Autistic Talent: Adam Harris on Inclusion, Identity and the Future of Healthcare
Leading with Hearts and MindsShow Notes
In this episode, Marie Kilduff speaks with Adam Harris, CEO of As I Am, Ireland's national autism charity. Adam is autistic himself, and that lived experience shapes everything he does — from founding As I Am over twelve years ago to leading the organisation's work across healthcare, employment, education and community inclusion.
Adam speaks candidly about growing up autistic in Ireland in the 1990s, navigating a system that had little awareness of autism, and the isolation he felt as a teenager before finding his voice as a writer and advocate. From that starting point, he built one of Ireland's most respected disability organisations — one that places autistic people at the centre of everything it does.
In this episode, Adam and Marie discuss:
What it means to move beyond awareness towards genuine acceptance of autistic people Why autism should be understood as an accessibility issue, not a deficit The barriers autistic people face when accessing healthcare — and how relatively simple changes can make a significant difference The policy landscape shaping autism support in Ireland includes the Autism Innovation Strategy and the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People. The Same Chance Report — As I Am's annual state of the community report on autistic life in Ireland
Contact As I Am
17-21 Temple Road, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94 DN40
If you would prefer to contact As I Am by phone to discuss your query, please call (01) 445 3203
Leading with Hearts and Minds is a podcast from the National Clinical Leadership Centre for Nursing and Midwifery.
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