Europe’s Largest Autism Congress Launches at Dublin’s RDS
Landmark event will also challenge recent Autism misconceptions
Thursday, September 11 marked the official opening of the 14th Autism-Europe International Congress, the largest Autism-focused event in Europe, taking place at Dublin’s RDS until 13 September. This is the first time Ireland has hosted the Congress, widely regarded as the most significant gathering in the Autism field globally, bringing together nearly 2,000 delegates from across the world.
The Congress was officially launched this morning by Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality TD, Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State for Disability and Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity, which is hosting the event in partnership with Autism-Europe.
In tandem with the Congress, AsIAm has launched a national billboard and digital campaign titled We can’t beat Autism misinformation on our own. The campaign highlights the widespread myths surrounding the prevalence and diagnosis of Autism, in what Adam Harris’ says is a “dangerous narrative” amplified by recent remarks from high-profile US political figures.
Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, said, “Recent public statements from high-profile figures in the U.S have reignited misinformation on Autism, with very real consequences. It fuels stigma, delays diagnosis, creates parental guilt, and distracts from the real supports Autistic people and their families need. As more Autistic people access diagnosis, it is crucial to ensure public understanding is grounded in evidence, not internet myths or celebrity speculation.”
To help counter this, AsIAm and Microsoft Ireland will host a free public online event, Autism – Separating Fact from Fiction, tackling common myths about Autism through presentations, discussions, and a live Q&A, replacing them with evidence-based insights and real-life perspectives.
This event also aligns with wider Government efforts, including the Autism Innovation Strategy, which was developed following extensive consultation with Autistic people and their families. The 18-month Strategy sets out actions across four key pillars - building capacity, equality of access to public services, accessible communities, and creating an autism-affirming society.
Over the coming days, participants at the Congress will address issues such as misinformation and diagnosis, health inequalities, inclusive education, ageing and Autism, employment, housing, mental health, gender and sexuality, and policy reform. Autistic voices are central to the programme, with self-advocates shaping discussions and influencing the future direction of policy and practice across Europe.
High-profile international speakers include Dr. Sue Fletcher-Watson (UK), Prof. Liz Pellicano (UK), Dr. Wenn Lawson (Australia), Peter Vermeulen (Belgium), Maja Toudal (Denmark), and TC Waisman (Canada), alongside leading Irish voices such as Dr. Mary Doherty, founder of Autistic Doctors International.
Adam Harris, added: “Hosting the Autism-Europe Congress in Dublin is a landmark moment for Ireland’s Autism community. For the first time, the world’s leading voices on Autism – Autistic people, families, and professionals – are gathered here to share knowledge, challenge stigma, and shape a more inclusive future. The scale of this event underlines both the progress made and the urgent work still ahead to ensure Autistic people have the same chance in education, healthcare, employment, and society as everyone else.”
Harald Neerland, President, Autism-Europe says, “This Congress is about more than research and policy – it is about lived experience. The presence of Autistic advocates and families from across the globe ensures that real voices are at the heart of the solutions we create. Ireland has shown great leadership by hosting this Congress, and we hope the conversations here will inspire meaningful change for years to come. This Congress comes at a key time in Ireland as we mark 1 year since the launch of the Government’s first Autism Strategy, the Autism Innovation Strategy, and as Dublin bids to become an Autism-Friendly capital city. We now must see a focus on implementation to ensure Autistic people have the same chance in every strategy of Irish society. The Programme for Government pledges to place the Autism Strategy on a legislative footing and we hope this week’s Congress places a focus on that commitment.”
The Congress is supported by partners and sponsors including the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, Dublin City Council, Codex, AIB, IBEC, Insurance Ireland. Salesforce, CRH and KPMG, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of inclusion and innovation in creating a society where Autistic people are empowered to thrive.
The event runs until Saturday 13 September, with a packed programme of keynotes, workshops and symposia taking place across the RDS campus.
