Autistic Adult Support and Wellbeing Programme

The Autistic Adult Support and Wellbeing Programme is proudly sponsored by the Eithne & Paddy Fitzgerald Memorial Fund.

When this programme first began in October 2021, our aims were small. We hoped to reduce social isolation for some autistic adults that engaged with the support programme and, at the very least, have a little fun. However, the autistic community in Ireland overwhelmed us with their support and engagement. Our programme now has two aims; to provide peer support spaces that are both safe and empowering for autistic adults and to provide well-being groups based on the interests and support needs of our community.

To contact us, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Please note:

The Adult Support and Wellbeing Programme’s primary function is to provide spaces for autistic adults in Ireland to come together, communicate and have fun. This programme is not therapeutic, nor can we provide support in place of medical attention.

Though these groups are intended to be enjoyable spaces, at times, community members may discuss or raise topics that some may find upsetting. The support these peer groups offer is only support. If you have any significant issues or are seeking medical advice, please speak to your GP. If you ever feel you are in a mental health crisis and need urgent help, please refer to the following for additional advice and support.

  • Samaritans – 116123
  • Bodywhys: 01 – 2107906
  • Txt support – https://text50808.ie/ – 50808
  • Aware: 1800 80 48 48 -Depression

What people say about the programme

Autistic Adult Support FAQs

Autistic adults over the age of 18 that are currently based in Ireland. 

Please note, you do not have to have an official diagnosis to take part in the programme. You might self-identify as autistic or be waiting on an assessment.

These are designed to be a safe space for members of the adult autistic community to communicate with one another in a safe, accepting environment. Though these groups are intended to be supportive spaces, at times topics may be discussed or raised by community members that some may find upsetting. The support these peer groups offer is only support. If you have any significant issues or are seeking medical advice, please speak to your GP. If you ever feel you are in a mental health crisis and need urgent help, please refer to the following for additional advice and support.

Samaritans – 116123

Bodywhys: 01 – 2107906

Txt support – https://text50808.ie/ – 50808

Aware: 1800 80 48 48 – Depression

As I am – information line re other services 0818 234 234/ [email protected]

These are activity-based wellbeing group, designed to be the interaction and enjoyment of the adult autistic community, within safe, accepting environments. Though these groups are intended to be enjoyable spaces, at times topics may be discussed or raised by community members that some may find upsetting. The support these peer groups offer is only support. If you have any significant issues or are seeking medical advice, please speak to your GP. If you ever feel you are in a mental health crisis and need urgent help, please refer to the following for additional advice and support.

Samaritans – 116123

Bodywhys: 01 – 2107906

Txt support – https://text50808.ie/ – 50808

Aware: 1800 80 48 48 – Depression

As I am – information line re other services 0818 234 234/ [email protected]

To register or express your interest for any group, simply send us an email at [email protected], and we will be in touch with further information.

To register for any groups, email us at [email protected], and we will contact you with any further information.

Please note: To ensure that we comply with GDPR and to maintain the personal autonomy of every autistic adult, we require all participants who wish to take part to email us themselves, where possible. We understand that there may be instances when a support worker or family member is emailing on behalf of the participant.

Attendance Note:

NB: All groups can only advance if a minimum attendance quota is reached. As a result, a group or series of sessions may be cancelled if such a quota is not continuously met.
 

By registering for any group, you are committing to attending each of the group’s sessions. Attendance must be regular and consistent, as each group is running subject to funding, which is impacted by attendance figures. It is this funding which allows us to offer these groups for free.

We also have long waiting lists for several groups and are keen to give each autistic adult who reaches out to us the opportunity to participate. Of course, we do understand that there are occasions when a participant may miss a group. However, if you can no longer attend any of the sessions, we ask that you please let us know at [email protected] to allow us the opportunity to give the space to someone else. We thank you for your understanding.

Upcoming groups

Current Support & Wellbeing Groups

Please note: Some groups may be at capacity. However, we consistently review our waiting list and offer spaces to community members.

The groups are intended to appeal to autistic adults with various interests and support needs.

Please note: If you have additional support or accessibility needs, let us know, and we will have an additional volunteer present at the group and will take all reasonable measures to ensure that you can fully participate in the group.

Frequency: 1st, 15th, 29th March & 5th, 19th, 26th April

Times: 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Facilitator: Zoe McCormack

Location:  In-Person

Status: Accepting Names

Frequency:  26th February, 11th March, 25th March, 8th April, 22nd April, 13th May, 27th May, 10th June, 24th June

Facilitator: Rachel Merriman

Location:  Online (via Zoom)

Time: 10AM

Duration: 6 Week Blocks

Status: Accepting names 

Frequency:  24th January, 14th February, 13th March, 10th April, 12th June

Facilitator: Jennifer Kissane

Location:  Online (via Zoom)

Time: Wednesday 6pm – 7pm

Duration: Continuous

Status: Accepting Names

Frequency:  31st January, 21st February, 20th March, 17th April, 22nd May, 19th June

Facilitator: Lindsey Gorden

Location:  Online (via Zoom)

Time: 6pm – 7pm

Duration: Continuous

Status: Accepting Names

 

A series of four in-person workshops that cover:

  • Job Search strategy
  • CV and Cover Letter Writing
  • Neurodiversity in the Workplace
  • Interview Skills

Location: Tralee, Roscommon, Galway, Limerick, Mayo, Clare, Waterford

Frequency:  

Kerry

Venue: Áras an Pobal

County: Tralee, Co. Kerry

Dates: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th March

Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

 

Galway

Venue: Westside Resource Centre

County: Galway

Dates: 13th, 20th, 27th March, 3rd April

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am

 

Limerick

Venue: Dochas Centre

County: Limerick

Dates: 8th, 15th, 22nd March 5th April

Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Status: Available

Mayo

Venue: Balla Community Resource Centre

County: Balla, Co. Mayo

Dates: 19th, 26th March and 2nd, 9th April

Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Clare

Venue: Clare Education Centre

County: Ennis, Co. Clare

Dates: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th March

Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm

 

 

Waterford

Venue: Waterford Main Library

County: Waterford City

Dates: 21st, 28th March 4th, 11th April

Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Dublin

Venue: TBC

County: Dublin

Dates: TBC

Time: TBC

 

Online

Venue: TBC

County: Online

Dates: TBC

Time: TBC

 

Frequency:  16th January, 23rd January, 30th January, 6th February, 13th February, 20th February

Facilitator: Mary Farrell

Location:  Online (via Zoom)

Time: Tuesday 10:30AM – 12:30pm

Status: 

Frequency:  19th March, 2nd April, 16th April, 30th April

Facilitator: Steve Hartland

Location:  Online (via Zoom)

Time: 6:30-7:30

Status: 

Please note: This group is also open and welcoming to newly self-identified autistic adults. A formal diagnosis is not required.

Frequency: 30th January, 6th February, 13th February, 20th February, 27th February, 5th March

Facilitator: Sharon Powell

Location: Online (via Zoom)

Date: 26th September, 10th October, 24th October, 7th November, 21st November, 5th December

Time: 12pm – 1pm

Status: Accepting Names

This group is designed for autistic adults who are newly diagnosed or identified and who would like to learn more about autism and connect with other adults facing a similar experience. 

Example of topics covered: 

  • What is autism? Medical vs. Social Model
  • Sensory Processing
  • Anxiety & Trauma
  • Autistic Joy
  • Interests
  • Double Empathy

Frequency: 29th January, 12th February, 26th February, 11th March, 25th March, 8th April

Facilitator: Ciara Nolan

Location: Online (via Zoom)

Time: t 6pm to 7pm

Status: Accepting names

Frequency:  23rd January, 6th February, 20th February, 5th March, 19th March, 2nd April, 16th April

Facilitator: Gerard O’Dea

Location:  Online (via Zoom)

Time: Tuesday at 7pm – 8pm

Duration: Continuous

Status: Accepting names

Frequency:  25th January, 8th February, 22nd February, 7th March, 21st March, 4th April, 18th April, 2nd May, 16th May, 30th May, 13th June, 27th June

Facilitator: Dermot McCarthy

Location:  Online (via Zoom)

Time: Thursday at 6pm – 7:15pm

Duration: Continuous

Status: Accepting Names

Frequency:  16th January, 30th January, 13th February, 27th February, 12th March, 26th March, 9th April, 23rd April, 7th May, 21st May, 4th June

Facilitator: Gerard O’Dea

Location:  Online (via Zoom)

Time: Thursday at 8pm- 9pm

Duration: Continuous

Status: Accepting Names

Frequency:  16th January, 30th January, 13th February, 27th February, 12th March, 26th March

Facilitator: Chloe Callaghan

Location:  Online (via Discord)

Time: Tuesday 6pm – 7:30pm

Duration: Continuous

Status: Accepting Names

Frequency:  31st January, 28th February, 27th March, 24th April, 29th May, 26th June

Facilitator: Pauline Harney

Location:  Online (via Zoom)

Time: 7-8pm

Duration: 6 Sessions

Status: Accepting names 

Frequency:  13th May, 27th May, 10th June, 24th June, 8th July, 22nd July

Facilitator: Dermot McCarthy

Location:  Online (via Zoom)

Time: 1pm – 2pm

Status: Accepting Names

Frequency:  28th February, 27th March, 24th April, 29th May, 26th June

Facilitator: Ciara Nolan

Location:  Online (via Zoom)

Time: 6pm – 7pm

Status: Accepting Names

Frequency: 6th, 20th March & 3rd 17th April

Facilitator: Jennifer Van Uffelen

Times: 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Location:  Online (via Zoom)

Status: Accepting names 

Frequency 25th January, 8th February, 22nd February, 7th March, 21st March, 4th April, 18th April, 2nd May, 16th May, 30th May, 13th June, 27th June

Facilitator: Pauline Harley

Location:  Online (via Zoom)

Time: Thursday at 10:30am – 11:30am

Duration: Continuous

Status: Accepting Names

Frequency 29th January, 26th February, 25th March, 29th April, 27th May, 24th June

Facilitator: Kayren Hayes

Location:  Online (via Zoom)

Time: 7pm

Date: Beginning October 16th 2023

Duration: Continuous

Status: Accepting Names

Frequency 30th January, 13th February, 27th February, 12th March, 26th March, 9th April, 23rd April, 7th May, 21st May, 4th June, 18th June

Facilitator: Natalia Caulfield

Location:  Online (via Zoom)

Time: Tuesday at 1pm – 8pm

Duration: Continuous

Status: Accepting Names

Register you interest for one of these groups using the form below!

Adult Support and Wellbeing Registration
Name
Name
First
Last
In order to keep you informed about Adult Support groups, we will be adding you to our email list

Review an Excerpt of Our Code of Conduct Here

For an expanded and complete copy of our Code of Conduct, our anti-bullying, complaints and safeguarding of vulnerable adults policies, please contact us at [email protected]. We are happy to help. 

We ask that you please note our Code of Conduct is an evolving document that will be refined continuously with the safety and wellbeing of our community in mind. 

By attending one of our groups, you agree to abide by the guidelines within the Code of Conduct. 

General Charter:

The Adult Support and Wellbeing Programme is designed to reduce social isolation in autistic adults while empowering the community to build friendships, seek support and express their experiences. To do this, we foster safe environments, and it is therefore of the utmost importance that all of our community members, staff and volunteers are treated with respect, kindness and empathy.

We ask all programme participants to please always treat all facilitators, volunteers, and other participants with respect, avoiding any physical, emotional, or verbal abuse or rudeness.

We also ask all participants to avoid discussing sensitive or inappropriate group topics. Though each community member’s definition of what can be defined as ‘sensitive’ or ‘inappropriate’ may vary, each community member has a duty to remain respectful of another’s boundaries when they are expressed, even if they differ from our own.

Inappropriate or sensitive topics may include but are not limited to:

– Addiction or substance abuse.
– Self-harm, eating disorders etc.
– Suicide, suicidal ideation etc.
– Discriminatory language, hate speech or slurs.
– Religion.
– Politics.
– Finances.
– Appearance or weight-based remarks.
– Assault, abuse, or criminal behaviour.
– Sex, sexual jokes, or remarks.

 

autistic adult support

Our Adult Support and Wellbeing Officer is here to help!

Please do feel free to contact me at any time. I will be happy to reply, once your query is regarding autistic adults – otherwise, I will refer you to the appropriate team or relevant support. Please note that as the sole Officer for this programme, I may be delayed in replying to you due to the volume of queries.

Niamh Grennan, Adult Support and Wellbeing Officer

Email: [email protected]

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