In this week's episode I am joined by Julie Holmes SLT of BeMe Therapy and Let's Communicate Together

Alongside this she provides consultative models of input for Large Organisations, Educational Groups and Charities.

Julie has developed innovative trainings both online and in person in the area of supports for Autistic and Neurodivergent Children.

Let’s Communicate Together was created by Senior Speech & Language Therapists Aoife (Sparking Speech) and Julie (BeMe Therapy).

They take a neuro-diversity affirming approach to language, communication, and play in our work and believe in the importance of every child having access to a robust communication system, in whatever form this takes. 

They both believe in the value and power of positive relationships to support children to thrive. 

For More Information

The Day of an Autism Diagnosis - In this week's episode, I give a lived experience account of what it is like to receive an Autism diagnosis for my child. What healthcare professionals should consider, how it may feel as a parent.

Ultimately I offer advice, support and perspective on how to navigate those early moments and what comes next.

If you require additional support go to www.littlepuddins.ie or www.amandamcguinness.com

Thank you for being here with me,

Amanda x

Arfid and Autism -

This week Amanda speaks with Teresa Foley Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Specialist Feeding Therapist about what is Arfid, how to support Autistic children with Arfid and what supports she has to offer families just like Amanda's Little Puddins.

Little Puddin Max Struggles with Arfid

Teresa has been a huge help to Amanda and her beautiful son Max who is struggling with Arfid. Amanda contacted Teresa for professional support and, Teresa has been there every step of the way. Amanda also undertook Teresa's Magical Mealtimes program and found this hugely beneficial in her understanding of Arfid but also practically too, day to day in how she supports Max.

More information about Teresa Foley

Magical Mealtime Program

The Feeding Therapist Instagram

Email Teresa Foley for specialist Arfid Support:

[email protected]

Who is Teresa Foley Specialist Feeding Therapist

Teresa is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist and specialist Feeding Therapist. She has worked for 16 years in children’s hospitals and community settings in both Ireland and Australia.

Teresa has a specialist interest in paediatric feeding and she has a wealth of clinical experience in this area. She previously worked at the National Specialist feeding service for children, at the Central Remedial Clinic. During this time, she was part of the clinical team which established the first services in Ireland for children with ARFID and other complex feeding challenges.

Teresa now owns Shooting Stars Occupational Therapy clinic in North Dublin, where she sees young children with Autism and other developmental delays. In 2024, she established The Feeding Therapist, a specialist Occupational Therapy service dedicated to helping children and families with problem eating, ARFID, Paediatric Feeding Disorder and other feeding challenges.

Teresa is also a mum to three young children and she lives in Dublin.

How do you talk about Autism to child? Should you tell your child they are Autistic? Should you tell your child about their Autism diagnosis?

In this podcast I talk about some of the reasons as to why we should tell our children they are Autistic following an Autism Diagnosis and the impact it can have growing up without knowing who you truly are.

Part 2 or my beautiful son Conor's Autism Diagnosis.

I am thankful for all who listen to my story now but more so to those who walked that journey with me all those years ago and never left my side.

I thank you now and forever more.

Do good in the world, and make a positive change if you can at all.

Amanda

My Son's Autism Diagnosis - A Birth Story.

My son Conor was the youngest child to ever be "diagnosed" as Autistic almost 15 years ago in County Mayo.

What lead to that diagnosis are some of the most hard to talk about times of my life.

When my gorgeous Conor was born he changed all of our lives irrevocably in an instant, that moment he took his first breath here on earth changed everything for good. He opened my eyes to a world of pain and suffering, to the inhumane way in which people who were different were shunned, mistreated and cast out.

We have been on a journey every moment since learning about Autism, discovering my own Autistic identity, and trying to change the world one day at a time to make it a safer more accepting place for my son, and Autistic people just like him.

This is a two part episode. This being Episode 1 and Episode 2 to follow next.

Hello and welcome to the unfiltered Autistic Podcast.

The Podcast that aims to give an unfiltered account of

Having spent a lifetime filtering my true self, to be the

It was time to be my true unfiltered Autistic self.

I realised I deserved to have the same compassion and

The Unfiltered Autistic Podcast is for and by Autistic

The Unfiltered Autistic Podcast is also a podcast for those

Thank you for listening and thank you for being here with

On New Years' Eve 2020, I told the world I had gone forward for an Adult Autism Assessment. In this episode, I talk about that moment and how I told the world.

A short introduction to the Unfiltered Autistic Podcast, and to me the creator and host, Amanda Mc Guinness.

The Autism Educator Podcast launches this March 2021 in celebration of my eldest son Conor's 11th birthday. As County Mayo's Autism Ambassador I am proud to launch The Autism Educator Podcast, where you will hear real life stories of struggles and triumph. From the dark waters of Salthill where one night as a young mother, I contemplated taking my own life, to the woman I am today; an Autistic mother of 4; 3 of whom are autistic. 

To follow our family's journey, join us over on Instagram - Facebook - Twitter - 

Thank you for joining me on the Autism Road. 

Amanda