Abstract

In this episode of The Portal Podcast, hosts Professor Sarah Lonbay and Dr Lesley Deacon speak with Dr Laura Lennuyeux-Comnene and Professor Rebecca Charlton from Goldsmiths, University of London, about the COAST Project – Co-designing Autism Social Work Training. The project focuses on collaborating with older autistic adults, social workers, and social care providers to create training that supports social workers in working more effectively with autistic people aged 50+.

The discussion covers the researchers’ journeys into this field, the importance of co-production in training design, and the challenges faced by older autistic adults, including late diagnosis, systemic barriers in social care, and the intersection of autism with ageing. The guests reflect on the difficulties in reaching diverse participants, the need for social workers to reframe existing skills with confidence, and the importance of recognising each autistic person’s unique lived experience. The conversation also touches on intersectionality, intergenerational dynamics, and structural changes that could improve service access.

Listeners will gain insights into the realities of ageing and autism, the gaps in current social work practice, and practical steps for creating inclusive, needs-led support.