S3. Ep 2: Talking about the lived experiences of being an Autistic adult with Catherine (Kate) Murray

In this conversation, Kate Murray shares her experiences as an autistic adult and highlights the complexities of navigating identity and advocacy. She argues that the traditional linear spectrum approach to autism is damaging and reinforces ableist beliefs, instead advocating for a neurodiversity perspective that values and embraces diversity. Kate also discusses the inadequate mental health provision for autistic students in schools, leading to higher rates of mental health issues among autistic young people. She invites autistic teenagers in Northern Ireland and the Republic to collaborate in a co-research project to educate schools, the public, and governments about what helps autistic students' mental health.