Amplified: Autistics in Conversation with Reframing Autism

Conversation with JayJay Mudridge

In this twelfth episode Ginny Grant begins by introducing the show and providing context about herself and Reframing Autism. Ginny then introduces JayJay Mudridge, who is a young American Autistic advocate. In the conversation, JayJay reflects on their Autism journey after being identified as Autistic at a young age. They talk about how finding the Autistic community and seeing Autistic individuals existing as their authentic selves was a vital step in their own self-acceptance. JayJay discusses some of the Autistic advocates they have become friends with and how those relationships work. Next, They explain that their advocacy was traumagenic – that is, it comes from a place of trauma – following their experiences of Applied Behaviour Analysis or ABA during their formative years. JayJay shares some of their experiences of ABA and its devastating impacts, and comments on the notion of “modern ABA”. Finally, JayJay explores some of the ways in which they have unmasked and live authentically.

Conversation with Shadia Hancock

In this eleventh episode Ginny Grant begins by introducing the show and providing context about herself and Reframing Autism. Ginny then introduces Shadia Hancock, who is a young Australian Autistic advocate. In the conversation, Shadia reflects on their Autism journey after learning of their Autistic identity at eight years of age. Shadia explains that they were connected in with older Autistic mentors early in their journey, which helped to foster a positive sense of identity. Shadia discusses their initial steps in advocacy, beginning with a presentation to their teachers about their Autistic identity, their differences and needs. They also reflect on their experience of travelling to Singapore for the Asia Pacific Autism Conference in 2019, which was a proud achievement for them. Shadia explores their experience of studying Speech Pathology at university, including some of the barriers they have faced and their tips for new Autistic students. Finally, they discuss their future career aspirations, including doing further research into supporting AAC users and providing animal-assisted therapy through their practice.

Conversation with Jarad McLoughlin

In this tenth episode Ginny Grant begins by introducing the show and providing context about herself and Reframing Autism. Ginny then introduces Jarad McLoughlin, who is an Australian Autistic LGBTQIA+ and disability advocate and activist. In the conversation, Jarad reflects on his Autism journey after receiving a diagnosis as a young child. He discusses some of the barriers to understanding and accepting Autism at that time, including the lack of information, resources and role models. He talks about how he finally came to accept and embrace his Autism in his teenage years along with being part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Jarad discusses his contributions to several not-for-profit organisations, such as the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and People with Disability Australia. Finally he shares two of his proudest moments as an advocate.

Conversation with Medha Gupta

In this ninth episode Ginny Grant begins by introducing the show and providing context about herself and Reframing Autism. Ginny then introduces Medha Gupta, who is a young Australian Autistic advocate. In the conversation, Medha reflects on her journey of Autism acceptance after receiving a diagnosis at the age of twenty-one. She discusses how she connected with the neurodivergent community online and face to face and the important role this had in her understanding of her identity. She discusses some of the ways in which she has contributed to the Sydney Autism Lions Club and her advocacy more broadly, including her 2021 presentation “Flourishing in Otherness” for Reframing Autism. Finally Medha gives some important advice for Autistic students seeking a tertiary education.

Conversation with David Gray-Hammond

In this eighth episode Ginny Grant begins by introducing the show and providing context about herself and Reframing Autism. Ginny then introduces David Gray-Hammond, who is an Autistic mental health and addiction advocate and activist. In the conversation, David reflects on his journey of Autism acceptance after receiving a diagnosis at the age of twenty-six. He discusses his first steps into the world of advocacy and how he discovered the support and embrace of the Autistic community which has been vital to his wellbeing. He also discusses what prompted him to begin writing his blog about Autism, mental health and addiction (Emergent Divergence) and what drives him to keep writing and advocating in these areas. David also explores some of his proudest moments as an advocate and activist to date and shares his hopes for the future.