Inaugural Youth Congress Empowers Autistic Young People to Shape Future of Irish Society
100 young Autistic advocates to gather in Dublin for first-of-its-kind AsIAm Youth Congress
Friday 26 June 2026: This Saturday, AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity, will host an innovative national event bringing together 100 young Autistic advocates from across Ireland for the first ever AsIAm Youth Congress.
The inaugural one-day event, sponsored by CCT College, is dedicated to empowering youth voices, building self-advocacy skills, and identifying priorities for creating a more accessible Irish society.
Led by the Youth Leadership Team, a group of Autistic young people who guide AsIAm’s work while developing their advocacy and leadership skills, the Congress will feature a range of engagement formats designed to celebrate different ways of communicating and expressing ideas.
Participants aged 14-17 will have the opportunity to take part in facilitated table discussions led by Autistic advocates and leaders, collaborate on creative projects, and share their lived experiences. The priorities and ideas generated on the day will directly inform AsIAm’s advocacy, campaigns, and policy work over the coming year.
“For too long, the narrative around Autism has been shaped without the input of Autistic people themselves. This Youth Congress is about ensuring that Autistic young people are heard, respected and supported to shape the conversations that affect their lives.
“The manifesto developed through this Congress will help shape AsIAm’s advocacy over the year ahead and ensure that the voices of young Autistic people are heard where decisions are being made.”
Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm
The Congress will explore a range of themes identified as priority areas by Autistic young people, including:
- Communication, including AAC, sign language, Lámh, and support for non-speaking Autistic people
- Education and the treatment of Autistic students with different support needs within the school system
- Healthcare, disability, and mental health services
- Self-advocacy, voice, representation, and decision-making
- Independence, daily living skills, and supports
- Public accessibility and community inclusion, including sensory-friendly public spaces and supports
Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, will deliver a keynote speech to Congress attendees.
“It is really exciting for me to be involved in this great event, where the stated goal is to ‘create a society where every Autistic young person is accepted as they are — equal, valued, and respected, with the same opportunities to live, learn, work, and participate in their communities’.
“I believe these are goals we should have for all children, and I look forward to helping the young people understand the importance of being an advocate and the crucial role they can play in a strong, safe democratic country. Their voices can make a difference and create positive change for many other children into the future.”
Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children
In recognition that advocacy takes many forms, the Congress will feature multiple creative sessions:
Collaborative Artwork
Autistic artist Aoife Dooley will lead participants in creating a collaborative piece of artwork reflecting their vision for a more accessible society. This artwork will serve as the cover of the youth manifesto.
Music and Recording
A group will participate in a music studio session led by veteran producer Larry Hogan, where they will write and record a song capturing shared priorities and experiences.
Live Illustration
Illustrator Fintan Taite will document the day’s events and conversations in real time through live illustrations displayed throughout the venue.
The Youth Congress reflects a commitment to meaningful youth participation and co-design, ensuring that Autistic young people are at the centre of conversations about accessibility, inclusion, and systemic change.
By combining structured dialogue, creative expression, and peer learning, the event aims to equip participants with advocacy skills while capturing actionable priorities for breaking down barriers in Irish society.
The manifesto resulting from the Congress, beginning with the collaborative artwork, will represent the collective voice of Autistic youth and will be shared with policymakers and stakeholders across Ireland.
Media are welcome to attend the AsIAm Youth Congress. Opportunities will be available to speak with AsIAm’s CEO, Autistic advocates, and young people taking part in the event.
The Youth Congress Event Details
- What: AsIAm Youth Congress
- When: Saturday, 27 June 2026, 11:00-17:00
- Where: The College Green Hotel Dublin, Autograph Collection