In our latest podcast episode, we chat toNoelle Foley Coughlan, a student who recently graduated from the MA in Autism Studies co-designed by Middletown Centre for Autism and Mary Immaculate College. Noelle focused her research on exploring the many strengths of autistic people of marginalised genders.  

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more about our graduate courses visit: https://www.mic.ul.ie/faculty-of-education/programme/graduate-certificate-diploma-ma-autism-studies?index=0  

 As a Master's student dedicated to inclusivity and diversity, Noelle peels back the layers to expose the underreported strengths of autistic people from marginalized genders. Her groundbreaking research sheds light on the unique strengths of autistic women, girls, non-binary, transgender, and intersex individuals.

In this riveting conversation, we debunk the pervasive myth that autistic people lack empathy. Instead, we reveal the truth – autistic individuals are often compassionate, creative, detail-oriented, empathetic, and resilient. Noelle's invaluable findings challenge societal norms, encouraging us to bridge the gap between the autistic and non-autistic worlds. We delve into the heart of the matter, discussing the vital role of accurate representation and understanding.

The episode evolves to discuss how we can better support the autistic community. Revealing the power of self-care, embracing one's true self, and building a strong community, Noelle's advice is aimed at empowering young autistic people. We also discuss the need for organizations to recognize and capitalize on autistic strengths. As we wrap up, the focus shifts to the future – a future where autism research and education are more inclusive, representative, and focused on embracing the diverse strengths of all autistic individuals. Join us for this powerful conversation that champions diversity, resilience, and the strength in all of us.