Unfiltered Autistic with Amanda McGuinness

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

Unfiltered Autistic Podcast Episode 2 of 2 with Gareth Noble Solicitor and Amanda McGuinnessOn this special two-part episode of the Unfiltered Autistic Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Gareth Noble, a distinguished solicitor and partner at KOD Lyons, Ireland's leading public interest and human rights law firm. Gareth is widely recognised for his tireless advocacy in championing the legal rights of autistic individuals and their families within the Irish legal system.Our conversation was so extensive and rich with vital information that we’ve divided it into two parts to ensure each key issue receives the attention it deserves.In the episodes we explore the legal rights of autistic people in Ireland, with a focus on the Assessment of Need process, access to education, school transport challenges, and the crucial importance of ensuring that your child’s Assessment of Need statement clearly states that their diagnosis of Autism meets the criteria for the term “disability” under the Disability Act.We delve into the significance of the service statement, why families should push to ensure it is issued, the legal grounds for backdating Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA), and what does not constitute valid grounds. Gareth also shares his insights on where we currently stand in terms of legal protections for autistic individuals, and what he believes is emerging next in the legal and advocacy arena.Gareth’s extensive experience and his deep commitment to children’s rights offer vital clarity for families navigating a complex and often overwhelming system. This two-part episode provides practical legal guidance and systemic insight for those seeking to advocate effectively for their autistic children.Join me for this essential conversation—informative, empowering, and a must-listen for families, professionals, and advocates alike.KOD Lyons: https://kodlyons.ie/team/gareth-noble/💜 Follow me on Instagram - / littlepuddins.ie 💜Follow me on Facebook - / thelittlepuddinsblog 💜Follow me on Twitter - / littlepuddins

Unfiltered Autistic Podcast Episode 1 of 2 with Gareth Noble Solicitor and Amanda McGuinnessOn this special two-part episode of the Unfiltered Autistic Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Gareth Noble, a distinguished solicitor and partner at KOD Lyons, Ireland's leading public interest and human rights law firm. Gareth is widely recognised for his tireless advocacy in championing the legal rights of autistic individuals and their families within the Irish legal system.Our conversation was so extensive and rich with vital information that we’ve divided it into two parts to ensure each key issue receives the attention it deserves.In the episodes we explore the legal rights of autistic people in Ireland, with a focus on the Assessment of Need process, access to education, school transport challenges, and the crucial importance of ensuring that your child’s Assessment of Need statement clearly states that their diagnosis of Autism meets the criteria for the term “disability” under the Disability Act.We delve into the significance of the service statement, why families should push to ensure it is issued, the legal grounds for backdating Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA), and what does not constitute valid grounds. Gareth also shares his insights on where we currently stand in terms of legal protections for autistic individuals, and what he believes is emerging next in the legal and advocacy arena.Gareth’s extensive experience and his deep commitment to children’s rights offer vital clarity for families navigating a complex and often overwhelming system. This two-part episode provides practical legal guidance and systemic insight for those seeking to advocate effectively for their autistic children.Join me for this essential conversation—informative, empowering, and a must-listen for families, professionals, and advocates alike.KOD Lyons: https://kodlyons.ie/team/gareth-noble/💜 Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/littlepuddins.ie💜Follow me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thelittlepuddinsblog/💜Follow me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/littlepuddins

This week Amanda speaks with Gráinne Warren,

She is passionate about providing a safe and supportive space for children and their families.

To find out more about supports Gráinne provides in her professional practice, go to:

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

Julie works as a Speech and Language Therapist providing direct assessments, therapy and interventions independently and part of multidisciplinary.

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

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.