Autistic people in Ireland experience critical gaps in consent education

‍New independent report from DRCC We-Consent & AsIAm recommends autism-specific education and better training for educators

A groundbreaking report commissioned by Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s (DRCC) We-Consent campaign and AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity, funded by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Grant Scheme, reveals significant gaps in sexual consent education and support for Autistic people in Ireland. This research was conducted by the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI).  

The report, entitled Autistic People’s Understanding of Consent and their Right to Protection from Sexual Harm, examines how Autistic individuals and their families understand consent and navigate sexual safety in Ireland.  

It contains findings from a review of existing education content, surveys of young Autistic adults and parents of Autistic children and young people, and a set of recommendations to Government and other stakeholders aimed at delivering a Relationships and Sexuality Education that meets human rights obligations and better equips young Autistic people to understand consent, boundaries and healthy relationships.

Key findings:

• Educational inadequacy: Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) often fails to accommodate communication differences, sensory needs, and Autism-specific barriers, relying instead on neurotypical consent models.

• Human rights obligations: This gap violates Articles 16, 21, and 23 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which guarantee protection from exploitation, access to information, and the right to relationships, bodily autonomy, and family life.

• Impact on autonomy and safety: Many Autistic individuals lack essential knowledge to assert boundaries, protect themselves, and engage fully in relationships and society.

Survey insights: Young Autistic adults

• 90% understood consent can be withdrawn, but 65% reported continuing unwanted sexual activity due to guilt or obligation.

• 70% rated school sex education as unsatisfactory; 73% needed more processing time to express boundaries.

• Respect for sensory factors and environmental adaptations was crucial for comfort.

• Strong preference for explicit, mixed communication formats and inclusive resources.

Survey Insights: Parents and Guardians

• 88.6% felt responsible for teaching consent, yet 80% had not sought specialised support.

• Over 40% were unsure of their child’s confidence in asserting boundaries.

• 87% would use free, Autism-affirming sex education resources.

• Parents expressed the need for practical, visual, and community-informed materials.

Commenting on the report, Rachel Morrogh, CEO, DRCC said:

"Understanding consent and knowing how to practice it is central to tackling the epidemic of sexual violence in Ireland. Research by Dublin Rape Crisis Centre earlier this year showed that at broad population level, people are aware of the importance of consent and are looking for information on how to ensure it is present in every sexual relationship. But beneath these population-level data, a different picture emerges, and we are concerned about a widening gap in understanding around this issue, that risks leaving Autistic people behind and vulnerable in the whole area of consent. It is essential that all individuals, including Autistic people, have clear, accessible information that enables informed decision-making. Yet, this research demonstrates that Autistic people are being underserved by inconsistent, inaccessible, and insufficiently tailored information about consent. To reach the goal of eliminating all forms of sexual violence and giving all people the best chance of living a life free from the severe harm it causes, this is a critical gap that must be urgently closed."

The report urges the Irish Government and stakeholders to consider the key recommendations for supporting Autistic people’s right to consent including:  

• Create accessible, Autism-specific consent education
  Ensure all consent and relationship education is designed with Autistic learners in mind, using clear language, visual supports, practical scripts, and repeated practice. Education should reflect both Autistic and neurotypical communication styles, so no one is left having to “adapt” to understand consent.

• Train educators, professionals, and parents
  Equip teachers, therapists, counsellors, and parents with Autism-informed training to support consent education effectively. Ongoing professional development and practical resources are essential for empowering both Autistic young people and their support networks.

• Improve community, environmental, and digital supports

Build Autism-accessible social spaces and community programs to practice relationship skills safely. Use social media and digital platforms to deliver clear, safe, and inclusive information about consent, reducing exposure to misinformation and harm.

• Prioritise research, evaluation, and rights-based policy
  Conduct longitudinal and intersectional research to ensure consent education works in real-world settings. Align all programs with Ireland’s UNCRPD obligations, guaranteeing accessible information, protection from exploitation, and the full exercise of Autistic people’s rights.
  

Adam Harris, Founder-CEO of AsIAm, said:

“This necessary report highlights the need for action on ensuring Autistic people’s rights under the UNCRPD are upheld and protected. Article 21 of the UNCRPD highlights the importance of having access to accessible information on an equal basis with other. The findings demonstrate the need for information and resources around consent and relationships and sexuality to be provided in direct, accessible formats which recognise the individual diversity within the Autistic community. This report provides clear recommendations to remove barriers to a rights-based approach to consent education and safe, consensual relationships for Autistic people.”

“We call on government and relevant stakeholders to ensure this is explicitly included in all aspects of the design and delivery of Relationships and Sexuality (RSE) education, to invest in appropriate accessible resources and support systems across the life cycle, and to conduct further research and evaluation within the human rights context to which Ireland has clear national and international obligations.”

Niamh Biddulph, Autistic self-advocate, said:

“Autistic people in Ireland deserve to have the same chance in dating, being in meaningful and consensual relationships, marriage and having a family of their own, including the same chance in accessing information on consent. The fact that there are significant gaps in consent education as well as gaps to the current sex education system that is delivered in schools is of a major concern, because this means that many autistic people will not have the tools and supports that they need, to be able to make informed decisions, which could have a devastating impact on their relationships and social life, as well as their mental health.”

Please click here for full report.

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