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Podcasts / When autistic kids grow up
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When autistic kids grow up, Chapter 5: The war dial

“You have to reshape the whole system.” Tempest McDonald earns a measure of peace.

By Brady Huggett
2 July 2026 | 1 min read
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https://doi.org/10.53053/PZME8630 https://doi.org/10.53053/PZME8630 - opens a new tab Cite this article

In the final chapter of “When autistic kids grow up,” a new government grant suggests a slowly raised awareness around the need to study the lives of autistic adults, and Tempest McDonald comes through her dark period.

Read the transcript. Listen to Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Avis McDonald sits at a table of roleplaying game materials; Terry McDonald sits in a wheelchair nearby.
Three’s company: With her son Avis (left) and father Terry McDonald living under her roof, Tempest McDonald has the family unit working as one.
All images courtesy of Tempest McDonald
Closeup of a figurine from Warhammer 40K.
Tiny figure: Avis loves the wargame Warhammer 40K and is thinking about exploring related business ventures.

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