Davida Hartman Podcast

Davida Hartman: Adult Autism Identification on the Unfiltered Autistic Podcast

Adult Autism and ADHD

In this powerful and deeply affirming episode of the Unfiltered Autistic Podcast, 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, which was developed to address the profound gap in adult neuroaffirmative services across Ireland and the UK. She explains how the practice was built to be collaborative, transparent, and strengths-based, informed by lived Autistic experience. The conversation delves into the challenges of outdated assessment models, the importance of self-understanding, and the life-changing impact of accurate identification for Autistic adults.

Listen to the Davida Hartman Podcast episode here: Unfiltered Autistic Podcast – Adult Autism Identification with Davida Hartman

Key Topics Covered in the Davida Hartman Episode

• Why adult Autism and ADHD identification must be collaborative and strengths-based.

• The urgent need for neuroaffirmative practices grounded in Autistic experiences.

• Challenges of outdated, child-focused assessment tools for adults.

• Prioritising autonomy, consent, and communication preferences in assessments.

• The transformative effects of accurate identification on self-acceptance and quality of life.

• The critical role of post-identification support with organisations like Thriving Autistic.

• Intersections of Autism, ADHD, eating differences, mental health, and misdiagnosis.

• Recognising Autistic and ADHD culture, humour, and community as sources of healing.

Featured Supports and Resources

• The Adult Autism & ADHD Practice: A fully online service offering neuroaffirmative Autism and ADHD identification for adults across Ireland and the UK.
  Visit Website & Book a Consultation

• The Children’s Clinic: Multi-location service in Dublin, Galway, Limerick, and Tipperary, providing child-centred Autism identification (0–18 years). The Children’s Clinic Website

• Davida Hartman’s Website: Learn more about Davida’s work, writing, and advocacy.
  davidhartman.ie

• Gig Buddies Ireland: A non-profit co-founded by Davida, creating social opportunities for neurodivergent adults through shared interests. Gig Buddies Ireland Website

• The Adult Autism Assessment Handbook: Davida’s groundbreaking book offering the first neuroaffirmative guide for adult Autism identification globally. Learn More

Talking About Your Autistic Identity

The Adult Autism & ADHD Practice has also created a powerful free resource, Talking About Your Autistic Identity, designed to support Autistic individuals as they share their identification with friends and family. This clear, compassionate guide helps Autistic adults explain what it means to be Autistic in everyday terms, challenges outdated stereotypes, and introduces important concepts like monotropism, masking, and the double empathy problem.

It empowers individuals to communicate their unique sensory and social experiences confidently and fosters greater understanding and acceptance among loved ones. By aligning perfectly with the neuroaffirmative values discussed in this episode, this resource is an invaluable tool for anyone navigating the journey of self-discovery and Autistic identity.

Davida and her team have very kindly made this incredible resource available to the Little Puddins audience. You can download your copy here.