Conversation with Jarad McLoughlin

02/27/22 • 30 min

Amplified: Autistics in Conversation with Reframing Autism

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.

Previous Episode

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.

Next Episode

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.

Amplified: Autistics in Conversation with Reframing Autism - Conversation with Jarad McLoughlin

Transcript

Ginny: Hello and welcome to this episode of Amplified: Autistics in Conversation with Reframing Autism.

I’m Ginny Grant, an Autistic advocate, writer, and Reframing Autism’s Communications Manager, and I am the host of this podcast. Today I’m thrilled to be chatting with Autistic, LGBTQIA+ and disability advocate and activist, Jarad McLoughlin.

I’d like to start by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which I’m recording this podcast today, the Gadigal pe