My name is Niamh Garvey and I am an Irish autistic author.  I found out I was autistic when I was 34. This might seem quite old to discover that I’m autistic, but it’s not uncommon for people to reach adult-hood, or even old age, without knowing that they are autistic. Despite the fact that I’m a registered nurse, I only began learning about what autism really is, when one of my children got diagnosed as autistic.

Finding out that I’m autistic came as a huge relief, as suddenly many of my life experiences made sense. Learning that I am autistic has been nothing but a positive experience, and has allowed me to figure out how to make my life easier, calmer, and happier.

I am passionate about spreading correct and up-to-date information about autism, as so much information about autism is out-dated, ableist and even harmful. I wish for autism to stop being stigmatised against. Instead, I want it to be seen as one of the many natural and normal ways to be human.

I live in Cork with my husband and three daughters (and a handful of hens and goldfish). I love gardening, reading and being in nature.

Find me on:

mastadon @niamhgarvey@mastadon.ie

Bluesky @niamhgarvey.bsky.social

Instagram: authorniamhgarvey

Contact me for work related queries at authorniamhgarvey@gmail.com. Please note I am not in a position to give advice around personal questions related to autism/ autistic family members/ getting diagnosed and so on.

Photograph credit: The head-shots on this site were taken by Claire O’Rorke of corphotography.