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Orán Timoney – Special Award Winner at BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition!
We’re very proud to say that Orán Timoney, a member of our first Youth Leadership Team and now an AsIAm Youth Ambassador, scooped a Special Award at this year’s BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in the RDS! He was awarded the RCSI Award for “Project with the Best Impact on Human Health”. His winning project was entitled “Categorising CVD patient risk using machine learning tools“. Orán has written about his project and his experience at the exhibition here, so you can learn about his journey to become an award-winning young scientist!
Hello, my name is Orán. I was a member of the AsIAm Youth Leadership team from September 2015 and I am now part of the Ambassador Team.
My journey with the AsIAm Team has been brilliant from the very start. Learning the stories that other members had and using our experience as people who have autism to help others within communities within Ireland is something amazing to think about.
From a room of five people to a large national group which runs multiple events and conventions every year is an amazing thing to be a part of. Every year, more and more people become aware of our work, helping people with autism to feel included within the community.
Recently, I was involved in a summer Nuffield Research Placement. This is a placement you can apply for when you are 16 or 17 years old to gain experience in the relevant field you plan to study in.
I was fortunate enough to get a placement with the Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, which is located in the C-TRIC research building beside the Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry.
I was tasked to find the factors which differentiate between low-risk, medium-risk and very high-risk cardiovascular disease patients. This project was particularly important to me as my great uncle had suffered a heart attack just two weeks before and thereafter diagnosed with Cardiovascular Disease. Finding a positive outcome of this project was important to me as I could help others, especially people within my family and area which were affected by such conditions.
Over six weeks, I found thirty factors which were effective in differentiating low, medium, and very high-risk patients. Utilising these factors, I used machine learning models, which basically are algorithms designed to learn the correlation between each degree of risk. The only problem with this is that my final set of patients that I used to achieve this had a size of 200 people. Machine learning models have an intrinsic problem that the model is as good as the data being used. As the number of patients within my data was very low, the models being created would suffer in accuracy when used to predict with larger sets of patients. I had to research methods that would limit the effect of this issue throughout.
I created a script within the Python programming language that would use multiple machine learning models and describe the conditions that they were carried out on to provide a repeatable test. This would allow me to test multiple times if the model was specific to the data I had or that the all-important generalisation was made. After the specific conditions were found, I automated these models than to go through large database files when needed and produce accurate reports on each model used.
My supervisor Dr Steven Watterson was keen to find out the results and work of my project, in which the findings will help him take on his work further on into the future.
With the end of my project, I was invited to a day in which Nuffield Placement participants were celebrated for their work. We all had created posters and report books detailing our methods and outcomes of each project. A few weeks after this event, the placement organisers sent a letter encouraging me to send my work to local science competitions.
In fact, this is the reason why I applied for the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition as a contestant. The four days which I attended were very exciting throughout, if not a little daunting. As a person with Autism, I can say that the venue was packed with people at all times and you had very little time to yourself if you entered as an individual. You could easily get overstimulated with the lights, sound and activity of the place. Despite those issues, it was still a great event. Looking around at other projects, you can see how diverse the topics being covered. From medicine to farming, artificial intelligence and quantum computing. There was something around for everyone.
The judging took place from Wednesday to Friday, with at least one judge coming to you each day. I was nervous at first explaining my project, but after Thursday with dozens of visitors asking me questions, I felt that I gained confidence in myself and my work in presenting it in the best way possible.
On Friday night, we had the awards ceremony. The intro sequence was like something from the Eurovision Song Contest, with lights, cameras and effects throughout. There were some big awards handed out. A trip to America, a visit to the RTE studios and other various special awards and monetary prizes were handed out.
I was shocked when I was announced for the award from the Royal College of Surgeons titled: “Best Impact on Human Health”. It was exhilarating to walk on the stage and to be recognised for the work that I had done leading to this event. This, in turn, has helped me to become more confident in my work and to realise other careers I could be a part of.
Returning back home on Saturday night, I was welcomed with joy and cheer from my family and also from the local community. This has made me realise that I could pursue a career in data science and possibly to contribute further to my project in the future.
I don’t have any real plans at the moment for my project due to me preparing for my A level exams in the summer, but I have been invited to the Royal College of Surgeons to present my work in March. I plan to go to Ulster or Queen’s University to study computer science, and possibly further on to a role in Data science.
This has been an amazing journey, both with AsIAm, with Nuffield, BT Young Scientists, Holy Cross College and the Royal College of Surgeons. It’s been brilliant, and I hope to see you all in the future.
This is also a story that can show that people with any disability, no matter what they have can achieve what they set out to do in life and help others in the best way they can.
Thank you.
This is one individual’s opinion and experience. It does not necessarily reflect AsIAm’s views and positions as an organisation. If you’d like to blog for AsIAm.ie, get in touch by emailing blogs@asiam.ie.
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For those of you who watched the most recent episode of Ireland’s Got Talent last Saturday at...[...]
Noel Ward and Michael McEnery’s April Ultra-Marathon in aid of AsIAm!
by AsIAm.ie - 14 February, 2019
Autism Awareness Month is coming up soon in April, and two men are planning to give it their all ...[...]
A Right to Earn a Living ~ AsIAm Explains
by AsIAm.ie - 12 February, 2019
Last week, Education and Skills Minister Joe McHugh TD stated that his Department would be appeal...[...]
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 ...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
Interview: Daniel Kennedy
by AsIAm.ie - 22 January, 2019
Art is a natural fit for many people on the autism spectrum. Whether it's done as a hobby or a fo...[...]
Constructive Meeting between AsIAm & ASTI Representatives
by AsIAm.ie - 21 January, 2019
Representatives from both AsIAm and the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) met last...[...]
AsIAm Condemns the ‘Pick & Choose’ Approach to Meeting Students’ Needs from the ASTI & TUI
by AsIAm.ie - 19 December, 2018
Sign our petition calling for the ASTI & TUI to revise their advice here! AsIAm, I...[...]
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...[...]
We Need an Inclusive, Measurable Autism Strategy
by AsIAm.ie - 6 December, 2018
AsIAm has said the publication by the Department of Health of two reports relating to autism must...[...]
Our Week Online – 2/12/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 2 December, 2018
Welcome to Our Week Online. This is the biggest roundup so far, but it was a big week! Go and boi...[...]
National Autism Conference 2018 Speaker Presentations
by AsIAm.ie - 26 November, 2018
It's been a month since our National Autism Conference in October, and we've received wonderful f...[...]
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 ...[...]
Introducing AsIAm Socks!
by AsIAm.ie - 19 November, 2018
Yes, you read that right - AsIAm now have our very own limited edition socks, available to buy! ...[...]
Interview: Elaine Harris
by AsIAm.ie - 19 November, 2018
Elaine Harris is a yoga teacher who founded The Yoga Shed in Co. Wicklow in 2014, which serves to...[...]
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....[...]
Our Week Online – 11/11/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 11 November, 2018
It's Sunday, winter has definitely arrived, and there's only six weeks to Christmas! Welcome to O...[...]
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...[...]
Community Support – Autism and the Law, RCSI, Dublin
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...[...]
Interview: Nicholas Ryan-Purcell
by Eleanor Walsh - 2 November, 2018
Nicholas Ryan-Purcell is an autistic filmmaker from Co. Tipperary. His latest film is called This...[...]
Our Week Online – 28/10/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 28 October, 2018
It's Sunday, Halloween is almost here, Ireland is (hopefully) done with voting for the year, and ...[...]
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...[...]
Community Support Survey 2018
by AsIAm.ie - 23 October, 2018
We at AsIAm invite the autism community in Ireland to take part in our new Community Support Surv...[...]
Research Opportunity: Building Inclusive Healthcare for People with Autism, NUI Galway
by AsIAm.ie - 23 October, 2018
AsIAm.ie is delighted to share this research opportunity with our users. If you are interested in...[...]
Our Week Online – 21/10/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 21 October, 2018
It's Sunday, and welcome to Our Week Online. The AsIAm team are having a well-deserved rest after...[...]
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, ...[...]
Update: National Autism Conference 2018
by AsIAm.ie - 18 October, 2018
AsIAm National Autism Conference is just two days away! Our team are putting the final details to...[...]
Meet Our New Community Support Officer!
by AsIAm.ie - 17 October, 2018
Last month, we introduced you to our new Information Officer, Eleanor Walsh. Today, we would like...[...]
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...[...]
A First For Ireland With Clonakilty Becoming Ireland’s First Autism Friendly Town
by AsIAm.ie - 16 October, 2018
SuperValu and AsIAm partner with the entire community of Clonakilty to secure full Autism Friendl...[...]
Our Week Online – 14/10/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 14 October, 2018
Here's a new series on the website where we round up some of the best writing on autism, disabili...[...]
Stephen Shore Visits AsIAm and DCU
by AsIAm.ie - 5 October, 2018
Last week AsIAm was honoured to welcome Dr. Stephen Shore, noted autistic academic and speaker, t...[...]
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 ...[...]
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...[...]
Meet Our New Information Officer!
by AsIAm.ie - 21 September, 2018
AsIAm is delighted to welcome two new members of staff to our team this autumn! Michael O'Flan...[...]
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...[...]
Autism Experience Exhibition in Clonakilty on Thursday 27th September!
by Adam Harris - 20 September, 2018
SuperValu and AsIAm.ie will host a unique exhibition which will enable the people of Clonakilty t...[...]
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...[...]
Laura Gleasure: Am I Autistic?
by AsIAm.ie - 6 July, 2018
Autism is often thought of as an 'invisible' difference in people living with it. Many of its key...[...]
AsIAm CEO Speaks before the Oireachtas Education Committee
by AsIAm.ie - 27 June, 2018
AsIAm Founder and CEO Adam Harris called on the Department of Education to deliver training to te...[...]
Melissa Mooney: Autism is a Superpower!
by AsIAm.ie - 19 June, 2018
Melissa, a young woman living with Asperger's, talks about her experiences with her autism and ab...[...]
AsIAm official charity partner at the forthcoming Arsenal vs Chelsea match
by AsIAm.ie - 13 June, 2018
It was with great pride and excitement that we announce today that AsIAm will be charity partner ...[...]
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...[...]
Ciara Fehilly: A Colourful Friendship with Autism
by AsIAm.ie - 11 May, 2018
How many of us have dreamt of being that parent who has the most amazing bond with their child? T...[...]
AsIAm National Autism Conference 2018: “Building Inclusive Communities”
by AsIAm.ie - 6 May, 2018
We are delighted to make the tickets available for our 3rd Annual AsIAm National Autism Conferenc...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
Sensory Awareness in Practice
by AsIAm.ie - 4 April, 2018
An autistic person’s brain may struggle to receive and respond to information collected through t...[...]
Top Tips for Being Patient
by AsIAm.ie - 3 April, 2018
ONE PIECE OF INFORMATION AT A TIME Autistic people love routine and predictability. Knowing what...[...]
World Autism Month: The #AsIAmChallenge
by AsIAm.ie - 2 April, 2018
World Autism Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate the autism community, highlight the chall...[...]
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...[...]
Ciara Walsh: Finding & Working for my Passion
by AsIAm.ie - 28 March, 2018
All my life I have known that I am different, at the mere age of three I was diagnosed with autis...[...]
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...[...]
Interview: DCU School of Special & Inclusive Education
by AsIAm.ie - 13 March, 2018
DCU's School of Special and Inclusive Education are setting up a funded PhD exploring the experie...[...]
AsIAm Cautiously Welcomes the UNCRPD’s Ratification
by AsIAm.ie - 8 March, 2018
AsIAm welcomes the government’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Pe...[...]
‘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...[...]
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...[...]
Secondary School Workshop at Colaiste Gleann Lí
by AsIAm.ie - 28 February, 2018
This week, Adam Harris visited Colaiste Gleann Lí in Tralee, Co. Kerry, as part of AsIAm’s second...[...]
AsIAm CEO Addresses SuperValu 2018 Conference
by AsIAm.ie - 27 February, 2018
This week, the AsIAm team attended SuperValu’s annual conference in Killarney, Co. Kerry, with th...[...]
Turning Sixteen
by AsIAm.ie - 26 February, 2018
Growing up is an inevitable part of life. We often talk about the different challenges and strate...[...]
Welcome to our new Board of Directors members!
by AsIAm.ie - 22 February, 2018
BRIAN IRWIN Brian is a Cork native, living in the heart of the city all his life. He enjoys orga...[...]
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: YLT’s Ben Rowsome & his Garda Youth Award
by AsIAm.ie - 9 February, 2018
Earlier this week, Co. Wicklow's Ben Rowsome was nominated for a Garda Youth Award for his advoca...[...]
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...[...]
Daniel Fitzpatrick: Mental Health & Being on the Autism Spectrum
by AsIAm.ie - 31 January, 2018
Autistic individuals are likelier to develop complications with their own mental health than thos...[...]
Welcome Progress on Ratifying UN Disabilities Convention in Ireland
by AsIAm.ie - 30 January, 2018
AsIAm has welcomed progress in ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilit...[...]
AsIAm CEO Condemns Irish Rail’s Quiet Carriages Phasing-Out
by AsIAm.ie - 26 January, 2018
AsIAm CEO Adam Harris has condemned Irish Rail’s move to phase out its quiet carriages from its D...[...]
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...[...]
Learn My Language Online Campaign Launch
by AsIAm.ie - 14 December, 2017
Communication skills are one of the toughest hurdles for autistic people to develop. Many individ...[...]
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...[...]
Kevin Hanly: “Take it One Day at a Time”
by AsIAm.ie - 28 November, 2017
Beginning a new start anywhere – whether it’s a new school, a new college or a job – is as exciti...[...]
Eleanor Walsh: “You Matter!”
by AsIAm.ie - 23 November, 2017
Eleanor Walsh, a member of our Youth Leadership Team, lets those of us on the spectrum know why w...[...]
Brian Irwin: Sensory Overload & Meltdowns
by AsIAm.ie - 8 November, 2017
Sensory overloads are common experiences with many autistic individuals and can often lead to mel...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
Kevin McLoughlin: ‘Look At Me Now’
by AsIAm.ie - 4 October, 2017
Kevin McLoughlin is a member of our Youth Leadership Team and is currently completing his Leaving...[...]
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’...[...]
AsIAm Founder & CEO Adam Harris Speaks at Mary Immaculate College
by AsIAm.ie - 25 September, 2017
The AsIAm team travelled to Limerick City on Friday, where our Founder and CEO Adam Harris delive...[...]
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 ...[...]
Spotlight: HSE ASD Review
by AsIAm.ie - 30 August, 2017
HSE ASD Review The HSE are seeking written submissions for a review into the different services p...[...]
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...[...]
Spotlight: Dr Temple Grandin in Cork
by AsIAm.ie - 21 August, 2017
The AsIAm team travelled to Cork city this Friday past to attend an afternoon lecture from Dr Tem...[...]
Autism and the Internet: Keeping Yourself Safe Online
by AsIAm.ie - 11 August, 2017
The internet can be a powerful platform and a huge resource for the autistism community. A wealth...[...]
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: Sensory Room at the Sligo Clayton Hotel
by AsIAm.ie - 2 August, 2017
This week, Sligo’s Clayton Hotel became the first hotel in Ireland to establish a room specifical...[...]
Poem: BE YOU – NIQUE
by AsIAm.ie - 25 July, 2017
Leigh E. O'Brien's young nephew Liam lives with autism. Earlier this year, she composed this poem...[...]
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...[...]
Adam Kennefick: Autism Through My Eyes
by AsIAm.ie - 17 July, 2017
When I was just a small child, my parents and teachers noticed something different about me. They...[...]
The National Disability Inclusion Strategy – what is it?
by AsIAm.ie - 14 July, 2017
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL DISABILITY INCLUSION STRATEGY? The National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2...[...]
Interview: Senator Dr. James Reilly
by AsIAm.ie - 13 July, 2017
Earlier this week, as his Autism Spectrum Disorder Bill passed through the Seanad, we sat down wi...[...]
Positive progress made as Autism Bill passes through Seanad Éireann
by AsIAm.ie - 13 July, 2017
AsIAm Ireland has warmly welcomed the passage through Seanad Éireann of the Autism Spectrum Disor...[...]
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...[...]
Sean Foley: My ongoing experiences with feelings
by AsIAm.ie - 4 July, 2017
For an autistic individual like myself, 'feelings' is something of a grey area. We do experience ...[...]
Top Tips for a Successful St. Patrick’s Day
by AsIAm.ie - 17 March, 2017
Well excitement will have been building, in schools across Ireland, over the past week for the an...[...]
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...[...]
Stepping off the treadmill: Getting a Diagnosis as an Adult
by AsIAm.ie - 10 March, 2017
A blog by Brian Irwin, AsIAm Volunteer & Secondary School Speaker in the Cork Region [captio...[...]
Autism & Me Documentary – Monday 13th March, 9:35pm on RTE One
by AsIAm.ie - 8 March, 2017
We are very exciting for the release of a new RTE One Documentary, produced by Firebrand Producti...[...]
NEW SERIES – “AutismQs” – Your Questions, Answered
by AsIAm.ie - 9 September, 2016
During the month of September, AsIAm is excited to be bringing you a whole range of new content, ...[...]
VIDEO: AsIAm Says Hi – What supports are available to students with Autism?
by AsIAm.ie - 8 September, 2016
There is so many different people and organisations doing great things to support people with Aut...[...]
VIDEO: Autism – Emily’s perspective as a sibling
by AsIAm.ie - 6 September, 2016
We recently came across this extraordinary video on YouTube. The video features the sibling of a ...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
Michael Ryan: Secondary School – Getting off to the right start
by AsIAm.ie - 1 September, 2015
Starting or returning to Secondary School can be a big change and a challenge for all students, h...[...]
Download: AsIAm “Back to School” Handbooks
by AsIAm.ie - 31 August, 2015
It's hard to believe it, but summer had already drawn to a close! While it seems like only yester...[...]
AsYouCan: Focus on Sports & Extra-Curricular Clubs
by AsIAm.ie - 22 April, 2015
As part of our “AsYouCan” Campaign, for World Autism Awareness Month, each day in April we will s...[...]
President Michael D. Higgins becomes Patron of AsIAm.ie
by AsIAm.ie - 22 April, 2015
AsIAm.ie is pleased to announce that the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, has kindly agr...[...]
“AsYouCan”: Focus on Healthcare
by AsIAm.ie - 14 April, 2015
As part of our “AsYouCan” Campaign, for World Autism Awareness Month, each day in April we will s...[...]
“AsYouCan”: Focus on Public Transport
by AsIAm.ie - 10 April, 2015
As part of our “AsYouCan” Campaign, for World Autism Awareness Month, each day in April we will s...[...]
“AsYouCan”: Focus on Restaurants & Bars
by AsIAm.ie - 9 April, 2015
As part of our “AsYouCan” Campaign, for World Autism Awareness Month, each day in April we will...[...]
“AsYouCan”: Focus on Retail
by AsIAm.ie - 8 April, 2015
As part of our "AsYouCan" Campaign, for World Autism Awareness Month, each day in April...[...]
AsYouCan Campaign – What can you do to be more Autism-Friendly?
by AsIAm.ie - 1 April, 2015
This World Autism Awareness Month, AsIAm is calling on every individual, organisation and sector ...[...]
Sean Foley: Retail and Aspergers Syndrome
by AsIAm.ie - 23 February, 2015
Sean Foley, a frequent blogger on this site, shares his experiences of retail, both sides of th...[...]
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...[...]
Sean Foley: A High-Functioning Airline?
by AsIAm.ie - 4 February, 2015
Sean Foley is a self-advocate, based in Co. Kerry. Sean frequently writes and speaks about his ex...[...]
Carrie Burton: Acceptance and Understanding is key
by AsIAm.ie - 2 February, 2015
[caption id="attachment_3318" align="alignleft" width="300"] Carrie, centre, at our recent "Back ...[...]
AsIAm seeks cultural and legislative change to protect vulnerable people
by AsIAm.ie - 10 December, 2014
The online support and advocacy group for people with autism, AsIAm.ie, has said Ireland needs ...[...]
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...[...]
Dolores Crowley: Let’s focus on the positives
by AsIAm.ie - 10 November, 2014
Dolores Crowley works for Financial Wellbing, advising parents of children with Special Needs abo...[...]
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...[...]
Lisa Domican: If I can’t talk, how can I tell you where it hurts?
by AsIAm.ie - 1 October, 2014
Lisa Domican, Founder of Grace App, talks about the challenge for parents in identifying pain in ...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
Sinead Farrelly: Living with Asperger’s in College
by AsIAm.ie - 17 June, 2014
Sinead Farrelly bravely tells us what it's been like being an 'aspie' in college. Originally publ...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
Dr Aoife Lyons: Things students with Autism or ADHD would like their teachers to know
by AsIAm.ie - 23 March, 2014
Dr Aoife Lyons, licensed clinical psychologist and university lecturer in UCD and DCU, puts herse...[...]
Planes, Asperger Syndrome, and Airports
by AsIAm.ie - 8 January, 2014
Introduction My name is Sean Foley. I am 25 years old and I have Asperger Syndrome – an autistic...[...]
Travels with my Aspergers Syndrome
by AsIAm.ie - 7 January, 2014
In 2013 I had more travel experiences than in any year gone by in my 25 years on the planet. Most...[...]
Ann Kennedy: The challenges of growing up undiagnosed
by AsIAm.ie - 2 May, 2013
Ann Kennedy is a 60 year old lady living with Asperger's Syndrome. In this incredibly honest pie...[...]
Carrie Burton: Communion Day – The Day We Thought We’d Never See!
by AsIAm.ie - 1 May, 2013
In this article our regular contributor, Carrie Burton, shares her experiences of preparing her d...[...]
Mother’s Day: Susan Browne – Amazing Brains
by AsIAm.ie - 10 March, 2013
Today is Mother's Day and we want to celebrate and support all those brilliant Mum's of children ...[...]
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...[...]
Interview: Sensodyne Dentist of the Year, Dr. Gillian Smith
by AsIAm.ie - 14 February, 2013
Today we finally got an opportunity to catch up with Dr. Gillian Smith, Founder and Principal Pr...[...]
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...[...]