Diarmuid has lived in Cork in the Republic of Ireland for the last 22 years, though he is a proud Limerick man.

He taught on the Autism Studies course in UCC and was part of the original Board of studies that created the Autism Studies course.

Diarmuid is also involved in teaching on the Masters in Arts and Engagement in Munster Technological University.

He has worked with autistic people both 1-1 and in groups for 14 years. Diarmuid is interested in the concepts of creativity, belonging and mental health and particularly as they pertain to neurodiverse populations. He has a Diploma in Community Development, a Degree in Social Science Youth and Community Work, a Masters in Social Policy, a Post Graduate diploma in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and a Post Graduate Diploma in Creativity and Change.

He is the co author of ‘Living with Asperger Syndrome and Autism in Ireland’ along with Stuart Neilson and is author of ‘Sensory Issues for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder’.

Diarmuid runs Autism Spectrum Consultants (ASC) with Kirsten Hurley.

www.ascaboutautism.com.

Gala is an artist/illustrator and Arts facilitator who has an Arts facilitation post grad, a degree at the University of Worcester in art, a Baccalaureate in Fine Art from The Burren College of Art and a Masters in Professional Design Practice from Dublin and an autism diagnosis.

Gala has worked both in the commercial and fine art domain, producing many commissioned and collaborative projects. Her work can be found in private collections, retail design products as well as books, promotional and educational products and well-being resources.

Gala has studied disability awareness, autism studies and works as an instructor in disability services in Co. Limerick.

Work can be found at www.projectgala.com