AsIAm urges Government to make Budget 2027 a ‘delivery Budget’ for Autistic people and families

Autism charity calls for €55 weekly Cost of Disability payment, increased social protection supports and investment in Autism-specific services

Sunday 4 October 2026 AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism charity, is calling on Government to make Budget 2027 a turning point for Autistic people and their families, with tangible investment to address the cost of disability, improve access to Autism-specific supports and deliver on existing commitments.

In its Pre-Budget Submission, Realising an Autism-Affirming Society AsIAm says too many Autistic people and families continue to face financial hardship, barriers to services and commitments that have yet to translate into meaningful change in everyday life.

AsIAm is seeking a €55 weekly Cost of Disability payment, alongside increases to Disability Allowance and Domiciliary Care Allowance, a 10% increase to Carer’s Allowance and the abolition of the Carer’s Allowance means test.

The charity is also calling for investment in Autism-specific supports, including €7 million to establish and maintain seven additional Community Support Hubs, €2 million in additional funding for its Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Programme, and €2 million to establish and resource the Autism Innovation Fund.

Fiona Ferris, Deputy CEO of AsIAm, said: “Budget 2027 must be judged by what changes for Autistic people and families in their everyday lives. A further set of commitments without the funding and timelines to deliver them will not be enough. Government must now move from promises to progress by addressing the cost of disability, investing in Autism-specific supports and delivering on the commitments already made. This must include properly resourcing the Autism Innovation Strategy so that it can drive meaningful, measurable change in the lives of Autistic people and families.”

AsIAm’s Same Chance Report 2026 found that 93% of respondents reported additional costs associated with being Autistic. These can include higher heating and electricity bills, sensory supports, food costs, private assessments and therapies, communication supports, assistive technology and housing adaptations.

The submission cites research by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the Economic and Social Research Institute estimating that disability-related costs range from €488 to €555 per week. AsIAm says these additional expenses can force Autistic people and families to make difficult choices between meeting everyday needs and getting the support they require.

Alongside targeted financial supports, AsIAm is urging Government to fund delivery of commitments across disability, education, health, employment and independent living. These include resourcing the implementation of the EPSEN Review, improving access to assessments and follow-up supports, and investing in inclusive education and employment supports.

AsIAm says the Budget must provide clear funding, timelines and accountability so that policy commitments lead to practical improvements for Autistic people and families.