The Middletown Centre for Autism Podcast
The Middletown Podcast features interviews with leading thinkers and practitioners across the autistic and autism community. Conversations are autism-affirming and neurodiversity-informed with a focus on the lived experience and knowledge of our community. Episodes highlight issues impacting autistic people and we share ideas for family members and school staff who are providing support.
Episodes
90 episodes
Understanding PDA with Sorcha Rice
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 ...
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32:29
Alternatives to Social Skills Training with Gráinne Warren
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 creat...
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35:03
Someone Like Me with Clem Bastow and Jo Case
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 represe...
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41:30
Autism-friendly Festivals & Events with Adam O’Brien
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...
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16:04
Understanding Assistive Technology & AAC with CJay Smith
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 ...
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1:22:36
Autism Europe Congress with Adam Harris
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...
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17:08
Allie Mason – Fun and Adventure!
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 a...
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22:51
Nessa Hill - Neurodiversity Ireland
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. Ne...
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58:14
Monotropism with Joan McDonald
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 practi...
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44:15
Charli Clement – Understanding Chronic Pain
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 ...
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31:43
Maja Toudal – Energy Accounting
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,
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1:01:35
Holly Sutherland - Understanding Autistic Communication
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 w...
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45:34
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Steven Murray – Storytelling and Representation
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. &nbs...
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33:46
Aimee Barrett-Theron – Rugby Referee and Professional Athlete
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 autist...
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31:17
Listening to the voices of autistic students with Dr Finbar Horgan
To understand student needs, it’s essential that we give space for autistic students to share their experiences. On the latest podcast, Dr Finbar Horgan talks about his research, which gave space to the student voice.
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55:45
Being Autistic with Niamh Garvey
It can be difficult for parents to know how to best support their child as they explore their autistic identity. In this podcast, we chat to autistic author Niamh Garvey about her new book focused on children as they learn what being autistic m...
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31:58
Understanding Autistic Communication with Gemma Williams
For a long time, our understanding of autistic communication was based on assumptions made by non-autistic researchers. In this podcast, we chat to autistic researcher, Gemma Williams about her neurodiversity-affirming approach to communication...
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36:24
Universal Design for Learning with Zarah Doyle
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an approach to supportive learning that is growing in prominence. In our latest podcast we chat to Zarah Doyle, Training and Accreditation Manager with AsIAm. Zarah is an expert in the theory and practice ...
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43:21
Double Empathy with Dr Damian Milton
Double Empathy is a theory that many believe is central to understanding autistic experience. In this episode we chat to Dr Damian Milton, the autistic researcher and theorist who developed the theory. We discuss what Double Empathy means for o...
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48:32
Adaptive Teaching with Dr Jo Fitzsimons
Ahead of our Differentiation masterclass on the 15th, we chatted to Dr Jo Fitzsimons about adaptive teaching and the small changes that can have a huge impact in the classroom. To find out more about Jo’s Masterclass visit:
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35:16
Understanding Tourettes Syndrome with Jess Thom
We know that autistic people are more likely to have Tourettes Syndrome or tic conditions. In our latest podcast, we chat to comedian, playwright and author, Jess Thom aka TourettesHero. She talks about her experience living with Tourettes Synd...
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33:35
Understanding ADHD with Ken Kilbride from ADHD Ireland
Research suggests that between 50 and 70% of autistic people may also have ADHD. On our latest podcast we chat to Ken Kilbride, CEO of ADHD Ireland to learn more about life with ADHD. For more information on ADHD Ireland, please vis...
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33:16
Eve McIvor-Makaton Master
Non-speaking Awareness Day falls next week. On the podcast, we’re celebrating a young woman who is using Makaton to support young people who speak few or no words. Eve McIvor has Down Syndrome and is autistic. She’s also a Makaton Master bringi...
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11:22
