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EPISODE 37
“What I (Don’t) Know About Autism” A Conversation with Irish Autistic Playwright Jody O’Neill

Play the Episode…

…and Continue the Discussion

Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.

1) Jody shares her journey about being diagnosed, and creating a theatrical work about autism. What inspired her to share her talents as well as her personal experiences in creating this work? Have you been inspired in similar ways to use your talents, or talents of those you know well, and if so, how so?

2) Jodi discusses her mission in creating her play, which is truly multidimensional. How do you think different audiences, both neurodivergent and neurotypical, would relate to such a work and why?

3) What was most striking to you about the process that Jodi engaged in with the cast of actors in developing her play. What potential do you see for using a similar process with your students, family members or colleagues?

Featuring

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JODY O’NEILL

Jody is an award-winning autistic writer and performer with over 20 years’ experience working in the theatre, film and TV sector in Ireland and internationally. Her critically-acclaimed play, What I (Don’t) Know About Autism, premiered in 2020 in co-production with the Abbey Theatre, and in association with The Everyman (Cork) and Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre. It returns to the stage in 2021 for live and internationally streamed performances. She has spent the past four years researching and developing making inclusive theatre that promotes acceptance and social change.

“Over the past few years, I’ve discovered that one of the best activities for a sensory seeker like me is to throw myself in the sea on a daily basis.

Realising I was autistic, through my son’s diagnosis, transformed my life, both personally and professionally. It has given me permission to stop apologising for what I can’t do, and get on with doing what I can do.”

Show Notes

Jody O’Neill is the award-winning Director, playwright, actor, and mother on the autism spectrum. Her play, “What I (don’t) know about Autism, has received critical Acclaim and is opening for the second time at the Abbey theater in Dublin and will be streamed online. Jody discusses how to play was designed to educate the public about autism, but also be an artistic work that all can benefit from seeing.

Connect with Jody:

LinkedIn

Read Jody’s Play:

What I (Don’t) Know About Autism

Watch Jody’s Play Online (through Nov 20):

  • Browse to www.abbeytheatre.ie
  • Click My Account menu option
  • Login with:
    • Login:   Your email
    • Pass:     (the password you chose to register with)
  • Click My Account at the top
  • Click Digital Content, You should see What I (Don’t) Know About Autism here

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Music

Matt Savage, courtesy of Savage Records

Matt Savage is an autistic jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. Matt has collaborated with jazz greats like Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Jerry Bergonzi. Donny McCaslin, and more. He has recorded more than a dozen records and graciously contributes the music for Uniquely Human.

Production and Sound Design

ELEVATEDSTUDIO

Uniquely Human: The Podcast is produced, engineered, and edited by Elevated Studio in Denver, Colorado. Owned and operated by co-host Dave Finch, Elevated Studio produces digital media assets and content strategies for the electronics, entertainment, and lifestyle industries.