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
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
Website: www.petewharmby.com
Instagram: @PeteWharmby
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-wharmby
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/PeterWharmby
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: aoifehughescoaching@gmail.com
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.
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 -
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, a Neurodivergent (Autistic/ADHD ) fully accredited play therapist specialising in the area of Neurodivergence.
She is passionate about providing a safe and supportive space for children and their families. She also provides parent support both online and in person and clinical supervision/consultation to fellow therapists and those wanting to improve their skills working with and supporting neurodivergent children.
She runs Minding Me workshops for Autistic/ADHD adults and has written a workbook to support Autistic/ADHD adults with their wellbeing.
Clearly, neurodivergence is her special interest but when her head is not occupied with work (which doesn’t happen very often) she loves attending concerts, exploring nature, spending time with her kids and chilling with her cat.
To find out more about supports Gráinne provides in her professional practice, go to:
Gráinne Warren-The Neuroaffirming Therapist (@grainnewarren_playtherapy)
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.
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
The Feeding Therapist Instagram
Email Teresa Foley for specialist Arfid Support:
hello@thefeedingtherapist.co.uk
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.
Part 2 or my beautiful son Conor's Autism Diagnosis.
I am thankful for all who listen to my story now but more so to those who walked that journey with me all those years ago and never left my side.
I thank you now and forever more.
Do good in the world, and make a positive change if you can at all.
Amanda
My Son's Autism Diagnosis - A Birth Story.
My son Conor was the youngest child to ever be "diagnosed" as Autistic almost 15 years ago in County Mayo.
What lead to that diagnosis are some of the most hard to talk about times of my life.
When my gorgeous Conor was born he changed all of our lives irrevocably in an instant, that moment he took his first breath here on earth changed everything for good. He opened my eyes to a world of pain and suffering, to the inhumane way in which people who were different were shunned, mistreated and cast out.
We have been on a journey every moment since learning about Autism, discovering my own Autistic identity, and trying to change the world one day at a time to make it a safer more accepting place for my son, and Autistic people just like him.
This is a two part episode. This being Episode 1 and Episode 2 to follow next.
Hello and welcome to the unfiltered Autistic Podcast.
The Podcast that aims to give an unfiltered account of Autistic lived experiences, created and hosted by me Amanda Mc Guinness, an Autistic Autism and Visual Support Specialist and parent to 4 Neurodivergent children.
Having spent a lifetime filtering my true self, to be the person I felt others wanted me to be, I realised at the age of 39 I could no longer be that person.
It was time to be my true unfiltered Autistic self.
I realised I deserved to have the same compassion and thoughtfulness I put out into the world. I deserved to be me.
The Unfiltered Autistic Podcast is for and by Autistic people, safe place to share our stories of self-discovery, our stories of love and lived experience.
The Unfiltered Autistic Podcast is also a podcast for those who are not Autistic, those may have a loved one who is Autistic and for those who have the cultural humility to know that to truly understand the Autistic lived experience of the world, they must listen to Autistic voices.
Thank you for listening and thank you for being here with me.