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January Covid-19 Restrictions Social Story
We understand that the new January Covid-19 restrictions and delay of school reopening may be difficult for many families in our community. We have updated our ‘Lockdown’ Social Story for anyone who may need support in understanding the changes.
Disability and Family Carer groups say uncertainty about school re-opening is cruel and detrimental
by Adam Harris - 16 January, 2021
The groups are responding to mixed messages from the Department and stakeholders on the return to...[...]
Explainer: The phased re-opening of special education?
by Adam Harris - 15 January, 2021
This evening (Friday 15th January) the Department of Education has written to Primary School Prin...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
AsIAm seeks urgent engagement with Government as families left reeling from u-turn on special classes and schools
by Adam Harris - 8 January, 2021
Over 18,000 students with additional needs set to return to school on Monday should get addition...[...]
Government announcement on special schools and classes, but leaves majority of students behind
by Adam Harris - 6 January, 2021
A majority, at least 10,000 students, with special educational needs attend mainstream classes, a...[...]
AsIAm, Inclusion Ireland and Down Syndrome Ireland say complete withdrawal of educational support services would be “intolerable”
by Adam Harris - 5 January, 2021
Yesterday evening, AsIAm, Down Syndrome Ireland and Inclusion Ireland wrote to the Minister for E...[...]
AsIAm-SuperValu Christmas Social Story
by Adam Harris - 15 December, 2020
We know Christmas can be a challenging time for autistic people and families. It is a time in whi...[...]
Trans Autistic Experiences: Dr. Varun Warrier
by Ian Lynam - 2 December, 2020
August of this year saw the publication of a study confirming transgender and gender-diverse peop...[...]
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...[...]
Autism and Mental Health Survey Consultation Panel
by AsIAm.ie - 16 November, 2020
AsIAm are conducting research on the mental health experiences of autistic adults, in close colla...[...]
Respite Care Study: Emma Cooke
by Ian Lynam - 13 October, 2020
Respite care is planned or emergency temporary care provided to caregivers of a child or adult. E...[...]
AsIAm Youth Theatre Ireland
by Ian Lynam - 13 October, 2020
AsIAm are delighted to have had the opportunity to partner with Youth Theatre Ireland to create a...[...]
AsIAm/Down Syndrome Ireland/Inclusion Ireland Educational Supports Survey
by Ian Lynam - 12 October, 2020
AsIAm has collaborated with Down Syndrome Ireland and Inclusion Ireland to develop a survey aimed...[...]
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...[...]
Life Over Lockdown: Kevin Hanly
by Ian Lynam - 18 September, 2020
Kevin Hanly – Being autistic and living through a pandemic!! COVID-19 has affected everyone’s li...[...]
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 ...[...]
Youth Leadership Team: Lock Down, Unlocked Campaign
by Ian Lynam - 18 September, 2020
The AsIAm Youth Leadership Team has developed a campaign aimed at educating other young people an...[...]
Autism and Eating Disorders: Sharlene Woods and Fiona Fisher Bullivant
by Ian Lynam - 2 July, 2020
Experts have discussed the correlation between autism and eating disorders before. However, they'...[...]
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...[...]
Apps to support you during COVID-19
by Ian Lynam - 29 May, 2020
COVID-19 has made it even more difficult for autistic people to socialise with friends and keep c...[...]
Conor McDermott : Autism and Airports
by Ian Lynam - 14 May, 2020
Conor McDermott has recently completed a research project for his undergraduate in Occupational T...[...]
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 ...[...]
Department of Health Clarifies 2km limit for Autistic Community
by Ian Lynam - 9 April, 2020
AsIAm submitted a question to the Minister of Health in relation to Covid-19 restrictions for ind...[...]
World Autism Month: #FlyForAutism Campaign
by Ian Lynam - 1 April, 2020
This is an unusual April Autistic people face major barriers in day to day life from education t...[...]
Social Story: COVID-19 “Lockdown”
by Adam Harris - 28 March, 2020
AsIAm, Ireland's National Autism Charity, has been working in close partnership with SuperValu to...[...]
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...[...]
An Garda Síochána and An Post Announce New Supports during COVID-19 Outbreak
by Ian Lynam - 27 March, 2020
Both the Gardaí Síochána and An Post have pledged supports to the most vulnerable members of soci...[...]
SURVEY: How can AsIAm help during COVID-19?
by AsIAm.ie - 26 March, 2020
AsIAm has been working to support Ireland's autism community throughout the COVID-19 emergency. ...[...]
Adrian Carroll: Impact of COVID-19 on Autistic Employees
by Ian Lynam - 25 March, 2020
Like many others facing difficult times, autistic people will largely have the same concerns abo...[...]
Autism and Covid19 Healthcare Information
by Ian Lynam - 25 March, 2020
Here’s some specific information for the autistic community about the current crisis, developed b...[...]
Coronavirus Isolation Children’s Social Story *Text Only*
by Ian Lynam - 20 March, 2020
Your daily routine of going to school will be different and this might feel stressful. ...[...]
Covid19 Test Social Story TEXT ONLY
by Ian Lynam - 20 March, 2020
AsIAm Covid19 Testing Social Story If the doctor thinks that I might have Covid 19,...[...]
Explainer: COVID-19 and Changes to Work
by AsIAm.ie - 20 March, 2020
UPDATE: changes have been announced to certain payments from the Government at this time of writi...[...]
Maintaining Calmness about COVID-19/Coronavirus in the Autism Community
by Ian Lynam - 14 March, 2020
Michael Ryan – Counsellor/Psychotherapist While we cannot control the spread of this virus in th...[...]
Autism Friendly Vodafone
by Ian Lynam - 5 March, 2020
We at AsIAm were proud to work with Vodafone Ireland to introduce autism-friendly retail hours in...[...]
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-...[...]
Adam Harris Appointed To HSE Programme Board
by Ian Lynam - 17 January, 2020
AsIAm are pleased to announce that our Chief Executive Officer Adam Harris, will be joining the H...[...]
#alliscalm Campaign: Bid for Bauble!
by Adam Harris - 17 December, 2019
Loving the AsIAm #alliscalm campaign? Want to own a piece of autism and artistic history? 9 of th...[...]
Community Support Events- Autism and Access to Healthcare
by Ian Lynam - 4 December, 2019
AsIAm in association with SuperValu recently hosted its latest community support seminar in Skerr...[...]
AsIAm #alliscalm Christmas Cards
by Ian Lynam - 29 November, 2019
The #alliscalm Christmas Card To help raise funds for our Christmas campaign, we’ve produced t...[...]
AsIAm #alliscalm Festive Coffee Mornings
by Ian Lynam - 29 November, 2019
If you want to be a part of the #alliscalm campaign, the best way you can help us is by signing u...[...]
AsIAm #alliscalm Festive Baubles
by Ian Lynam - 29 November, 2019
The #alliscalm Christmas Baubles One of the most exciting parts of the #alliscalm campaign...[...]
Rolling For Kindness AsIAm Stream Interview: Elijah and Michael
by Ian Lynam - 28 November, 2019
Roll For Kindness, a LGBT positive RPG group, will shortly host a stream for AsIAm. This weekend ...[...]
AsIAm #alliscalm Christmas Campaign
by Ian Lynam - 18 November, 2019
It's time to talk about the festive season. Very soon, lights will be turned on around our towns...[...]
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...[...]
#alliscalm Coffee Morning – Registration Form
by Adam Harris - 11 November, 2019
Registrations are now closed for our coffee mornings! Our sincere thanks to all who too...[...]
Hallowe’en Social Story
by Ian Lynam - 30 October, 2019
We at AsIAm understand the stress and anxiety Hallowe'en can cause for autistic people of all age...[...]
Autism Siblings: Freya O’Horo and Her Blog!
by Ian Lynam - 22 October, 2019
Freya O’Horo is a Mayo native studying Social Care and Practice in Athlone Institute of Technolog...[...]
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...[...]
Clonakilty Anniversary One Year Event: An Evening With Alan Gardner
by Ian Lynam - 2 October, 2019
We'll soon the first anniversary of Clonakilty becoming Ireland's first...[...]
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...[...]
Dr. Gillian Smith on Autism Friendly Dental Practices
by AsIAm.ie - 6 September, 2019
Dr. Gillian Smith is a Bray-based dentist. She previously made headlines in 2012 when she won the...[...]
Community Voices: Nóra Nic Oireachtaigh and Bullying
by AsIAm.ie - 2 September, 2019
The following piece is the final piece in our series covering bullying and autism. The first part...[...]
Our Week Online 01/09/2019
by AsIAm.ie - 1 September, 2019
Hello and welcome to Our Week Online. Apologies for the long gap since Eleanor's final post. I've...[...]
Fota Wildlife Park recognised for commitment to autism inclusion
by AsIAm.ie - 27 August, 2019
The attraction has been accredited by National Autism Charity as an example of best practise in a...[...]
Autism-Friendly Schools Pilot Programme – Expression of Interest Form
by Adam Harris - 14 August, 2019
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Limerick Launches First Autism Friendly Intreo Office
by AsIAm.ie - 12 August, 2019
July saw the launch of Ireland's first autism friendly Intreo Office. Intreo Offices, a crucial p...[...]
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...[...]
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 ...[...]
Our Week Online – 7/7/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 7 July, 2019
Hello, and welcome to Our Week Online. This edition will be the last news roundup on AsIAm.ie, at...[...]
Our Week Online – 30/6/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 30 June, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online, where we read the internet so you don't have to! A disability cent...[...]
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 ...[...]
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 – 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...[...]
Research Opportunity: Barriers experienced by autistic adults accessing primary healthcare in Ireland
by AsIAm.ie - 16 April, 2019
AsIAm.ie is delighted to share this research opportunity with our readers. If you are interested ...[...]
Our Week Online – 14/4/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 14 April, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online. We're about halfway through World Autism Month, and it can be long. R...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
Our Week Online – 24/3/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 24 March, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online. The countdown to April has begun, it's a really important month for A...[...]
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...[...]
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 ...[...]
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 ...[...]
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...[...]
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 ...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
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 ...[...]
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 – 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...[...]
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 ...[...]
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...[...]
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 – 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...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
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...[...]
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 ...[...]
Darragh Byrne: Life after School
by AsIAm.ie - 16 September, 2016
We are very conscious that as we cover education issues this September, that not everyone is goin...[...]
Statement following RTE “Prime Time Investigates” Report on Dangerous use of MMS
by AsIAm.ie - 7 April, 2015
On watching RTE "Prime Time Investigates" Report on the dangerous use of MMS as a bogus treatm...[...]
“AsYouCan” – Recognising Autism Inclusion Ambassadors
by AsIAm.ie - 7 April, 2015
"AsYouCan" is the new campaign we have unveiled in time for World Autism Awareness Month 2015. Th...[...]