Whole School Interview with James from Harberton School with James and Middletown Centre for Autism Helen Forde 

interview Coordinated by Catherine Latimer (Research Team Middletown Centre of Autism) and with Helen Lynch  (University College Cork senior Lecturer) 

 In this episode, one of the Centre’s specialist teachers, Breiffni O’Reilly, interviews Mary Sharkey, Autism Coordinator in a post primary school.  

They discuss the partnership between the school and Middletown Centre for Autism, and the importance of supports for emotional regulation.  Mary recommends a range of online resources, podcasts and webinars which can be accessed on the Social Media section of the Centre’s website. 

Jody is an award-winning autistic writer and performer with over 20 years’ experience working in the theatre, film and TV sector in Ireland and internationally.

Jody is speaking at the Centre’s international conference.  You can register now at this link: 

https://eventfulbelfast.eventsair.com/mca/register/Site/Register 

Today, on World Autism Day, the Centre wants to celebrate the evolving perspectives on autism, and recognise that different and unique minds positively shape the diverse world in which we all live.  

In this special podcast interview, Dr Stephen Shore talks to Dr Fiona McCaffrey about how the global pandemic has offered an insight into autistic thinking.  He reflects on the work and lifestyle changes in the last year, and the potential long-term benefits for everyone. 

The Centre is delighted to share the link to its podcast interview with Professor Richard Grinker, one of the keynote speakers who will be presenting at the conference on 23 April 2021.  Richard Grinker is Professor of Anthropology and International Affairs at the George Washington University in Washington and author of several books, including ‘Unstrange Minds’ and ‘Nobody’s Normal’.  In this interview with Tara Vernon, he provides valuable insights into Neurodiversity and the impact of the current pandemic on evolving perspectives of mental health. 

The Centre’s online conference will take place on 23-24 April 2021 and is open for registration at this link: 

https://eventfulbelfast.eventsair.com/mca/register/Site/Register 

The Centre is excited to officially launch its new podcast series, as part of the build up to the conference to be held online on 23-24 April 2021. 

In this first episode, Dr Barry Prizant, author of ‘Uniquely Human’ and co-creator of the SCERTS framework, talks to Jill McCanney about his perspectives on Neurodiversity and how unique differences enrich society for all. 

If you enjoy this podcast, you can hear more from Dr Prizant when he presents the keynote speech on Friday 23 April at the Centre’s international conference.  You can register now at this link: 

https://eventfulbelfast.eventsair.com/mca/register/Site/Register 

To hear more podcasts from Dr Prizant’s, you can access his own series, ‘Uniquely Human’, at this link: 

https://uniquelyhuman.com/ 

Fiona Ferris is Deputy CEO of AsIAm Ireland and is the final guest on the Community Voices podcast series. Fiona discusses her experiences at school, university as an autistic woman and parent of an autistic daughter.