Unfiltered Autistic - Amanda McGuinness

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.   The Feeding Therapist 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.