Transition Year can be an interesting time for people on the autism spectrum. The free curriculum can offer opportunities for growth and self-discovery, whilst the lack of structure can prove difficult for many. Charlie Silke is a Transition Year student on the spectrum, and he’s written about his experiences in Transition Year so far. In …
ADD/ADHD are common co-occuring conditions within the autism community. Sometimes the traits of these conditions can differ starkly, and sometimes they can overlap. Eoin Hickey, a young man on the autism spectrum who has ADHD, writes on his favourite things about having both autism and ADHD. You can read his previous blog on coping mechanisms …
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 …
Orán Timoney – Special Award Winner at BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition!Read More »
Last week AsIAm launched two surveys on the experiences of autistic students in accessing education. Eoin Hickey, a young person on the autism spectrum, explains how autism affects him in his daily life, how teachers can understand students with diagnoses of autism and ADHD, and offers advice for social situations. My name is Eoin Hickey …
Art is a natural fit for many people on the autism spectrum. Whether it’s done as a hobby or a form of therapy or communication, art offers an ideal means of self-expression where others fall short. Daniel Kennedy is a young artist who has autism. He has been painting for the last number of years, …
Kelli Twomey, a mother of an autistic child, sent us this poem from her child’s perspective, and we think its message of acceptance and inclusion will resonate with many in the autistic community. Read on below! I may seem different, weird or funny, I might even sometimes seem odd. But it’s just that my thoughts …
The theme of this year’s National Autism Conference is “Building Inclusive Communities”. Laragh, a young autistic woman and member of our outgoing Youth Leadership Team, has written about an inclusive, welcoming, and warm community in her life. Hi – My name is Laragh, I am 23 and I am on the autistic spectrum. I would …
Laragh Smith: My Experience of an Inclusive CommunityRead More »
It’s just over a week to our National Autism Conference on 20th October in the Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co. Dublin. The theme of this year’s conference is Building Inclusive Communities. As well as highlighting and discussing issues important to the autistic community in Ireland, this year’s conference will look at practical ways in which we …
Autism is often thought of as an ‘invisible’ difference in people living with it. Many of its key traits aren’t always obvious in daily life, making it difficult to spot for friends, colleagues and even family members. Equally, thinking in rigid definitions of autism can limit our understanding of what is a complex condition. Laura …
Melissa, a young woman living with Asperger’s, talks about her experiences with her autism and about how self-acceptance is a source of huge inner strength for autistic people and their families. Recently, a colleague brought me into his office to discuss a brief. Having volunteered some observations, he paused and said, almost as an aside, …
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