Unfiltered Autistic with Amanda McGuinness

In this episode Amanda McGuinness speaks with Angela Cummins, a dedicated teacher and PhD candidate, sharing her extensive experience and research on creating inclusive schools.

She discusses the respect Autism Classes deserved and the practical strategies for supporting children with additional needs, building strong teacher-SNA relationships, and fostering an inclusive school culture.Angela Cummins is a primary school teacher, mam of four, and educator working in a DEIS Band 1 school in Dublin,Ireland. She is passionate about inclusive education and supporting schools to create environments where every child can thrive.

Angela holds a Master’s in Education from Maynooth University, a Master’s in Autism from Dublin City University, and a Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership from Maynooth University. She is currently undertaking doctoral studies in DCU.

Through her teaching, webinars, speaking engagements, and online platforms, Angela supports teachers, SNAs, parents, and school communities with practical, compassionate, and evidence-informed approaches.

www.angelacummins.ie

Understanding PDA & Declarative Language | Amanda McGuinness & Julie Holmes SLT

In this episode of Unfiltered Autistic, Amanda McGuinness is joined by Speech and Language Therapist Julie Holmes for an engaging and practical conversation exploring PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and Declarative Language.

Together, they discuss what declarative language is, how it differs from traditional directive communication, and why it has become such an important approach within neuroaffirmative Autism practice. The conversation explores how communication styles can influence nervous system safety, autonomy, trust, emotional regulation, and connection for Autistic individuals, particularly those with a PDA profile.

Julie shares her professional journey into declarative language, including the influence of Linda K. Murphy's work and how child-led, relationship-based communication approaches can support a wide range of communication differences. Amanda and Julie also explore why declarative language is increasingly being used by parents, educators, therapists, and professionals seeking to create more collaborative and supportive environments for Autistic children and young people.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What declarative language is and how it differs from directive language

• PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and the relationship between communication, autonomy, and nervous system safety

• The work of Linda K. Murphy and the Declarative Language Handbook

• Supporting Autistic children through connection rather than compliance

• Child-led and neuroaffirmative approaches to communication

• Declarative language and Gestalt Language Processing

• Practical communication strategies for parents, educators, therapists, and professionals

• Building trust, reducing communication pressure, and fostering collaborative relationships

Whether you are a parent, educator, Speech and Language Therapist, healthcare professional, Autism practitioner, or an Autistic person interested in communication differences, this episode offers valuable insights grounded in neuroaffirmative practice, lived experience, and professional expertise.

About the Hosts

Amanda McGuinness is an Autism & PDA Specialist, educator, speaker, and founder of Little Puddins. She is the Director of Autism Advocacy and Professional Practice at Flourish Autism. Amanda is widely recognised for her work in neuroaffirmative Autism education, visual supports, PDA-informed practice, family advocacy, and professional training across Ireland and internationally.

Julie Holmes is a Speech and Language Therapist, founder of BeMe Therapy, with a passion for neuroaffirmative communication supports, child-led practice, and supporting Autistic and neurodivergent individuals across a range of communication profiles.

Let's Communicate Together - Click HERE

AAC Advocates - Click HERE

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Unfiltered Autistic for honest conversations exploring Autism, PDA, neurodiversity, communication, lived experience, and neuroaffirmative practice.

New episodes feature leading professionals, Autistic voices, and practical insights for families, educators, therapists, and organisations.

#Autism #PDA #PathologicalDemandAvoidance #DeclarativeLanguage #NeuroaffirmativePractice #AutisticCommunication #SpeechAndLanguageTherapy #Neurodiversity #GestaltLanguageProcessing #ParentingAutisticChildren

Understanding Energy Regulation with Autism Level Up | Amy Laurent & Jacquelyn Fede

In this episode of The Unfiltered Autistic Podcast, Amanda McGuinness is joined by Dr Amy Laurent and Dr Jacquelyn Fede, co-founders of Autism Level Up, to explore one of the most practical and transformative frameworks currently available for understanding energy regulation in Autistic and neurodivergent individuals.

Together, they discuss the origins of the Autism Level Up Energy Framework, how energy influences regulation, learning, communication, participation, and well-being, and why understanding energy is often the missing piece for families, educators, therapists, and support professionals.

Amy and Jacquelyn share the story behind their innovative tools, including The Regulator and Energy Meter, and explain how personalised, individualised supports can help neurodivergent people better understand their own energy needs, advocate for themselves, and access environments that support genuine regulation.

Topics discussed include:

• Understanding energy regulation through a neuroaffirmative lens
• The development of the Autism Level Up Energy Framework
• Supporting Autistic children, teenagers, and adults
• Energy safety, self-awareness, and self-advocacy
• Practical tools for schools, homes, and therapy settings
• Supporting non-speaking individuals and AAC users
• Creating cultures of acceptance and neuroinclusion
• Making regulation supports meaningful and individualised

Discount Code:

As mentioned in this episode, Outside the Box Learning Resources has generously provided listeners with an exclusive 10% discount on Autism Level Up resources until 31 July 2026.

Discount Code: Little-10

Autism Level Up Website

If you are new to Autism Level Up, this episode provides an excellent starting point for understanding their approach and discovering how energy-informed supports can transform regulation and participation across everyday life.

FREE Energy Discovery Cards From Little Puddins

Amanda has also created a free set of Energy Discovery Cards, available from Little Puddins. These visual supports were developed as companion visuals to supplement The Regulator from the Autism Level Up Energy Suite and can help individuals explore activities that support them to power up or power down. They are intended to be used alongside, not instead of, the Autism Level Up framework and resources.

Download the free Energy Discovery Cards and explore additional Autism and PDA resources at Little Puddins.

Keywords: Autism Level Up, Amy Laurent, Jacquelyn Fede, Autism, Autistic, neurodiversity, neurodivergent, energy regulation, self-regulation, co-regulation, The Regulator, Energy Meter, Autism resources, neuroaffirmative practice, Autism support, Autism education, PDA, AAC, sensory regulation, executive functioning, Autistic well-being, Autism podcast.

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.