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. 

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.  

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 means for them.  

For more information on Niamh’s book, “Being Autistic (And What That Actually Means)” visit: https://niamhgarvey.com/books-for-autistic-kids/  

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.  

To find out more about Gemma’s book, visit: https://pavpub.com/health-and-social-care/health-autism/understanding-others-in-a-neurodiverse-world-a-radical-perspective-on-communication-and-shared-meaning?srsltid=AfmBOop9_uw9zqqjqGaWZ13uDPJvFbpM4h-iwQDJdNEip49dubFUbbCI 

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 of UDL. She shares her insight and we chat about her own experience as a multiply neurodivergent parent and professional.  

You can also find an interview with Zarah in our latest Research Bulletin:
https://www.middletownautism.com/research/research-bulletins

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 other theories of autism and how it can shape practical supports.  

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: https://www.middletownautism.com/package/professionals/middletown-masterclasses 

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 Syndrome and how she’s reclaiming and reframing this misunderstood condition.  

You can find out more about Jess here: https://www.touretteshero.com/ 

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 visit:  

https://adhdireland.ie/