Seven in Ten Say Autism Misinformation Is Rising in Ireland – New AsIAm Report
New research highlights financial pressures, waiting lists and need for action on Programme for Government commitment on National Autism Strategy
Almost seven in ten Autistic people and families (68%) believe misinformation about Autism has increased in the past year, according to new research based on the experiences of more than 1,600 Autistic people and families across Ireland, published today by AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity, to mark the start of World Autism Month.
The findings are contained in the Same Chance Report 2026, which highlights the ongoing barriers many Autistic people face across education, healthcare, employment and community life.
The report was launched today at a press conference in Dublin city centre, attended by the Minister of State for Disability, Emer Higgins TD.
Following this, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD met with ambassadors from AsIAm’s Autistic Youth Advisory Panel and leadership team at Government Buildings,where they discussed first hand the challenges facing Ireland’s Autistic community and the importance of delivering on the Government’s commitment to legislate for a National Autism Strategy.
The report highlights growing concern about misinformation surrounding Autism, particularly as misleading information continues to circulate online and internationally. Recent global debates, including renewed claims about the causes of Autism and unproven “cures” promoted on social media, have added to confusion and stigma faced by Autistic people and their families.
The research also found that 91% of respondents do not believe the Government is doing enough to tackle misinformation about Autism.
Alongside these concerns, the research points to significant structural barriers across Irish society, including long waiting lists for disability supports, financial pressures and a lack of inclusive community spaces.
Key Findings from the Same Chance Report 2026
· 96% support legislating for a National Autism Strategy in Ireland
· 68% believe misinformation about Autism has increased in the past year
· 73% say waiting lists are the biggest barrier to accessing disability supports
· 93% report additional financial costs associated with being Autistic or raising an Autistic child
· 29% of children represented in the report have experienced a reduced timetable since December 2024
· 52% did not feel their child’s school place met their needs
· 81% say communities lack safe and inclusive social spaces for Autistic people
· 72% say they do not have the supports needed to live independently
Speaking at the launch, Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, said:
“The rise in misinformation about Autism is deeply concerning. We see everything from conspiracy theories about vaccines to influencers promoting unproven ‘cures’ on social media. Unfounded hunches and baseless commentary that isn’t supported by data is extremely harmful as it fuels stigma, undermines trust in research and distracts from the real issues facing Autistic people, such as access to services, education and supports.
World Autism Month should be about listening to Autistic people and focusing on evidence-based policies that improve lives. Our Same Chance Campaign gives voice to a range of community ambassadors who have put their experiences to the Irish public, in our annual Attitudes to Autism poll, and will highlight the changes, which society must make to realise the rights of Autistic people across the life cycle.
Every day in our society, Autistic people face barriers which others do not even see. Too often these experiences are lost in discussions about Autism and exclude Autistic people. This is particularly true in areas of public policy – at a time in which many children remain without a school place for September 2026 and many more await timely access to assessment – we increasingly see the specific needs of Autistic people overlooked, minimised or placed in a “one-size-fits all” approach to public policy.
He added that the findings also highlight the urgent need for progress on Ireland’s National Autism Strategy.
“The Same Chance Report demonstrates that the areas which the government’s Autism Innovation Strategy was crafted to address – from building an Autism-affirming society to creating inclusive communities are only just beginning. The initial 15-month strategy was set to conclude on the 31st March 2026. It is now vitally important that the government both extends this timeline and moves to draft anambitious successor strategy underpinned by legislation, as promised in the Programme for Government.
The Same Chance Report, which captures the voice of Autistic people, together with our Attitudes to Autism poll that sampled 1,000 Irish adults both underscore the broad agreement that the government must take firm action to address the pervasive barriers our community faces including through increased investment and the delivery of the Autism Strategy Act.”
Financial Pressure and Cost of Disability
The report also highlights the financial burden faced by Autistic people and families, with 93% of respondents reporting additional costs related to disability.
These costs can include therapy supports, transport, specialist education supports and reduced employment opportunities for parents and carers.
AsIAm is calling on Government to introduce a Cost of Disability payment, recognising the financial impact faced by disabled people and their families.
Waiting Lists and Community Inclusion
Long waiting lists for disability supports were identified as the single biggest barrier facing Autistic people and their families, with 73% of respondents highlighting delays in accessing services.
At a time in which the right to access assessment is in sharp focus, due to the government’s proposed amendments, to the Disability Act, some 75% found the current Assessment of Need process inaccessible.
Community Inclusion and Acceptance
The research also found that 81% believe communities lack safe and inclusive social spaces, meaning many Autistic people continue to feel excluded from everyday social environments.
One Autistic contributor to the report said:
“People often think they understand Autism, but many still don’t understand how the world feels for us. What we need is acceptance, understanding and support.”
To mark World Autism Month, communities across Ireland are invited to take part in the Same Chance Walk for Autism, taking place on 12th April 2026.
Supported by PTSB, the walk encourages communities to step out in solidarity with Autistic people and their families while raising funds for AsIAm’s advocacy, services and community support programmes.
The full Same Chance Report 2026 is available and can be downloaded here.