Autism, Environment and Outcome with Dr Luke Beardon

In this new episode of The Unfiltered Autistic Podcast I am joined by Dr Luke Beardon, senior lecturer in Autism at Sheffield Hallam University and the mind behind the golden equation:

Autism + Environment = Outcome.

Luke and I explore what happens when we stop blaming Autistic people for their distress and start seeking information from the environments around us instead. We talk about autistic safety, energy and burnout, and why so many of us live in a near-constant state of unsafety long before crisis ever appears on the surface.

Together we unpack:

• How “Autism + Environment = Outcome” shifts responsibility away from the Autistic child or adult and onto systems, settings and relationships.

• Autistic safety, home as a haven, and why predictability and authenticity are non negotiable rather than “nice to have”.

• Autistic energy as more than social energy, and why expecting Autistic children to “bounce back” day after day is both unrealistic and harmful.

• Scrupulous autistic self blame and Luke’s idea of refusing apologies for simply being your authentic Autistic self.

• The autistic constellation and “donut” as richer ways to understand Autistic identity over time, rather than a fixed checklist.

• How to lay the groundwork for talking with children and young people about being Autistic, using neuroaffirmative language and everyday metaphors rather than fear based narratives.

Luke’s work has profoundly shaped my own Autistic life, my parenting and my practice, and his theories are woven through almost every training I deliver. It was a privilege to sit with the person whose books sit on my shelves and whose ideas sit in so many of our classrooms and homes.

Listen now to hear a deeply validating, practical and unapologetically Autistic centred conversation with Dr Luke Beardon on The Unfiltered Autistic Podcast.

In this latest episode of Unfiltered Autistic Podcast, Amanda speaks with AAC specialist , Aoife Tierney Speech and Language Therapist of Sparking Speech. The episode focuses on supporting the use of AAC in the home and school environment.

Aoife Tierney is a highly specialist Speech & Language Therapist and the founder of Sparking Speech.

After qualifying in 2012, Aoife worked for the NHS in England before moving home and founding Sparking Speech in 2020. 

Aoife founded Sparking Speech with the intention of creating a Speech & Language Therapy practice that provides high quality assessment and evidence-based intervention. Aoife believes in a child-centred, strengths-based and Neuro-Affirmative approach that allows each child to reach their potential.

Aoife loves learning and talking about all things Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) and Gestalt Language Processing.

Aoife is the exclusive distributor for Bjorem Speech Publications products in Europe and the Uk and sells these products in her online store. These products are designed with Speech and Language Therapists, educators and parents in mind to support speech and language development. 

Upcoming Events: 

Aoife will be launching a new community hub, ‘The AAC Advocates’ for parents, carers and educators in November 2026. To be the first to find out when the doors open sign up here. 

Aoife runs the Let’s Communicate Together course with Julie Holmes from Be Me Speech Therapy. The doors will open for the next group of parents in 2026. Sign up to their newsletter to be the first to hear about it.

Here are links to: 

The AAC Advocates Waiting List - https://sparking-speech.mykajabi.com/opt-in-a73632c3-dac6-4013-ade1-2f24311325a8?cid=4ed6b68d-7611-49d6-94ab-1beb28f02dab&preview_theme_id=2162233223

Let's Communicate Together Newsletter - https://letscommunicatetogether.mykajabi.com/opt-in

Sparking Speech Shop - https://sparkingspeech.com/shop/

In this conversation, Amanda McGuinness and Pete Wharmby, discuss the challenges faced by Autistic students in relation to school attendance. They explore the misconceptions surrounding school avoidance, the need for a supportive educational environment, and the importance of understanding the unique needs of Autistic children and teens. The discussion emphasizes the role of educators, the impact of parental support, and the necessity of long-term strategies to address the mental health and well-being of Autistic students. They also highlight the importance of listening to Autistic voices and empowering parents to advocate for their children.

Key takeaways

• The narrative around school attendance should focus on the environment, not the child.
• Teachers are trying their best, but often lack adequate training on Autism, impacting their ability to support students.
• Sensory needs are crucial for Autistic students and should be prioritized in schools.
• Attitudes and judgments from teachers and peers can significantly affect Autistic students' experiences.
• Resilience is often misused as a measure of a child's worth or ability to cope.
• Parents must advocate for their children and trust their instincts.
• Long-term support is essential for Autistic students who have experienced trauma in school.
• Empowering Autistic voices in education can lead to better understanding and support.
• Schools need to normalize understanding and accommodating Autistic needs rather than treating them as exceptions.
• Parenting an Autistic child requires confidence and a willingness to challenge societal norms.

Pete Wharmby Bio:

After being diagnosed as autistic at theage of 34 in 2017, I have immersed myself in working to improve autisticawareness, acceptance and making the world a more suitable place for theneurodivergent community. I have spoken at a wide range of events andconferences since 2020 in the UK and in Europe and North America, both inperson and remotely, sharing my insight and experience of being autistic andADHD with businesses, governments, educational establishments and more.

I am active on LinkedIn, Instagram and onYouTube, where my channel is at over 3000 subscribers. I am a bestsellingauthor: my first book, What I Want to Talk About, was published by JessicaKingsley Publishers in September 2022, and my second book, Untypical, waspublished by HarperCollins in March 2023, with the paperback released in March2024. I have also written a number of articles, interviews and book chapters,and appeared on BBC Radio 2. I am a former secondary English teacher and a father-of-one.

Pronouns: he/him

Find out more about Pete Wharmby:

Website: www.petewharmby.com

Instagram: @PeteWharmby

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-wharmby

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/PeterWharmby

Pete Wharmby Books:

https://petewharmby.com/my-books/

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

Adult Autism and ADHD - with Davida Hartman

In this powerful and deeply affirming episode, Amanda McGuinness speaks with Davida Hartman (she/her), Chartered Psychologist, Adjunct Professor at the UCD School of Psychology, and Clinical Director of The Adult Autism & ADHD Practice. Together, they explore the nuanced and often transformative experience of adult Autism and ADHD identification, highlighting the need for respectful, neurodiversity-affirmative approaches that centre Autistic voices.

Davida shares the origins and ethos of The Adult Autism & ADHD Practice, developed to address the profound gap in adult neuroaffirmative services across Ireland and the UK. She details how the practice was built from the ground up to be collaborative, transparent, and strengths-based, informed by lived Autistic experience. The conversation also covers the challenges of traditional assessment models, the importance of self-understanding, and the life-changing impact of accurate identification for Autistic adults.

This episode offers critical insights for anyone seeking to understand or support Autistic and ADHD adults, whether for themselves, their loved ones, or their professional practice.

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
  Note: Each location has its own booking link available on the website.

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

• Gig Buddies Ireland : www.gigbuddiesireland.ie

• The Adult Autism Assessment Handbook: A Neurodiversity-Affirmative Approach by Davida Hartman, the first book globally to address adult Autism identification in a neuroaffirmative framework.

Key Topics Covered

• Why adult Autism and ADHD identification must be collaborative and strengths-based.

• The urgent need for neuroaffirmative practices grounded in Autistic experiences.

• Challenges and harms of outdated, child-centred assessment tools for adults.

• How The Adult Autism & ADHD Practice prioritises autonomy, consent, and individual communication preferences.

• The transformative effect of accurate identification on self-acceptance, boundaries, and quality of life.

• The critical role of post-identification support through partnerships with organisations like Thriving Autistic.

• The intersections of Autism, ADHD, eating differences, mental health, and misdiagnosis.

• The importance of recognising Autistic and ADHD culture, humour, and community as sources of healing and connection.

Quotable Moments - Davida Hartman, Chartered Psychologist

“You’ve always been Autistic. You are not a different person after identification, but now you can begin the journey of understanding and advocating for yourself.”

“Our process is designed so that your voice is central from start to finish. We collaborate, not dictate.”

“There is a profound power in community and culture, realising you are not alone can change everything.”

In this episode Amanda speaks with Aoife Hughes, an ICF accredited life coach, specialising in ADHD, about her lived experiences as a late in life ADHD adult and about her role as the professional supporting parents and professionals through her expertise as the ADHD Coach.

______________

Aoife Hughes is an ICF accredited life coach,specialising in ADHD, based in County Sligo, Ireland. She is a late diagnosedADHD adult who knows too well how hard it can be to navigate life with aneurodivergent brain. Aoife is passionate about breaking the cyclewhen it comes to mental health and advocating for our neurodivergent community.

IG: @aoifehughescoaching

Website: aoifehughescoaching.com

Email: [email protected]

Autism and AAC

The focus of this week's episode is the family experience of supporting an Autistic family member who is an AAC user.

In this week's episode of the Unfiltered Autistic Podcast Amanda speaks with Roseanne McQuillan. A mammy of 3 from Dublin. She became passionate about AAC advocacy through her personal experience supporting her son Senan who is an AAC user.

Through her Instagram account @come.with.me.aac she highlights how AAC has impacted her son's life and indeed the entire family. Because of the lack of awareness, lack of support and lack of training available to parents in Ireland she has made it her mission to spread the word about AAC to other parents of children with communication differences and to support them by creating a community of parents who are on this path.

Additionally she is involved in a parent support group that meets up weekly and a parent WhatsApp group chat that was set up to link parents from across the country, supporting each other to support their children with aac. 

Late In Life Autism Diagnosis with Amanda McGuinness and Rebecca Connor Wood

In this week's podcast we focus on a late in life Autism diagnosis and the impact it can have on a person when left un-identified until later in life.

Trigger Warning: In this podcast topics such as - Suicidal Ideation - Eating Disorders - Relational Abuse are mentioned.

Rebecca is an Autistic woman and dedicated disability rights activist living with chronic illnesses. As the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for both Ballina Autism Friendly Town and the Mayo Disabled Persons Organisation, she plays a leading role in promoting inclusion, accessibility, and awareness across her community.

Passionate about educating others on the realities of invisible illnesses and the often-overlooked experiences of Autistic women and girls, Rebecca uses her platform to challenge stereotypes and advocate for meaningful change.

Her work is driven by lived experience, compassion, and a deep commitment to creating a more understanding and inclusive society for all.

Welcome to the third episode of Series Two of The Unfiltered Autistic Podcast. Today’s episode is deeply personal: one I’ve carried in my heart for a very long time.

In this moment together, I’ll be sharing a story that means more to me than I can put into words: the moment my beautiful Autistic son Conor said my name , “Mom”. for the very first time in almost fifteen years.

This isn’t just a story about speech. It’s a story about voice, identity, connection, and the unshakable truth that communication comes in many forms, all of them valid. Conor’s journey has taught me that every method of expression, including AAC, is worthy of celebration and respect.

In this episode, I’ll reflect on the years of silence, the quiet moments of hope, and the incredible role of Augmentative and Alternative Communication in helping Conor share who he is, not only with me, but with the world.

This is a tribute to him, and to every Autistic person finding their own way to be heard.

Let’s begin.

In this episode I recommended SLTS who specialise in AAC -

BeMe Therapy

Sparking Speech

Next Steps SLT

I also spoke about Conor's Autism Birth Story - which you can read here: Conor's Autism Birth Story – Little Puddins Autism Specialist Parenting Support

You are welcome back to Season 2 of the Unfiltered Autistic Podcast. In true Autistic form, I have been experiencing Autistic Burnout and over the last few months took a step back and delayed the official launch of the podcast.

We are back and ready to go for Season 2. You will have already heard from the incredible Gareth Noble Solicitor for KOD Lyons Solicitor who joined me back in April to speak about all things Autistic rights.

You can expect lots of incredible guests for Season 2 from all across the community and you will as always hear from me wherein I give my personal lived experiences and family stories to further advocate and provide an unfiltered account of Autistic lived experiences.

Amanda x