Claim OwnershipThe Middletown Centre for Autism Podcast
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© 2025 The Middletown Centre for Autism Podcast
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The Middletown Podcast features interviews with leading thinkers and practitioners across the autistic and autism community. Conversations are autism-affirming and neurodiversity-informed with a focus on the lived experience and knowledge of our community. Episodes highlight issues impacting autistic people and we share ideas for family members and school staff who are providing support.
91 Episodes
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In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to researcher, Dr Sinead McNally about recent DCU research focused on the experiences that young, Irish autistic people have of bullying. We talk about how the team supported young people to feel comfortable enough to share their experiences and what we can learn from them. You can find out more about the bullying study here. Find out more about the Autism-Friendly Schools Project.
In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to Occupational Therapist, Sorcha Rice. Sorcha brings her expertise and lived experience to discuss PDA (Persistent Drive for Autonomy). We discuss what PDA feels like and what supports might be useful at school and at home. You can find out more about Sorcha and her work here
In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to play therapist Gráinne Warren about building authentic connections rather than “training” social skills. Gráinne brings years of practice, research and lived experience to her work, and she has created a resource focused on supporting young people to create connections that make them comfortable. You can find Gráinne’s resources here: https://grainnewarren.com/
In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to Australian authors Clem Bastow and Jo Case about “Someone Like Me”, a new anthology of autistic writing that they have edited. We talk about how the book came about and the importance of real representation. 📚You can find out more about the book here: https://www.vervebooks.co.uk/bookpage.php?isbn=9780857309266
Festival season may be coming to an end for this year, but in the latest episode of the podcast we’re thinking about how festivals and events can be made more comfortable for autistic people. We’re joined by event inclusion expert, Adam O’Brien, who shares lived experience and expertise to help organisers create inclusive events.
In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to CJay Smith, Assistive Technology and Communication Specialist with Neurodiversity Ireland. CJay brings their expertise and lived experience to share their knowledge on the benefits of technology and myths around its use. CJay also shares lots of advice for parents and educators who want to learn more about supporting communication. You can find out more about CJay’s work here: https://linktr.ee/CJay_NeurodiversityIreland CJay is speaki...
In the latest Middletown Podcast, Adam Harris joins us to chat about the upcoming Autism Europe Congress. Adam and Cat are both involved in organising the Congress, and they discuss why hosting the Congress in Ireland is important, what they’re most excited about and what they hope the impact of the Congress will be.
In the latest Middletown Podcast, we speak to Allie Mason – author, advocate and adventurer! Allie has written a book, “The Autistic Guide to Adventure”. Her book is designed to support autistic folk of all ages to take part in new activities and find fun and adventure at their own pace. Find out more about Allie’s work here: https://alliewrote.com/
In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat with Nessa Hill from Neurodiversity Ireland. We talk about the importance of practical autism-affirming supports and the positive impact that a neurodiversity-informed approach can have for everyone. Nessa chats about how seeing neurodiversity as a social justice movement informs her work. Find out more about Neurodiversity Ireland: https://neurodiversityireland.com/
In the latest Middletown Podcast, we speak to Joan McDonald, autism advocate, consultant, specialist teacher and trainer. Joan has a wealth of knowledge on many topics, but for this episode we’re chatting about Monotropism. Joan shares a practical perspective informed by research and lived experience. She explains exactly what Monotropism is and how we can support monotropic thinking.
In the latest Middletown Podcast, we speak to Charli Clement, autistic author and activist. They live with chronic pain and have written a book to support other autistic young people experiencing chronic pain. For more information about Charli’s book, All Tangled Up in Autism & Chronic Illness click here. To keep up to date on Charli’s work click here
In our latest podcast, we speak to autistic psychologist and author, Maja Toudal. She has developed Energy Accounting, a system to help manage anxiety and support good mental health. You can find out more about Maja’s book, click here Maja is a keynote speaker at the upcoming Autism Europe Congress in Dublin this September. You can find out more, click here
In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat with researcher Holly Sutherland about her ground-breaking work focusing on autistic communication. We discuss differences in communication between autistic and non-autistic people and practical ways for non-autistic people to make their communication more meaningful. We also discuss Holly’s experience as an autistic autism researcher.
In the latest Middletown Podcast, we speak to Steven Murray - creative, storyteller and Engagement Officer with Aspire Ireland. We discuss his journey through education, his creative life and how he feels about autism representation.
In this episode, we’re delighted to chat to professional athlete and Rugby Referee, Aimee Barrett-Theron. Aimee represented South Africa in the Rugby World Cup before becoming an International referee. We discuss the positives that being autistic brings to refereeing and how she shapes her sensory and communicative experience.
To understand student needs, it’s essential that we give space for autistic students to share their experiences. On the latest podcast, Dr Finbar Horgan talks about his research, which gave space to the student voice.
It can be difficult for parents to know how to best support their child as they explore their autistic identity. In this podcast, we chat to autistic author Niamh Garvey about her new book focused on children as they learn what being autistic means for them. For more information on Niamh’s book, “Being Autistic (And What That Actually Means)” visit: https://niamhgarvey.com/books-for-autistic-kids/
For a long time, our understanding of autistic communication was based on assumptions made by non-autistic researchers. In this podcast, we chat to autistic researcher, Gemma Williams about her neurodiversity-affirming approach to communication. To find out more about Gemma’s book, visit: https://pavpub.com/health-and-social-care/health-autism/understanding-others-in-a-neurodiverse-world-a-radical-perspective-on-communication-and-shared-meaning?srsltid=AfmBOop9_uw9zqqjqGaWZ13uDPJvFbpM4...
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an approach to supportive learning that is growing in prominence. In our latest podcast we chat to Zarah Doyle, Training and Accreditation Manager with AsIAm. Zarah is an expert in the theory and practice of UDL. She shares her insight and we chat about her own experience as a multiply neurodivergent parent and professional. You can also find an interview with Zarah in our latest Research Bulletin: https://www.middletownautism.com/research/researc...
Double Empathy is a theory that many believe is central to understanding autistic experience. In this episode we chat to Dr Damian Milton, the autistic researcher and theorist who developed the theory. We discuss what Double Empathy means for other theories of autism and how it can shape practical supports.
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