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Mark Harris
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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
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.

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

Tiny figure: Avis loves the wargame Warhammer 40K and is thinking about exploring related business ventures.
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