New report calls for national rollout of communication support model for Autistic children and families

AsIAm launches “Same Chance to Communicate”, an evaluation of its AAC Support Programme, developed with Dublin City University

AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity, has today launched Same Chance to Communicate, a new evaluation report examining the impact of its Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Support Programme.

The report, developed with researchers from Dublin City University, highlights the significant impact of AsIAm’s AAC Support Programme for Autistic children and families, while also identifying major gaps in access to communication supports across Ireland.

AAC refers to the tools and strategies that support people to communicate in ways other than, or alongside, speech. This can include communication boards, speech-generating devices, apps, gestures, symbols and other forms of communication support.

The AsIAm AAC Support Programme provides high-tech communication devices, along with supports, information and guidance, to Autistic children, young people and their families. Since launching in January 2025, 540 families across Ireland have received a device through AsIAm.

The evaluation shows that AsIAm’s AAC Support Programme made a meaningful difference for children and families who had previously faced significant barriers to accessing communication supports. Before entering the programme, 48% of children had no speech and language therapy, 85% of parents had little or no practical AAC experience, and just 8% of children had access to public speech and language therapy services.

The report recommends increased AAC investment, earlier access, stronger capacity in schools, sustained family support, and greater awareness of AAC across society.

Speaking at the launch, Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, said:

“Communication is a basic human right. Every Autistic person deserves the same chance to communicate, make choices, build relationships and be heard.

“This report shows the profound difference AAC can make when children and families receive responsive, autism-informed support. Through AsIAm’s AAC Support Programme, families have been supported not just to access devices, but to build confidence, understanding and practical communication in everyday life.

“The findings show that this model works. We now need support to build on this impact and roll it out further, so that more Autistic people and families can access the communication supports they need, when they need them.

“AAC is access. Every form of communication is valid, and every Autistic person deserves the same chance to communicate.”

The report was launched at an event in the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin, with families, AAC users, policymakers, practitioners, educators, therapists and advocates.

It featured a testimonial video sharing first-hand examples of the real-world impact of the AAC Programme, as well as contributions from Lucinda Murrihy, a parent accessing the programme; Emer Higgins TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for Disability; and researchers from the School of Inclusive and Special Education, Institute of Education, Dublin City University.

Speaking about the event, Minister Higgins said:

“The report from AsIAm on the AAC Support Programme offers valuable insights into the experiences of autistic children and their families. It highlights the real and meaningful impact AAC supports can have in helping children to communicate, express themselves, make choices and participate more meaningfully in everyday life, while reinforcing the importance of ensuring every child has the opportunity to have their voice heard. The report also points to areas where more progress is needed, and the value of continuing to build on these supports in the future.”

Read the full report here: https://shorturl.at/8Wndx

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