The Middletown Centre for Autism Podcast

Send us Fan Mail
In the latest episode of the Middletown Podcast, we talk with Helen Edgar from Autistic Realms about monotropism and how a deep, interest-led attention style can bring  joy. We also talk about the challenges in school and daily life in monotropic processing is not supported. We take the theory into the classroom, focusing on practical ways to reduce overload, support learning, and prevent autistic burnout without forcing compliance.

Send us Fan Mail
On the latest Middletown Podcast, we’re joined by the wonderful students from New-Bridge Integrated College. Logan, Faith, Summer and Molly are part of a post primary peer mentor programme designed to shape an inclusive student culture. They are a neurodiverse group and they all have their own perspective and lived experience. They share their experience and then they take the mic to ask MCA staff for our thoughts on inclusion. We share what inclusion means to us, why assumptions are still a major barrier, and why listening to student voice is the change that lasts.

Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, we’re talking about belonging and inclusion. We chat to Louise King, Middletown staff member, who shares her experience supporting autistic children and young people in lots of different school settings. We talk about the importance of inclusion, where challenges might arise and how to address them. Louise shares really useful examples and practical ideas.

Send us Fan Mail
A pupil walks into a classroom and instantly scans for one thing: am I safe to be myself here? That simple question sits underneath everything we explore with Middletown colleagues Finola McElhatton and Ruth McCausland as we dig into what inclusion really means and why “rightful presence” raises the bar even further.
We talk about what happens when autistic students aren’t included, worries that educators might have and advice for school staff who want to create a safe environment for everyone.

Send us Fan Mail
In the latest episode of the Middletown Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Schaefer, Director of Equity and Inclusive Practices for California’s Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP) project. We ask how we can support students to experience belonging and power in the spaces where they learn? Our conversation centres on the concept of rightful presence, and why it helps schools move away from compliance towards human dignity. You’ll also hear practical, school-ready ideas: building self-advocacy over time, protecting the dignity of risk, and understanding Universal Design for Learning.