25+ books including Positive Parenting series; developer of the Parents...

Show Notes — Neuroconvergence: Unity, Creativity, Collaboration Episode Title "UMAAP, ACT, and the Power of Small: ADHD Support that Works" Episode Summary Host Michele Van Valey speaks with Aisling Leonard-Curtin , senior psychologist on ADHD Ireland's UMAAP programme, co-director of ACT Now: Purposeful Living , and co-author of The Power of Small . They unpack how UMAP (Understanding & Managing...

Show Notes — Neuroconvergence: Unity, Creativity, Collaboration Episode Title "Neuroconvergence: Building a Neuro-affirming Movement" Episode Summary Host Michele Van Valey speaks with Peter O'Brien , Jody O'Neill , and producer Ian Lawton about Neuroconvergence —a neurodivergent-led movement creating spaces for unity, creativity, and collaboration across Ireland. The conversation covers origins,...

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