High Contrast
Autism Siblings: Freya O’Horo and Her Blog!
Freya O’Horo is a Mayo native studying Social Care and Practice in Athlone Institute of Technology: Autism Siblings Ireland. Her younger brother Dian, is five years old and received an autism diagnosis at the age of five. “We knew something was up pretty quickly,” Freya remarks “he kept to himself quite a lot and had delayed communication.” Upon Dian’s diagnosis, Freya was struck by a lack of resources for siblings of autistic children. This information gap led to the creation of Freya’s Autism Sibling blog. “It started when I was 16 as a school project, but I haven’t been able to let go since! I’ve found it really helpful for connecting with other people.”
Autism Siblings is a blog spreading information on autism supports and resources from the point of view of her experience as a sister. It served as a platform for Freya to connect with other siblings. Topics range from interviews with Occupational Therapists about their professions to discussions with autistic adults. Freya keeps any work with services restricted to those she an Dian have personal experience of. For instance, one of her pieces covers equine therapy in Mayo. Freya also worked with Sensory Clothing.ie who educated her on sensory friendly clothing options. “I want information to be true and genuine and to have worked for Dian.”
Dian is currently 11 and attends St. Dympna’s School in Ballina. (Freya completed her work experience there.) He receives occupational therapy along with speech and language therapy. He is extremely skilled with both computers and languages and enjoys being outdoors and physical activity. “He’s verbal now and he loves the chat. He’s also very funny and loves playing pranks. He’ll sometimes switch to another language while talking to us. We’ll say ‘we can’t speak Russian, Dian’ and he’ll speak in Russian slower and more sarcastically.” At present, Dian can speak Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Russian. Freya admits, however, that this could change next time she returns from college.
Dian’s skill with computers has a number of applications. He largely learns through computer use. He also has a good memory for passwords. Unfortunately for his teachers, this means Dian can always override any internet barriers if he’s in the mood for Youtube.
Dian’s stims were the inspiration for Freya’s chewable jewellery. “He bites his arm a lot when excited. I hought it might be safer if he had something else to chew.” Despite wanting to help Dian, Freya noticed sensory equipment tends to be very expensive. The result of her efforts were necklaces with soft chewy material to enable an easy, safe stim. “After a bit of searching I found brilliant brands that kept the prices low for me. Dian wears a bunch of them: he thinks he’s a little gangster with them around his neck!” Freya is hoping to expand into bracelets and rings in future. Freya’s had a lot of positive feedback from parents, with one mother even remarking it’s helped reduce harm for her child when he’s having a meltdown.
Freya studies Social Care and Practice due to an interest in disability supports and hopes to one day work in the field. Her work is a testament to the network of support that emerges between families after diagnosis and the value of understanding from within the community.
Webinar: Accessing Healthcare under the UNCRPD in Ireland
by AsIAm.ie - 24 February, 2021
Welcome to the second of two webinars we're hosting on accessing supports under the UN Convention...[...]
No consultation on changes to school re-opening plan that will negatively affect 20,000 children with additional needs – Disability and Family Carer Groups
by Ian Lynam - 23 February, 2021
Representative groups waiting over a month for engagement from Government on special education is...[...]
Webinar: Accessing Education under the UNCRPD in Ireland
by AsIAm.ie - 23 February, 2021
Welcome to the first of two webinars we're hosting on accessing supports under the UN Convention ...[...]
SuperValu & AsIAm’s Bridge Back to School Returns to SuperValu stores Nationwide
by Ian Lynam - 18 February, 2021
Autism friendly learning resource Bridge Back to School Resource Available in all 223 SuperValu s...[...]
New #ChildrensFuturesIRL campaign focuses on children’s right to an adequate education
by Ian Lynam - 17 February, 2021
New #ChildrensFuturesIRL campaign focuses on children’s right to an adequate education ...[...]
Explainer: Supplementary Education Programme
by AsIAm.ie - 12 February, 2021
What is this? The Department of Education, along with relevant education stakeholders, has begu...[...]
Partial return to special education ‘a mixed day’ for families – Disability, Children’s and Family Carer groups
by AsIAm.ie - 11 February, 2021
Seven leading advocacy organisations, AsIAm, Down Syndrome Ireland, Family Carers Ireland, Inclus...[...]
Special School Closure: A Timeline
by Ian Lynam - 21 January, 2021
Recent events have created a great deal of anxiety for children with special educational needs an...[...]
Disability and Family Carer groups call on Government and unions to re-engage on special education
by Ian Lynam - 20 January, 2021
Four leading advocacy organisations representing children with special educational needs and thei...[...]
Children with disabilities and their families “almost completely forgotten” in schools’ row – Disability and Family Carer groups
by AsIAm.ie - 19 January, 2021
Children with disabilities and their families ‘almost completely forgotten’ in schools’ row - Di...[...]
Disability and Family Carer groups welcome Government announcement on phased return to school for students with special educational needs
by Ian Lynam - 14 January, 2021
Announcement will come as a huge relief to children with SEN and their families Four leading a...[...]
Disability and Family Carer groups welcome Fórsa announcement on resumption of in-school services on a phased basis
by Ian Lynam - 13 January, 2021
Announcement is positive signal – but remaining hurdles must be cleared urgently Four leading a...[...]
Commitments must now be matched by urgent delivery say representative organisations
by Ian Lynam - 11 January, 2021
Disability and Family Carer Groups Welcome Commitment to Prioritise re-opening of schools for stu...[...]
Disability Groups Seek Urgent Meeting With Minister Foley
by Ian Lynam - 8 January, 2021
Families ‘devastated’ over special school’s U-turn Disability groups seek urgent meeting with Mi...[...]
January Covid-19 Restrictions Social Story
by Ian Lynam - 6 January, 2021
We understand that the new January Covid-19 restrictions and delay of school reopening may be dif...[...]
Students with additional needs face new challenges during COVID-19
by AsIAm.ie - 1 December, 2020
• 41% of families state their child’s needs more support • 22% of families state their chil...[...]
Explainer: Reduced Timetables
by AsIAm.ie - 6 October, 2020
A reduced timetable is a method whereby the school will limit the amount of time a child is spend...[...]
AsIAm Letter to Minister Foley Re: Class Rankings
by Ian Lynam - 25 September, 2020
AsIAm has written to Minister Norma Foley today, expressing our concern at the Department of Ed...[...]
Ireland’s Autism Charity welcomes publication of priorities for action by Minister for Special Education
by Ian Lynam - 24 September, 2020
Plan provides an important roadmap which now must be backed up with targets, investment a...[...]
AsIAm & Rethink Ireland Partner to Support 3rd Level Autistic Students
by Ian Lynam - 23 September, 2020
Project develops quality online resources to help autistic students transition ...[...]
Football For All: Inclusive Sport in Ireland
by Ian Lynam - 18 September, 2020
Young people with additional needs have struggled during lockdown; along with the disru...[...]
Autistic families concerned about the return to school, survey finds
by Ian Lynam - 18 September, 2020
Autistic families concerned about the return to school, survey finds 77% of families feel ...[...]
Assistive Technology Passport: A Promising New System
by Ian Lynam - 18 September, 2020
Assistive Technology Passport; The Qualitative Research study In 2016, Enable Ireland and th...[...]
COVID-19 Autism Education Transition Survey
by Ian Lynam - 30 June, 2020
Are you a young autistic person or a parent of an autistic child? Are you concerned over the impl...[...]
FAQs about July Provision / Summer Education Programme 2020
by AsIAm.ie - 17 June, 2020
The Department of Education and Skills recently announced a new version of July Provision for 202...[...]
Clarification on Home Based Summer Provision Application Procedures
by Ian Lynam - 17 June, 2020
Yesterday we sought further clarity from the Department of Education on parents registe...[...]
Explainer: July Provision / Summer Education Programme 2020
by AsIAm.ie - 12 June, 2020
The Department of Education and Skills (DES) has announced a new support plan as part of the annu...[...]
Autism Charity welcomes Summer Education Programme
by Ian Lynam - 12 June, 2020
“We now all need to work together to make sure that every child who is eligible can ben...[...]
“I think many of the people put blame on themselves more than the college” Autism and Dropping Out of University
by Ian Lynam - 11 June, 2020
Between the sensory changes, new routines and demanding workloads, starting university can be esp...[...]
Explainer: Inspectorate Report on Educational Provisions for Autistic Learners in Irish Schools
by AsIAm.ie - 5 June, 2020
A landmark report on the special educational provisions for autistic learners in Irish schools ha...[...]
Update on July Provision
by AsIAm.ie - 4 June, 2020
Today, AsIAm's Chief Executive Officer Adam Harris, along with the representatives of several oth...[...]
Explainer: Leaving Certificate Rules 2020
by Gáibhin McGranaghan - 13 May, 2020
What's a Calculated Grade? Calculated grades are grades which are based on how an individual pu...[...]
Letter to Minister McHugh
by AsIAm.ie - 17 April, 2020
In recent days AsIAm has been reviewing the responses to our COVID-19 survey and identifying key ...[...]
Hannah O’Dwyer: Resources for Learning at Home
by Ian Lynam - 27 March, 2020
Many young students across the country have had their education massively impacted by the COVID19...[...]
What I (Don’t) Know About Autism: An Autistic Review
by Ian Lynam - 12 February, 2020
After all our press on Jody O'Neill's play, we couldn't wait to see the play ourselves. Our Vice-...[...]
What I (Don’t) Know About Autism: Shay Croke and Jayson Murray
by Ian Lynam - 22 January, 2020
What I (Don’t) Know About Autism, a play written by Jody O’Neill, will soon hit the stage. The pl...[...]
Hannah Gadsby, Gender and Autism
by Ian Lynam - 10 December, 2019
On June 20th of last year, Hannah Gadsby's show, Nanette, debuted on Netflix. Since then, the com...[...]
Explainer: Special Classes & Schools
by AsIAm.ie - 5 December, 2019
In November, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) published policy advice on special...[...]
National Gallery of Ireland Becoming Autism Friendly
by Ian Lynam - 18 November, 2019
Last week the National Gallery of Ireland became the first cultural institution in Ireland to rec...[...]
AsIAm’s Response to Minister McHugh’s South Dublin Statement
by Ian Lynam - 15 November, 2019
AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity, has welcomed the Minister for Education and S...[...]
Dublin Gaymers: Ethan Browne
by Ian Lynam - 15 November, 2019
Dublin Gaymers is an LGBTQ+ gaming group which holds regular sessions in Dubl...[...]
Fighting Words Becoming Autism Friendly!
by Ian Lynam - 29 October, 2019
Fighting Words is a creative writing centre established by Roddy Doyle and Sean Love. F...[...]
Autism and Education: Emigration Considered Due To Lack Of School Places
by Ian Lynam - 18 October, 2019
Rebecca Hitchcock Martins is a Cork mother who was working in London she met her husban...[...]
AsIAm Spending Proposals for Budget 2020
by AsIAm.ie - 4 October, 2019
AsIAm launched our spending proposals this week for Budget 2020, with a clear message to the Gove...[...]
NCI Reaching Autism Friendly University Status This Month!
by Ian Lynam - 2 October, 2019
We're currently currently working towards Autism-Friendly Status with National College of Irelan...[...]
Autism and Higher Education: Steve Silberman and Dr. Magda Mostafa
by Ian Lynam - 25 September, 2019
AsIAm recently hosted an informal discussion for autism and higher education. The session began w...[...]
AsIAm Community Seminar: Autism and Sibshops 11/09/2019
by Ian Lynam - 12 September, 2019
Michael opened the night and introducing our two presenters, Liz Fitzpatrick & Linda Foley. ...[...]
Community Voices: Ella Durrigan on Starting College
by AsIAm.ie - 11 September, 2019
Autism vs First Year of college May 2019: I have just finished my summer exams. I had dropped ...[...]
Robert Byrne’s Sensory Pod
by AsIAm.ie - 10 September, 2019
Today we sit down with Robert Byrne, creator of the sensory pod. Adapting the capsule hotels comm...[...]
Community Voices: Autism and Bullying
by AsIAm.ie - 23 August, 2019
Hello all. If you haven’t seen our previous interview with Neil Kenny, I’d recommend checking it ...[...]
AsIAm Condemns Cut to Rehabilitative Training Allowance
by AsIAm.ie - 21 August, 2019
AsIAm, Ireland’s national autism charity, has condemned the Health Service Executive’s decision t...[...]
Explainer: New Rules for Irish Language Exemptions
by AsIAm.ie - 12 August, 2019
The Minister for Education and Skills announced a rehaul of the criteria for granting exemptions ...[...]
Autism and Education: Riley O’Keefe
by AsIAm.ie - 8 August, 2019
Mark O'Keefe, celebrity hairdresser and owner of the Sugar Club, made headlines last week in his ...[...]
Our Work With Playstival
by Ian Lynam - 7 August, 2019
We at AsIAm can't wait for Playstival in three days time. Having worked with them since January w...[...]
Aidan’s Snakebook
by Ian Lynam - 3 August, 2019
We had a guest in our offices last week who dropped in to show us the book he has been working on...[...]
AsIAm and Supervalu’s Corporate Charity Partnership Earns Award
by AsIAm.ie - 2 August, 2019
Coming ahead of some stiff competition, AsIAm and Supervalu have won the Corporate Charity Partne...[...]
Bullying and Autism: Neil Kenny Interview
by AsIAm.ie - 30 July, 2019
In the wake of Joel Langford’s tragic death, we wanted to discuss the unique nature of bullying d...[...]
Ireland’s First Disability Friendly Music Festival Enters Second Year
by AsIAm.ie - 24 July, 2019
After a highly successful debut in 2018, AbleFest is coming back to Co. Meath! I spoke to Shay Ca...[...]
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 ...[...]
AsIAm CEO Addresses Oireachtas Committee on Public Petitions on Mandatory Teacher Training
by AsIAm.ie - 25 June, 2019
Last Wednesday 19th June AsIAm Founder and CEO Adam Harris addressed the Oireachtas Committee on ...[...]
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 ...[...]
AsIAm CEO Addresses Oireachtas Joint Committee Consultation on Reduced Timetables
by AsIAm.ie - 13 June, 2019
Today AsIAm's Founder and CEO Adam Harris addressed the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education a...[...]
Autism ID Card Announcement
by AsIAm.ie - 12 June, 2019
Autism ID Cards Update: Applications for Autism ID Cards will open on 31st July. Design has been...[...]
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. ...[...]
Our Week Online – 12/5/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 12 May, 2019
Hello, and welcome to Our Week Online. This week Ireland became the second country in the world t...[...]
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...[...]
Minister for Education Reminds Schools of Obligations to Students with SEN Following Enough Is Enough Protest
by Eleanor Walsh - 1 May, 2019
Yesterday Minister for Education Joe McHugh TD published a statement reminding schools and patron...[...]
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 – 21/4/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 21 April, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online. Happy Easter, and Bank Holiday Weekend! If you need a break away from...[...]
Explainer: What Happened in Senator Devine’s Commencement Matter on SEN Schools Provision in the Seanad?
by AsIAm.ie - 12 April, 2019
On Thursday morning, Senator Máire Devine submitted a Commencement Matter to Seanad Éireann on th...[...]
Explainer: What Happened in Senator Ó Ríordáin’s Commencement Matter on School Places in the Seanad?
by Eleanor Walsh - 10 April, 2019
On Tuesday afternoon, Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin submitted a Commencement Matter to Seanad Éireann...[...]
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...[...]
Our Week Online – 31/3/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 31 March, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online. Today happens to be AsIAm's fifth birthday! So it would be rude not t...[...]
Resource Pack for Primary and Secondary Schools 2019
by AsIAm.ie - 29 March, 2019
Calling all schools, teachers, and educators! April is World Autism Month, and we have developed ...[...]
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...[...]
Free SuperValu Home Delivery to the Autism Community for April!
by AsIAm.ie - 20 March, 2019
AsIAm are delighted to partner with SuperValu, the first food retailer in Ireland to introduce Au...[...]
Our Week Online – 17/3/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 17 March, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online. In what has been a very busy news week, we've picked out autism and d...[...]
Interview – Kate Heffernan and Aisling O’Gorman, Peat @ The Ark
by AsIAm.ie - 12 March, 2019
The Ark Cultural Centre for Children presents Peat, a brand new theatre show for ages 8+ by Kate ...[...]
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...[...]
Press Release: AsIAm Advice on Education Plans
by AsIAm.ie - 5 March, 2019
In December 2018, it was brought to AsIAm’s attention that the Association of Secondary Teachers ...[...]
Our Week Online – 3/3/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 3 March, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online - because these days, media is all about the signal boost. In the U...[...]
Interview: Dr. Linda O’Rourke and Elzaan Marnane of Core Clinical
by AsIAm.ie - 21 February, 2019
It's no secret that meaningful supports and services for autistic people in Ireland are tough to ...[...]
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 ...[...]
Are You Ready to create your Autism Friendly Town?
by AsIAm.ie - 19 February, 2019
AsIAm and SuperValu were proud to partner with the community of Clonakilty in creating Ireland’s ...[...]
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 ...[...]
Our Week Online – 3/2/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 3 February, 2019
It's Sunday, and February is here which means, whether it feels like it or not, Spring has come t...[...]
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...[...]
Our Week Online – 27/1/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 27 January, 2019
It's 2019, and welcome to Our Week Online. How are you doing with your New Year's Resolutions? If...[...]
“It’s Not A Disorder”: Minister Joe McHugh Challenges Himself and TDs on Inclusive Language around Autism
by AsIAm.ie - 23 January, 2019
Following constructive and insightful discussions and correspondence with AsIAm in recent week...[...]
Our Week Online – 16/12/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 16 December, 2018
Welcome to the last Our Week Online of 2018. This will be our last round up of the year because w...[...]
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 ...[...]
Our Week Online – 9/12/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 9 December, 2018
Welcome to Our Week Online. Don't know what it is about December, but the autism and disability s...[...]
Our Week Online – 25/11/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 25 November, 2018
Welcome to Our Week Online, a round up of autism and disability related news around the world, ar...[...]
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 – 18/11/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 18 November, 2018
Welcome to Our Week Online, probably the only news roundup this week that doesn't include Brexit....[...]
Community Support – Autism in the Home, University College Cork, Cork
by AsIAm.ie - 6 November, 2018
AsIAm is hosting twenty four Community Support Seminar talks around the country over the next twe...[...]
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...[...]
Call Out: NCSE Consultations on Special Schools and Classes
by AsIAm.ie - 24 October, 2018
Our survey on special schools and classes is now live and open to the public! If you're a school ...[...]
Autism Friendly Santa School
by AsIAm.ie - 24 October, 2018
*Due to the huge amount of inquiries we have had about our Autism Friendly Santa Training, we...[...]
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...[...]
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 ...[...]
BUY YOUR COPY: Mary Immaculate publishes a handbook for educators – “Autism from the Inside Out”
by AsIAm.ie - 21 September, 2018
AsIAm would like to thank Dr Emer Ring and her colleagues from Mary Immaculate College (MIC)'s De...[...]
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...[...]
Mia Duffy: New Start at College
by AsIAm.ie - 24 August, 2018
Starting college is a huge change for everyone. The transition, from the application to accepting...[...]
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...[...]
NCSE’s Review of Special Needs Assistants Explained
by AsIAm.ie - 31 May, 2018
This week, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) launched its review into the Special...[...]
Building an Autism-Friendly Environment
by AsIAm.ie - 23 April, 2018
Day #22 of our #AsIAmChallenge for World Autism Day is about helping prepare for an autism-friend...[...]
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...[...]
Check In & Ask
by AsIAm.ie - 18 April, 2018
Day #17 of our #AsImChallenge is about checking in and asking. Successful autism inclusion is ...[...]
Conducting Autism-Friendly Interviews
by AsIAm.ie - 17 April, 2018
Day #16 of our #AsIAmChallenge is about preparing for autism-friendly interviews. Businesses h...[...]
Creating a Quiet Space
by AsIAm.ie - 16 April, 2018
Sensory rooms or quiet spaces are designated areas where autistic people can use to stim or retre...[...]
Create a “Social story” for your business or organisation
by AsIAm.ie - 15 April, 2018
Social stories are short guides of a particular situation, event or activity. They include specif...[...]
#Day 13 Making Written Communication Clear
by AsIAm.ie - 14 April, 2018
Day#13 of our #AsIAmChallenge is about using Plain English when communicating. We often think ...[...]
Making Your Organisation Sensory-Friendly
by AsIAm.ie - 13 April, 2018
Day#12 of our #AsIAmChallenge is about being aware of people's sensory needs. Autistic individual...[...]
Check out our Sensory Checklist Tool!
by AsIAm.ie - 13 April, 2018
It's Day 12 of #AsIAmChallenge and things have taken a big step up! Today we are challenging memb...[...]
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...[...]
CALLOUT: World Autism Awareness Month Blogs
by AsIAm.ie - 6 April, 2018
Personal stories and experiences, sharing and openly discussing them, are what make any awarene...[...]
Teach Me AsIAm Early Years Programme Arrives at Limerick
by AsIAm.ie - 30 March, 2018
Up to sixty early years professionals attended the ‘Teach Me AsIAm’ Early Years seminar in Limeri...[...]
DCU Autism-Friendly Campus Launched Today
by AsIAm.ie - 22 March, 2018
Dublin City University was recognised as the world’s first autism-friendly university by AsIAm to...[...]
Top Tips for an Autism-Friendly St Patrick’s Day
by AsIAm.ie - 16 March, 2018
St Patrick's Day is a great way to spend time with our friends and families and celebrate being I...[...]
Changes In Routine: What do I do?
by AsIAm.ie - 28 February, 2018
Changes in schedule or routine can make autistic people – children as well as adults – anxious an...[...]
Recap: Why don’t You start Autism-Friendly Practice?
by AsIAm.ie - 6 February, 2018
Last week, our CEO Adam Harris featured on RTÉ Radio 1's The Business programme, discussing the g...[...]
Announcing our ‘Teach Me As I Am’ Early Years Programme
by AsIAm.ie - 12 January, 2018
AsIAm are delighted to announce the dates and locations for our new training programme for early ...[...]
Interview: Dr John Hillery
by AsIAm.ie - 10 January, 2018
Dr John Hillery is the President of the College of Psychiatrists in Ireland. In this exclusive ...[...]
Brian Irwin: Accessibility & Finding the Supports You Need
by AsIAm.ie - 19 December, 2017
Brian Irwin, a self advocate based in Cork, talks about his personal journey as a young person on...[...]
AsIAm CEO attends SuperValu Autism-Friendly Shopping Project Launch
by AsIAm.ie - 1 December, 2017
AsIAm Founder and CEO Adam Harris helped launch SuperValu’s Autism-Friendly Shopping project earl...[...]
Laura Crean: Just what is a ‘successful’ transition?
by AsIAm.ie - 17 October, 2017
Laura Crean is a member of AsIAm's Youth Leadership Team and currently in her first year of study...[...]
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’...[...]
Joanne Weller: Back to Education and Transitioning from School to College and Further Education
by AsIAm.ie - 22 September, 2017
It’s the time of month again to go back to school and starting third level education, even going ...[...]
Kevin Hanly: New Journeys Starting College
by AsIAm.ie - 1 September, 2017
With the college term fast approaching, students across Ireland are busy readying themselves for ...[...]
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...[...]
NEW MONTHLY COMPETITION: Your thoughts on…
by AsIAm.ie - 1 September, 2016
We are excited to announce a new monthly competition on AsIAm.ie! Every month we will ask users t...[...]
Jonathan Victory: Aspergers Syndrome & Martial Arts
by AsIAm.ie - 5 December, 2014
Jonathan Victory shares his positive experiences of Martial Arts as someone with Aspergers Synd...[...]
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...[...]
RTE News Six:One – AsIAm.ie “Back to School” Handbooks
by AsIAm.ie - 10 September, 2014
The challenges of "Back to School" for students with Autism, and the launch of the AsIAm.ie "Back...[...]
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...[...]
My Child / All About Me Handbooks: Every child with Autism is different
by AsIAm.ie - 24 August, 2014
There is an old adage: "If you know one person with Autism, you know one person with Autism" It ...[...]
Newstalk Breakfast: Vanessa Fox-O’Loughlin shares her story & AsIAm “Back to School” Handbooks
by AsIAm.ie - 22 August, 2014
Yesterday we were delighted to launch our AsIAm "Back to School" Handbooks for teachers, parents...[...]
Press Conference: AsIAm “Back to School” Handbooks
by AsIAm.ie - 21 August, 2014
AsIAm.ie has today published a series of guides to help people with autism deal with the major ch...[...]
Sean O’Rourke Show Podcast: AsIAm “Back to School” Handbooks
by AsIAm.ie - 20 August, 2014
Tomorrow, AsIAm will launch its "Back to School" Handbooks on Autism, for parents, students and t...[...]
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...[...]
Dr Aoife Lyons: Organisational & Study Skills
by AsIAm.ie - 5 April, 2014
Dr Aoife Lyons, licensed clinical psychologist and university lecturer in UCD and DCU, ha...[...]
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...[...]