Understanding Childhood Autism Identification with Davida Hartman

This week on the podcast, Amanda is joined by Davida Hartman, a leading psychologist and advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practice in Autism and ADHD identification. Together, they explore the emotional, practical, and systemic aspects of supporting children through the identification process, offering insight for families just beginning the journey or considering whether now is the right time to seek support.

Davida and Amanda discuss:

• What makes a neuroaffirmative identification approach different

• The importance of listening to Autistic voices and family insight

• How to prepare for an identification process as a parent or carer

• Navigating conversations with extended family and co-parents

• Supporting older children or teens who may be unsure about being identified

• How to start everyday conversations about neurodivergence with your child

Whether you are preparing for an assessment or simply trying to better understand your child’s experience, this episode is filled with compassionate, practical guidance.

About Davida Hartman
Davida Hartman is an Adjunct Professor in the UCD School of Psychology, Chartered Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland, and author. She founded and serves as Clinical Director of The Adult Autism & ADHD Practice, an entirely online service providing neuroaffirmative identification processes across Ireland and the UK. Davida is also Co-founder, Clinical Director, and Principal Psychologist at The Children’s Clinic (locations in Dublin, Galway, Limerick, and Tipperary), specialising in Autism identification for children aged 0–18.

She is a founding board member of the non-profit Gig Buddies Ireland and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity-affirmative services, informed by her own lived experience as a late-identified ADHD individual in a multiply neurodivergent family.

Featured Resources

• The Adult Autism & ADHD Practice: Website | Booking Link

• The Children’s Clinic: Website Appointments & Enquiries — The Children's Clinic

• Davida Hartman’s Website: www.davidahartman.ie

• Gig Buddies Ireland: www.gigbuddiesireland.ie

• The Neurodiversity Affirmative Child Autism Assessment Handbook - Neurodiversity Affirmative Child Autism Assessment Handbook