The Middletown Centre for Autism Podcast

Understanding Consent and Sex Education with Niamh Mellerick

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of the Middletown Podcast we chat to Niamh Mellerick from AsIAm about their recent report focusing on consent and sex education ...

A Guide to Healthy Relationships for Autistic People with Dr Amy Pearson

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of the Middletown Podcast, we chat to Dr Amy Pearson about her research on autistic people’s experiences of relationships. She...

Sexual Wellbeing for Autistic People – Dr Jeroen Dewinter

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat about sexual wellbeing for autistic people. Dr Jeroen Dewinter shares his research on community perspectives...

Understanding Autistic Flow with Dr Brett Heasman

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to Dr Brett Heasman about his research into Autistic Flow. He explains how it can be a helpful model for und...

Autism Advocate-Niamh Biddulph

07 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to autistic advocate Niamh Biddulph. Niamh has been an advocate for many issues faced by the community, includin...

Christmas with Amanda McGuinness

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On the latest Middletown Podcast chat to autistic parent and advocate, Amanda McGuinness. We talk about Christmas and how Amanda and her family na...

Neuroconvergence with Jody O’Neill

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On the Middletown Podcast we chat to playwright, accessibility consultant and community activist, Jody O’Neill. She discusses Neuroconvergence, a ne...

Creating a Neuro-affirming Classroom with Dr Kara Dymond

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to autistic teacher, lecturer and author Dr Kara Dymond. Kara is passionate about creating truly inclusive c...

Students’ Experiences of Bullying – Sinead McNally 

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to researcher, Dr Sinead McNally about recent DCU research focused on the experiences that young, Irish auti...

Understanding PDA with Sorcha Rice

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to Occupational Therapist, Sorcha Rice. Sorcha brings her expertise and lived experience to discuss PDA (Per...

Alternatives to Social Skills Training with Gráinne Warren

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to play therapist Gráinne Warren about building authentic connections rather than “training” social ski...

Someone Like Me with Clem Bastow and Jo Case

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to Australian authors Clem Bastow and Jo Case about “Someone Like Me”, a new anthology of autistic writi...

Autism-friendly Festivals & Events with Adam O’Brien

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Understanding Assistive Technology & AAC with CJay Smith

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat to CJay Smith, Assistive Technology and Communication Specialist with Neurodiversity Ireland. CJay brings th...

Autism Europe Congress with Adam Harris 

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Allie Mason – Fun and Adventure!

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we speak to Allie Mason – author, advocate and adventurer! Allie has written a book, “The Autistic Guide to Adve...

Nessa Hill - Neurodiversity Ireland

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we chat with Nessa Hill from Neurodiversity Ireland. We talk about the importance of practical autism-affirming supp...

Monotropism with Joan McDonald

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we speak to Joan McDonald, autism advocate, consultant, specialist teacher and trainer. Joan has a wealth of knowled...

Charli Clement – Understanding Chronic Pain

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 sup...

Maja Toudal – Energy Accounting

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In our latest podcast, we speak to autistic psychologist and author, Maja Toudal. She has developed Energy Accounting, a system to help manage anxiety...

Holly Sutherland - Understanding Autistic Communication

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest Middletown Podcast,  we chat with researcher Holly Sutherland about her ground-breaking work focusing on autistic communication. We dis...

Steven Murray – Storytelling and Representation

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest Middletown Podcast, we speak to Steven Murray - creative, storyteller and Engagement Officer with Aspire Ireland. We discuss his journey...

Aimee Barrett-Theron – Rugby Referee and Professional Athlete

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re delighted to chat to professional athlete and Rugby Referee, Aimee Barrett-Theron. Aimee represented South Africa in the Rugb...

Listening to the voices of autistic students with Dr Finbar Horgan

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

To understand student needs, it’s essential that we give space for autistic students to share their experiences. On the latest podcast, Dr Finbar Ho...

Being Autistic with Niamh Garvey

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Understanding Autistic Communication with Gemma Williams

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For a long time, our understanding of autistic communication was based on assumptions made by non-autistic researchers. In this podcast, we chat to au...

Universal Design for Learning with Zarah Doyle

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

Double Empathy with Dr Damian Milton

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Double Empathy is a theory that many believe is central to understanding autistic experience. In this episode we chat to Dr Damian Milton, the autisti...

Adaptive Teaching with Dr Jo Fitzsimons 

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of our Differentiation masterclass on the 15th, we chatted to Dr Jo Fitzsimons about adaptive teaching and the small changes that can have a hug...

Understanding Tourettes Syndrome with Jess Thom

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We know that autistic people are more likely to have Tourettes Syndrome or tic conditions. In our latest podcast, we chat to comedian, playwright and ...

Understanding ADHD with Ken Kilbride from ADHD Ireland

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Research suggests that between 50 and 70% of autistic people may also have ADHD. On our latest podcast we chat to Ken Kilbride, CEO of ADHD Ireland to...

Eve McIvor-Makaton Master

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Non-speaking Awareness Day falls next week. On the podcast, we’re celebrating a young woman who is using Makaton to support young people who speak f...

Understanding Trauma with Deirdre O’Shea

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Trauma is a serious but important topic. In this episode, we’re joined by Specialist Teacher, Deirdre O’Shea who explains what trauma is, how it m...

Dr Mary Doherty- Healthcare

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It looks like there was a glitch in our podcast with Dr Mary Doherty. For anyone who couldn't access it, here is the full version-In this episode...

Animals & Nature with Becca Lory Hector

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Animals & Nature with Becca Lory HectorMany autistic people feel particularly comfortable around animals and nature. In this podcast we speak to a...

Podcast: Monotropism with Fergus Murray

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The theory of Monotropism focuses on how autistic people allocate their attention. Autistic theorist, Fergus Murray joins us on the latest podcast epi...

Autism and Hypermobility with Dr Jessica Eccles

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re learning more about the link between autism and physical health conditions. Dr Jessica Eccles, joins the podcast to discuss h...

Pain in Autistic Children and Young People with Bethany Donaghy

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re joined by Bethany Donaghy, an autistic researcher focused on understanding the experience of pain in autistic young people. ...

Understanding PDA with Dr Alison Doyle

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Alison Doyle - an educational psychologist, researcher and practitioner who has spent years supporting neurodive...

DCU’s autism-friendly initiative with Fiona Earley

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As the Leaving cert approaches, lots of young people might also be thinking about university life. In this podcast we chat to Fiona Earley about Dubli...

Rugby with James and Wendy Vahey

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve been delighted to partner with the IRFU to develop training for coaches who are supporting autistic players. To create our training, we talked...

Unlocking Better Sleep for Autistic Individuals: Personalized Strategies and Understanding Challenges

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

 In our latest podcast episode, we chat to two NHS sleep experts, Debbie Spain and Tasos Galanopoulos.  They have a conversation with our host, Cat,...

Autistic Strengths: A New Perspective on Inclusion with Noelle Foley- Coughlan

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In our latest podcast episode, we chat toNoelle Foley Coughlan, a student who recently graduated from the MA in Autism Studies co-designed by Middleto...

The Power and Struggles of Late Autism Diagnosis in Women: Insights from Karen Hayes

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 H...

Interview with Carmel Rainsford

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In our latest podcast episode, we chat to Carmel Rainsford, a student on the MA in Autism Studies co-designed by Middletown Centre for Autism and Mary...

Podcast Amanda McGuinness

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On our latest podcast we chat to Amanda McGuinness, the creative mind behind Little Puddins. We talk about advocacy, parenting a child with a differen...

Returning to School with Tara Vernon

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Returning to school can be an exciting time for many, but for some students it can produce real upset and anxiety. In our latest podcast, we speak to ...

Understanding the Environment

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of the podcast, we talk to Sharon and Caolán McCarthy about the many ways that the environment can impact on autistic people. A...

Podcast with Dr Peter Vermeulen

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of the podcast, we talk to Dr Peter Vermeulen about his recent work and how our understanding of autism has changed over the yea...

Podcast with Sarah O'Brien

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learning about an autism diagnosis and making sense of what that diagnosis means personally, can feel like an overwhelming task for lots of young auti...

Amy Pearson & Kieran Rose Podcast

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Masking is something that impacts all autistic people. In this podcast, we speak to researchers and advocates, Dr Amy Pearson & Kieran Rose, who h...

Podcast with Carly Jones

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Carly Jones MBE joins us on this week’s podcast. Carly was a huge hit at the Middletown Conference this year. She joined the podcast to talk abou...

Dr Alyssa Alcorn Podcast

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Alyssa Alcorn joins us on this week’s podcast. Alyssa presented at the Middletown Conference to a packed room. She joined the podcast to talk abo...

Podcast Sue Fletcher Watson

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Sue Fletcher Watson joins us on this week’s podcast. Sue was one of the keynote speakers at the Middletown Conference where she was discus...

Roisin McAnulty Podcast

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

 This week on the Middletown podcast we meet Roisin McAnulty. She talks about her experiences growing up & the choices she's made as an auti...

Podcast with Brian Irwin

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The centre is celebrating some of our brilliant autistic community members in the Middletown podcast. In this episode we chat to Brian Irwin, autism a...

Zoe McCormack (Autistic Art Club)

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Centre is continuing to celebrate our autistic community members in the podcast. In this episode we chat to Zoe McCormack, researcher & founde...

Elaine McGoldrick Podcast

09 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Centre is continuing to celebrate our autistic community members in the podcast. In this episode we talk to Elaine McGoldrick, researcher & re...

Podcast with Bobby Trundley

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For Autism Acceptance Month, the Middletown Podcast is celebrating some of our autistic community members. In this episode we learn more about Bobby T...

Podcast with Chloe Hayden

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

“It is the world that is inept, not us. And when we are put in situations where we do have the ability to thrive, our fairy tales and our happily ev...

Podcast with Wenn Lawson

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing our podcast series in the build up to World Autism Accepatance Month, the Centre is delighted to share another insightful podcast recorded ...

Pets Bulletin Interview

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pet owners gain a gain a huge amount of joy from their pets. In this  podcast Dr Cat Hughes (Researcher, Middletown Centre for Autism) talks to Dr An...

Experiences of Supporting Autistic Students in Fleming Fulton School

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast you will hear an open and honest account of the teaching experiences of a newly qualified teacher in Fleming Fulton School.  She disc...

Podcast: Supporting transition to college

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Many young people will be preparing to make a significant life transition over the coming weeks.  Starting third level education is a major milestone...

Gaeloideachas Podcast

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast teachers Elaine, Aisling, Máire and Éabha discuss teaching autistic pupils in an Irish-medium environment with Dáithí Murray. In ...

Employment in the Performing Arts

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Cat Hughes (Researcher, Middletown Centre for Autism) interviews Ellie Buckley (Research Fellow in East London NHS Foundation Trust)....

Transition to Employment

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week of international autism acceptance, the Centre is delighted to share a podcast interview in which Cat Hughes (Middletown Centre for Autis...

Lismore Primary School Wholeschool impact interview

27 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

 To mark the start of Autism Acceptance week learning , the Centre is sharing this podcast recorded by Helen Forde (Specialist teacher, Middletown Ce...

Whole School Podcast with Harberton School

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Whole School Interview with James from Harberton School with James and Middletown Centre for Autism Helen Forde 

Supporting Outdoor Play for Autistic Children

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

interview Coordinated by Catherine Latimer (Research Team Middletown Centre of Autism) and with Helen Lynch  (University College Cork senior Lecturer...

Teacher Interview Breiffni O'Reilly

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Teacher Interview Tanya Wynne

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Teacher interview

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

 In this episode, one of the Centre’s specialist teachers, Breiffni O’Reilly, interviews Mary Sharkey, Autism Coordinator in a post primary schoo...

Jody O'Neill - 'What I don't know about autism.'

22 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jody is an award-winning autistic writer and performer with over 20 years’ experience working in the theatre, film and TV sector in Ireland and inte...

How the global pandemic has offered an insight into Autistic Thinking

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today, on World Autism Day, the Centre wants to celebrate the evolving perspectives on autism, and recognise that different and unique minds positivel...

Neurodiversity and the evolving understanding of Autism

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Centre is delighted to share the link to its podcast interview with Professor Richard Grinker, one of the keynote speakers who will be presenting ...

Neurodiversity and how unique differences enrich society for all

16 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Centre is excited to officially launch its new podcast series, as part of the build up to the conference to be held online on 23-24 April 2021. I...

Community Voices Week 5 Fiona

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Fiona Ferris is Deputy CEO of AsIAm Ireland and is the final guest on the Community Voices podcast series. Fiona discusses her experiences at school, ...

Community Voices Week 4 Aoife

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this final episode of the Centre’s ‘Community Voices’ podcast series, produced in partnership with AsIAm, Aoife chats to Fiona about school, ...

Community Voices Week 3 Nicholas

23 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today the Centre and AsIAm bring you episode 3 in the Community Voices podcast series.  Nicholas, a writer and documentary maker talks to Fiona, Vice...

Drama with Orla Week 4

18 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this Drama Therapy podcast, Orla provides some ideas for exploration and creative writing. Parents and teachers may want to pause the podcast at va...

Community Voices Week 2 Eleanor

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Eleanor is a performer and advocate from Kilkenny, currently living in Dublin. 

Community Voices Week 1 Grainne

10 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Middletown Centre for Autism and AsIAm are excited to launch the first podcast in a four-part series entitled ‘Community Voices’.  In this episod...

Drama with Orla Week 2

04 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Centre is delighted to invite you to listen to the second podcast in the Drama Therapy series, produced with Orla Gildea.  This week is about Phy...

Drama with Orla Week 1

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The first episode in the Centre’s Drama Therapy podcast series is here!Please click the link to listen to Orla Gildea’s excellent podcast, this we...

Interview With Jessica

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Podcast Name: Siblings Jessica from Co Clare discusses life with her autistic twin brothers 

Interview with Claire Smyton

16 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is the Centre’s last podcast interview of 2020 and an opportunity to talk again to Claire Smyton and gain her insights into parenting a young p...

Frances O'Neill

16 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast is being released to highlight the Centre's forthcoming Classroom Assistant training programme.Frances O'Neill who developed an...

Joan McDonald

07 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Joan discusses strategies to support autistic students back into the post-COVID educational setting. 

Jill McCanney Personal Care

03 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In our final podcast (for now!) Jill McCanney, one of the Centre’s specialist occupational therapists, will discuss the challenges which personal ca...

Temple Grandin

27 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Question and answer with Middletown CEO Gary Cooper and Dr Temple Grandin. This podcast was taken from the webinar broadcast on 25 July 2020. 

Jed Baker discusses strategies for managing anxiety

18 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In a follow-up to his two webinars Dr Jed Baker discusses strategies to manage anxiety during homeschooling and towards going back to school.

Kari Dunn Buron

13 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast author and educator Kari Dunn Buron speaks with Dr Fiona McCaffrey on emotional regulation and gives practical strategies to support p...

Adam Harris

06 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Adam Harris of https://asiam.ie/ discusses 'what works for me' during COVID-19.

Tara Vernon Promotion of Sleep

29 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In our podcast today Middletown Trainer/Adviser Tara Vernon discusses strategies to promote positive sleep habits for children and young people with a...

Brian McClean

22 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Brian McClean discusses Mindfulness. 

Dr Patsy Daly Small Changes Can Make Big Differences

16 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Patsy Daly discusses strategies in her book Small Changes Can Make Big Differences 

Peter Vermeulen Promoting Leisure Fun and Happiness

06 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Peter discusses his webinar, which addressed promoting fun, leisure and happiness. 

Interview with Dr Brenda Myles

26 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

 Brenda discusses strategies for wellbeing and being well, including strategies for structuring home and leisure time.