Late In Life Autism Diagnosis with Amanda McGuinness and Rebecca Connor WoodIn 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.
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38:14
The Day My Gorgeous Conor Said My Name For The First Time
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 -BeMe TherapySparking Speech Next Steps SLTI also spoke about Conor's Autism Birth Story - which you can read here: Conor's Autism Birth Story – Little Puddins Autism Specialist Parenting Support
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19:36
Season 2 Introduction
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
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2:27
Autism and Your Legal Rights - Gareth Noble Solicitor (Part 2)
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
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22:43
Autism and Your Legal Rights - Gareth Noble Solicitor (Part 1)
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
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.
Ireland