High Contrast
Aidan’s Snakebook
Community Voices: Autism and Bullying
by Ian Lynam - 23 August, 2019
Hello all. If you haven’t seen our previous interview with Neil Kenny, I’d recommend checking it ...[...]
Autism and Education: Riley O’Keefe
by Ian Lynam - 8 August, 2019
Mark O'Keefe, celebrity hairdresser and owner of the Sugar Club, made headlines last week in his ...[...]
Bullying and Autism: Neil Kenny Interview
by Ian Lynam - 30 July, 2019
In the wake of Joel Langford’s tragic death, I wanted to discuss the unique nature of bullying di...[...]
Kevin McLoughlin on University Societies as an Autistic Man
by Ian Lynam - 25 July, 2019
Hey everyone! I’m Kevin, I’m 19 years old, and I’m halfway through my first year exams ...[...]
Autistic Son To Be Relocated 70km Away From Family
by AsIAm.ie - 19 July, 2019
Jake O’Kane is 18 years old. He likes music, swimming and horse riding and he will soon be moved ...[...]
Our Week Online – 16/6/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 16 June, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online, and what a wet week it's been. Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride has announced ...[...]
Our Week Online – 1/6/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 2 June, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online. This is a bumper edition for the bank holiday - sit back and enjoy. ...[...]
William Florish: “Here’s to the Invisible Kids”
by Eleanor Walsh - 30 May, 2019
Here at AsIAm we've been inspired this week by William Florish, who just graduated from Transitio...[...]
Our Week Online – 5/5/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 5 May, 2019
Hello, and welcome to Our Week Online. The autism community has made it through another World Aut...[...]
Kevin Hanly – The Achievements That Can Be Made With Being Autistic!
by AsIAm.ie - 30 April, 2019
As we come to the end of World Autism Month 2019, autistic advocate and Tipperary GAA supporter K...[...]
AsIAm to Join Enough Is Enough Protest on Lack of School Places for Autistic Students at Leinster House
by AsIAm.ie - 25 April, 2019
In light of the recent publication of our Invisible Children report on School Absence and Withdra...[...]
Joan McDonald – Introduction to Autistic Paddies
by AsIAm.ie - 24 April, 2019
You may have met Autistic Paddies at our last National Autism Conference last October, the Facebo...[...]
Our Week Online – 7/4/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 7 April, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online, and the first week of World Autism Month. This series has proved that...[...]
Rebecca Parke – Making Good Friends
by AsIAm.ie - 28 March, 2019
This week AsIAm launched a new Resource Pack for Primary and Secondary Schools to facilitate unde...[...]
The Autism Community on Special Interests!
by AsIAm.ie - 25 March, 2019
Last month we held a competition on our social media for a family pass to Dublin Comic Con. To en...[...]
What We Learned – Parent Wellness and Self-Care
by Eleanor Walsh - 20 March, 2019
Last week we held our Community Support event in Tipperary on Parent Well-Being and Self-Care. Th...[...]
Charlie Silke – My Experience With TY So Far
by AsIAm.ie - 7 March, 2019
Transition Year can be an interesting time for people on the autism spectrum. The free curriculum...[...]
Advice on Education Plans ~ AsIAm Explains
by AsIAm.ie - 5 March, 2019
In December of last year, the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and Teacher’s Unio...[...]
Eoin Hickey – Why I Like Having Autism and ADHD
by AsIAm.ie - 1 March, 2019
ADD/ADHD are common co-occuring conditions within the autism community. Sometimes the traits of t...[...]
What We Learned – Autism and Play: Promises and Possibilities
by AsIAm.ie - 21 February, 2019
On Monday evening we held our Community Support event in Co. Limerick on Autism and Play. We ...[...]
Our Week Online – 17/2/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 17 February, 2019
This is Our Week Online. We hope you all had a Happy Valentine’s Day (and an even better Galentin...[...]
Interview: Julie McCabe
by AsIAm.ie - 16 February, 2019
For those of you who watched the most recent episode of Ireland’s Got Talent last Saturday at...[...]
Our Week Online – 10/2/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 10 February, 2019
This is Our Week Online. Sit down, why don't you? A quarter of the disabled population of Irel...[...]
What We Learned – Community Support: Puberty and Sexuality
by AsIAm.ie - 8 February, 2019
Last night we held our Puberty and Sexuality Community Support seminar in Co. Wicklow, and we're ...[...]
Being a True Friend by Rachael Donohoe
by AsIAm.ie - 7 February, 2019
Here at AsIAm it's important to us to champion the work of the autistic community. That's why we ...[...]
Orán Timoney – Special Award Winner at BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition!
by AsIAm.ie - 5 February, 2019
We're very proud to say that Orán Timoney, a member of our first Youth Leadership Team and now an...[...]
Eoin Hickey – Autism and Coping Mechanisms
by AsIAm.ie - 4 February, 2019
Last week AsIAm launched two surveys on the experiences of autistic students in accessing educati...[...]
Call Out: Complete Our Surveys on School Places and Exclusion/Withdrawal
by AsIAm.ie - 30 January, 2019
As the national autistic advocacy organisation, AsIAm receives a huge volume of messages from fam...[...]
What We Learned – Community Support: Independent Living and Housing
by AsIAm.ie - 29 January, 2019
Last week we held our first 2019 Community Support event in Ratoath, County Meath, on the topic o...[...]
Kelli Twomey: “This is ME”
by AsIAm.ie - 10 December, 2018
Kelli Twomey, a mother of an autistic child, sent us this poem from her child's perspective, and ...[...]
Research Opportunity: Parental Experiences of Family-Centered Music Therapy with Children with Autism
by AsIAm.ie - 3 December, 2018
AsIAm.ie is delighted to share this research opportunity with our users. If you are interested in...[...]
Kevin Hanly: Living With Autism at Christmas Time
by AsIAm.ie - 23 November, 2018
The end of November is near, and while there's still a few weeks left until Christmas, preparing ...[...]
Our Week Online – 4/11/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 4 November, 2018
It's Sunday, and welcome to Our Week Online. Here's the internet's tricks and treats from the pas...[...]
Laragh Smith: My Experience of an Inclusive Community
by AsIAm.ie - 19 October, 2018
The theme of this year's National Autism Conference is "Building Inclusive Communities". Laragh, ...[...]
National Autism Conference 2018 – Autism Welcoming Venue and Experience
by AsIAm.ie - 16 October, 2018
National Autism Conference is less than a week away, in the Grand Hotel, Malahide, Dublin, this S...[...]
The Clonakilty Commitment – Training Week!
by AsIAm.ie - 3 October, 2018
The town of Clonakilty in Co. Cork has undertaken a commitment to become fully Autism Friendly – ...[...]
What Strategies can I use for my Non-Verbal Child to ease their Transition?
by Emer Ring - 28 September, 2018
All autistic children experience challenges in communication. While many might have an extensive ...[...]
How Can I Apply for a Special Needs Assistant (SNA)?
by Emer Ring - 20 September, 2018
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has just completed a review of the Special Need...[...]
How can My Child Be Supported if They’re Having a Meltdown?
by Emer Ring - 20 September, 2018
Research continues to tell us that we must view ‘challenging behaviour’ as a way in which the chi...[...]
How can I Explain My Child’s Sensory Needs to their New Teacher?
by Emer Ring - 19 September, 2018
Your child’s teacher may already be aware of autistic children's sensory needs. However, if your ...[...]
What’s an Individual Education Plan (IEP) & how can I Set One Up for My Child?
by Emer Ring - 18 September, 2018
An Individual Education Plan, often referred to as an ‘IEP’, is a plan to support your child’s le...[...]
What can I Do if my Child Doesn’t Want to go Back to School?
by Emer Ring - 14 September, 2018
If your child doesn’t want to go back to school, it's important to talk about the reasons why the...[...]
How can I help Ease My Child Back into the School Routine from Home?
by Emer Ring - 11 September, 2018
We all struggle getting back into our regular routine after holidays and for autistic children, w...[...]
What Resources are Available to Support Families on their Transitions in School?
by Emer Ring - 7 September, 2018
There is a wide range of resources available to support parents and children on this exciting jou...[...]
Is it a Good Idea to Arrange a Meeting with their Teacher? If so, What Should I Ask?
by Emer Ring - 4 September, 2018
It is a really good idea and absolutely essential to arrange a meeting with your child’s teacher,...[...]
Are there Things I can do at Home to Prepare my Child for Starting School?
by Emer Ring - 31 August, 2018
Parents and families are preparing their children for school from the day they are born and not j...[...]
What are the Most Important Things to Consider when Choosing a School for my Child?
by Emer Ring - 29 August, 2018
Starting school is one of the biggest events in both a family member's and a child's life. All be...[...]
Kevin Hanley: Back to Routine!
by AsIAm.ie - 27 August, 2018
Returning to routine after a break can be a tough one to get your head around, especially after a...[...]
Trish Flood: Holidaying Tips for Autism Families
by AsIAm.ie - 15 August, 2018
Some autism families worry about the challenge of taking an overseas holiday. Here are some ideas...[...]
Interview: Jody O’Neill – Autism & Entrepreneurship
by AsIAm.ie - 4 May, 2018
Jody O’Neill is a young self-advocate attending Castletroy College in County Limerick. She has se...[...]
Aisling Foran: Listening & Social Groups
by AsIAm.ie - 20 April, 2018
WHAT IS THE TRIPLE A ALLIANCE? Triple A Alliance was set up in 2002 by a group of parents who wa...[...]
Make Your Club Autism-Friendly
by AsIAm.ie - 19 April, 2018
Awareness about autism has increased among society in recent years. This is a positive developmen...[...]
Autism & Stereotyping
by AsIAm.ie - 12 April, 2018
Autism is widely known yet it is not widely understood. Awareness of the condition has grown in r...[...]
‘Teach Me As I Am’ Early Years Training Programme Update
by AsIAm.ie - 3 March, 2018
AsIAm launched the ‘Teach Me As I Am’ Early Years Autism Programme in North Dublin on Monday 19th...[...]
Nicole Duggan: My Boy Blue
by AsIAm.ie - 19 February, 2018
Nicola Duggan is a young parent of a child on the autism spectrum. She has been blogging about he...[...]
Spotlight: Autism Spectrum Fitness
by AsIAm.ie - 15 February, 2018
Fitness and keeping up exercise can be challenging habits to start, nevermind keep, for those of ...[...]
Interview: PRISM DLR Autism Support Group
by AsIAm.ie - 25 October, 2017
Support groups are invaluable resources for the autism community, from individuals on the spectru...[...]
Louise Ryan: Knowing Parents’ Rights for Your Child’s Education
by AsIAm.ie - 2 October, 2017
Louise Ryan from Co. Limerick, a mother of two young boys on the autistic spectrum, talks about h...[...]
Socialising & Building Social Skills
by AsIAm.ie - 29 September, 2017
Amid preparing for school or for college, whilst we’re often completely caught up worrying if we’...[...]
Summer on the Autistic Spectrum: A Parent’s Take
by AsIAm.ie - 23 August, 2017
Summers can be challenging for the parents of autistic children. With school out, regular routine...[...]
Sibling Safety this Summer
by AsIAm.ie - 4 August, 2017
The season of summer is well underway. As we enter August, children everywhere across Ireland wi...[...]
Spotlight: Middletown Centre for Autism
by AsIAm.ie - 24 July, 2017
The Middletown Centre for Autism is an educational and research facility whose work revolves arou...[...]
Interview: Autism, Tipp G.A.A. and Me
by AsIAm.ie - 6 July, 2017
This week, we sat down with Kevin Hanly, a young man from Tipperary to talk about his experiences...[...]
SURVEY: Missing out on school? Have your say!
by AsIAm.ie - 3 April, 2017
It's World Autism Awareness Month and our opportunity to shine a light on issues affecting our co...[...]
BLOG: Hello from the other side
by AsIAm.ie - 10 March, 2017
Trish Flood, a mum to two boys on the Autism Spectrum and a super advocate for the Autism Communi...[...]
Community Voice: Our September Wishlist
by AsIAm.ie - 1 September, 2016
AsIAm is all about the voice of the Autism community. We love nothing more than receiving content...[...]
Yvonne Newbold: Top Tips for Parents at the start of the School Year
by AsIAm.ie - 8 September, 2015
Yvonne Newbold is a parent and advocate for those affected by Autism in the UK. Yvonne wrote a bo...[...]
Julie Direen: Why I wouldn’t change my son one bit!
by AsIAm.ie - 12 February, 2015
Being a parent of a child with Autism can be challenging but, as Julie Direen shares, it can also...[...]
Good News & Public Meeting : Anthony Doolan & Carer’s Allowance
by AsIAm.ie - 25 November, 2014
Anthony Doolan is the Founder and Coordinator of the Kildare / West Dublin Autism Parents Support...[...]
Free Ebook: 30 Winning Tips for Better Meetings by Yvonne Newbold
by AsIAm.ie - 31 October, 2014
One stressful aspect of being a parent of a child on the Autism Spectrum is getting the right sup...[...]
Parents Guide: Birthday Parties
by AsIAm.ie - 29 September, 2014
Attending, and having, a Birthday party is an important part of growing up! For children with A...[...]
Declan Lynch: Am I glad my son is autistic?
by AsIAm.ie - 8 September, 2014
Last week, Declan talked about coming to terms with diagnosis, from the point of view of a fathe...[...]
“Back to School”: Buddy System
by AsIAm.ie - 28 August, 2014
Many parents at this time of the year will be concerned about their son / daughter being left beh...[...]
Looking for Inclusive Sport? Check out the Terenure Tigers!
by AsIAm.ie - 27 August, 2014
Yesterday we featured a blog from parent, Kenneth Whelan, about the benefits CoderDojo, as an ext...[...]
Parents Discussion: Ideas, Experiences and Concerns around “Back to School”
by AsIAm.ie - 25 August, 2014
Since our successful "Back to School" Handbooks launch last week, we have been delighted with the...[...]
Kenneth Whelan: “Why don’t you take Ethan to this CoderDojo thing?”
by AsIAm.ie - 25 August, 2014
Many families affected by Autism may be considering possible suitable extra-curricular activities...[...]
Download Today: AsIAm “Back to School” Handbooks
by AsIAm.ie - 20 August, 2014
Education can throw up many challenges for students with Autism such as the environment, structur...[...]
Joanne Fine: Lego Camp
by AsIAm.ie - 25 June, 2014
Joanne Fine is a speech & Language Therapist working in a private capacity in DLR (Buttercup ...[...]
Carrie Burton: Jack makes three for us
by AsIAm.ie - 17 June, 2014
Frequent blogger and AsIAm Liaison Officer, Carrie Burton, writes of the challenges of a third di...[...]
Social Opportunities for Adults
by AsIAm.ie - 16 June, 2014
For those of on the Spectrum, socialising can definitely be tough. This is true especially in the...[...]
Yvonne Newbold: 10 Great Things People with Autism can add to society
by AsIAm.ie - 3 June, 2014
Yvonne Newbold is the author of "The Special Parent's Handbook", a practical, hands-on parenting ...[...]
Shauna Gilligan: “Mama, the sunrise is orange”
by AsIAm.ie - 14 April, 2014
Shauna Gilligan is a writer and mother of a son on the Autism Spectrum. In the article below, she...[...]
Carrie Burton: A second diagnosis in the family
by AsIAm.ie - 14 April, 2014
Frequent blogger, Carrie Burton, writes on the recent diagnosis of her second child, Ava, with AD...[...]
OPEN: July Provision Applications
by AsIAm.ie - 7 April, 2014
Children on the Autism Spectrum are eligible for a maximum of 40 hours tuition (or 10 hours per w...[...]
Lorraine Dempsey – Getting the real message of Autism to the public
by AsIAm.ie - 5 April, 2014
This week we celebrated World Autism Awareness Day #WAAD2014, but what does that really entail? W...[...]
Mairead Quinn: Our Doggy Superheroes
by AsIAm.ie - 4 April, 2014
April is Autism Awareness Month but we’re aware of Autism 365 days a year in our house. Our hom...[...]
Noel Quigley: Our lovely daughter with Autism
by AsIAm.ie - 3 April, 2014
Following on from his recent article on his son with Aspergers, Noel, an AsiAm.ie board member, w...[...]
Lisa Domican: A is for Acceptance
by AsIAm.ie - 2 April, 2014
Lisa Domican is a mother of 2 children (Grace and Liam, pictured) on the Autism Spectrum and a so...[...]
Carrie Burton: Autism has made us who we are
by AsIAm.ie - 2 April, 2014
Regular blogger, Carrie Burton, talks about how Autism has challenged, but also strengthened, her...[...]
Grainne Lynch: The Journey – Diagnosis and Education
by AsIAm.ie - 2 April, 2014
Grainne Lynch is a business woman, nurse, Autism and advocate and parent of a son with Autism. Ch...[...]
Asperger’s Story – Noel Quigley
by AsIAm.ie - 1 April, 2014
Noel Quigley is a Board Member of AsIAm.ie - here he shares his experiences of raising a son with...[...]
What I wish I’d known about Aspergers
by AsIAm.ie - 3 February, 2014
In this guest blog, our contributor brilliantly gives, what so many parents of children with Auti...[...]
Mary’s Blog: My views on managing behaviour in school – as a parent and SNA
by AsIAm.ie - 22 January, 2014
Mary Harris writes this week on her views of on managing and supporting a child with Autism's beh...[...]
Back to School Blues: Parent’s Guide
by AsIAm.ie - 4 January, 2014
Santa has been and gone and turkey dinners are, by now, just a far and distant memory..... and on...[...]
Family Guide: Minimise Stress & Maximise Fun at Christmas
by AsIAm.ie - 18 December, 2013
Christmas time is an extra busy time in all homes ,routine changes, our houses are usually busier...[...]
Caoilte Hamill: The Pros & Cons of having an older brother with Asperger’s!
by AsIAm.ie - 8 March, 2013
We were delighted to receive a blog from Caoilte Hamill, brother of Fionn - our regular contribut...[...]
Susan Helper – Our Experiences of AS & Drug Abuse
by AsIAm.ie - 25 February, 2013
Susan Helper is a parent of a young man with Aspergers who is recovering from a drug addiction in...[...]
Keith Young – Life at Camp Akeela
by AsIAm.ie - 22 February, 2013
Keith Young, is a PhD student in the Department of Education and Professional Studies at the Univ...[...]
Guest Blog: Fionn Hamill – Making Friends
by AsIAm.ie - 30 January, 2013
Today, Fionn Hamill, our guest blogger (see his blog Autisticandproud.wordpress.com) sheds some l...[...]
Helen Hamill: Early Help
by AsIAm.ie - 30 January, 2013
He was 5 years old. We had noticed that even after reading his favourite book every night for mon...[...]
Carrie Burton – Living with Autism
by AsIAm.ie - 30 January, 2013
My daughter Mia has Aspergers. She is 8 and was first diagnosed when she was 4. It has been a lon...[...]
Personal Story: Aspergers & Anxiety
by AsIAm.ie - 6 October, 2012
Louise Greene is mum to a 7 year old boy with Aspergers Syndrome. Below she tells of his struggle...[...]