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/  

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 bringing her passion for communication to young people in Northern Ireland.  

You can follow Eve’s work through her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552576340634

Trauma is a serious but important topic. In this episode, we’re joined by Specialist Teacher, Deirdre O’Shea who explains what trauma is, how it may impact autistic people and how we can support someone through trauma.  

For more information on the topics discussed, please visit: 

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/ptsd-autism 

https://mental-health-wellbeing.middletownautism.com/information-strategies/ptsd-and-trauma/ 

 https://neurodivergentinsights.com/autism-infographics/autismandtrauma 

It looks like there was a glitch in our podcast with Dr Mary Doherty. For anyone who couldn't access it, here is the full version-

In this episode, we chat to autistic health professional and researcher, Dr Mary Doherty. Mary has driven research to support autistic patients and healthcare workers.  We find out about her work and her experience as an autistic autism researcher.  

You can find some of Mary’s research work here: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mary-Doherty-9

Animals & Nature with Becca Lory Hector
Many autistic people feel particularly comfortable around animals and nature. In this podcast we speak to autistic author, researcher and advocate, Becca Lory Hector about her relationship with animals and how they have improved her life.  

Trigger warning: this episode includes mention of mental health challenges and grief.  

To learn more about Becca visit: https://beccalory.com/  

The theory of Monotropism focuses on how autistic people allocate their attention. Autistic theorist, Fergus Murray joins us on the latest podcast episode to discuss how the theory, which was developed by autistic people, may explain much of autistic experience. 

To read some of Fergus’ writing visit: https://oolong.co.uk/ 

In this episode, we chat to autistic health professional and researcher, Dr Mary Doherty. Mary has driven research to support autistic patients and healthcare workers.  We find out about her work and her experience as an autistic autism researcher.  

You can find some of Mary’s research work here: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mary-Doherty-9

In this episode, we’re learning more about the link between autism and physical health conditions. Dr Jessica Eccles, joins the podcast to discuss hypermobility: when someone has very flexible joints that can often cause pain. 

You can find out more about Jessica’s work here: https://www.bsms.ac.uk/about/contact-us/staff/dr-jessica-eccles.aspx 

In this episode, we’re joined by Bethany Donaghy, an autistic researcher focused on understanding the experience of pain in autistic young people. She talks about the importance of challenging assumptions so we can better understand autistic children’s experience and expression of pain. She also chats about how being autistic has shaped how she conducts her research.