In this episode, Kara, Bruce, and Maja talk to Prof. Tony Attwood and Dr. Michelle Garnett about each of their journeys with late diagnosis, the role of autistic friendships in self-acceptance, and the impact of discovery on clinical practice (and vice versa). We talk about normalizing spaces, paradigm shifts, and epistemic injustice, as well as connecting to our own nervous systems and autistic joys. (Note: recorded in March 2026 just weeks after Tony revealed his discovery and after recent comments by Uta Frith on her changed beliefs on the idea of a spectrum and denial of high-masking presentations).
Guest Bios:
Professor Tony Attwood has worked for more than 50 years as a clinical psychologist and is one of the world’s foremost specialists on Autism. Currently serving as an adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland, Tony's impact has enriched the global understanding of autism. Alongside Dr Michelle Garnett, Tony co-founded Attwood & Garnett Events in 2019, driven by the shared goal of enhancing autism awareness and understanding. Their shared vision seeks to reshape the narrative surrounding autism to create a world where autism is embraced, and the diverse strengths, talents, and perspectives of autistic individuals are celebrated.
Dr Michelle Garnett PhD is a clinical psychologist who has specialised in autism for more than 30 years as a clinician, clinic director, author, presenter and researcher. Alongside Tony Attwood she co-founded Attwood & Garnett Events to enhance autism awareness globally. She has co-authored nine books on autism and many peer-reviewed journal articles. She has been an invited keynote speaker and conference presenter internationally for over two decades. Dr Garnett is autistic and has ADHD, late diagnosed.
Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/attwoodgarnett/
Website: https://attwoodandgarnettevents.com/
Thing(s) of the Day: Prof Uta Frith’s Interview: What do we think? – Attwood & Garnett Events Tony and Michelle on Late Diagnosis - https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/pages/about-us____________________________
Autistic Tidbits & Tangents is a biweekly podcast, co-hosted by Kara Dymond, Bruce Petherick, & Maja Toudal, centered around topics relevant to autism and the lives of autistic people. We are autistic professionals with a passion for broadening and advancing accessibility for autistic people and understanding of autism and neurodiversity. We approach our work with the combination of our personal and professional experiences.
Each person’s viewpoints on this podcast reflect their backgrounds and temporal perspectives at the time of recording, and do not necessarily reflect the views of everyone else. We believe that personal growth comes from listening and reacting to multiple perspectives, and that conversations can be catalysts for change, connection, and greater understanding. Thanks for being part of our community!
Episodes can be found on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Social Media:
Kara: www.karadymond.com
Youtube - Dr. Kara Dymond
Facebook - @drkaradymond
Bluesky - @drkaradymond
Instagram - @drkaradymond
Bruce:
YouTube - Bruce Petherick
Facebook - @BrucePetherickMusic
Bluesky - @brucepetherick
Instagram - @bpetherick
Maja: www.majatoudal.com
Youtube - An Autistic Psychologist
Facebook - @majatoudal
Bluesky - @majatoudal
Instagram - @majatoudal
SPECIAL THANKS:
-Theme composed by Bruce Petherick
-Today’s guests, Tony and Michelle!
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