The Middletown Centre for Autism Podcast

Middletown Autism

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.

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Episodes

Autistic Strengths: A New Perspective on Inclusion with Noelle Foley- Coughlan
Nov 20 2023
Autistic Strengths: A New Perspective on Inclusion with Noelle Foley- Coughlan
In our latest podcast episode, we chat toNoelle Foley Coughlan, a student who recently graduated from the MA in Autism Studies co-designed by Middletown Centre for Autism and Mary Immaculate College. Noelle focused her research on exploring the many strengths of autistic people of marginalised genders.   To find outmore about our graduate courses visit: https://www.mic.ul.ie/faculty-of-education/programme/graduate-certificate-diploma-ma-autism-studies?index=0   As a Master's student dedicated to inclusivity and diversity, Noelle peels back the layers to expose the underreported strengths of autistic people from marginalized genders. Her groundbreaking research sheds light on the unique strengths of autistic women, girls, non-binary, transgender, and intersex individuals.In this riveting conversation, we debunk the pervasive myth that autistic people lack empathy. Instead, we reveal the truth – autistic individuals are often compassionate, creative, detail-oriented, empathetic, and resilient. Noelle's invaluable findings challenge societal norms, encouraging us to bridge the gap between the autistic and non-autistic worlds. We delve into the heart of the matter, discussing the vital role of accurate representation and understanding.The episode evolves to discuss how we can better support the autistic community. Revealing the power of self-care, embracing one's true self, and building a strong community, Noelle's advice is aimed at empowering young autistic people. We also discuss the need for organizations to recognize and capitalize on autistic strengths. As we wrap up, the focus shifts to the future – a future where autism research and education are more inclusive, representative, and focused on embracing the diverse strengths of all autistic individuals. Join us for this powerful conversation that champions diversity, resilience, and the strength in all of us.
The Power and Struggles of Late Autism Diagnosis in Women: Insights from Karen Hayes
Nov 8 2023
The Power and Struggles of Late Autism Diagnosis in Women: Insights from Karen Hayes
Ever been fascinated by the realm of autism, particularly in women diagnosed late in life? Strap in for an insightful journey, as we joined by Karen Hayes - a researcher with a freshly minted Master's in Autism Studies who has devoted her time to understanding these unique narratives. Karen unravels captivating stories of 14 participants, sharing their struggles, their reasons for seeking diagnosis, and how they navigated the world while hiding in plain sight. Our conversation meanders through the labyrinth of experiences these women have faced. We explore the stigma and shame, and how it often becomes a hurdle. Interestingly, we also discuss the powerful effects of public figures coming out as autistic, and the inspiration it brings for others in the community. Using her research as a platform, Karen magnifies the voices of these women, sharing their experiences, their resilience, and their need for understanding communities and role models. We also dive into the challenges these women face in accessing autism diagnosis, with Karen sharing heartrending narratives of women denied treatment post-diagnosis. We further delve into the factors influencing women who received a late autism diagnosis and their choices to disclose their condition. Wrapping up, we leave no stone unturned in addressing the trials of conducting research on autism, with Karen serving up some priceless advice for fellow researchers. Tune in for an episode filled with fascinating insights, compassionate understanding, and a journey into the world of late-diagnosed autistic women.To find out more about our graduate courses visit: https://www.mic.ul.ie/faculty-of-education/programme/graduate-certificate-diploma-ma-autism-studies?index=0