
Our Week Online – 1/6/2019
Welcome to Our Week Online. This is a bumper edition for the bank holiday – sit back and enjoy.
Last week Ireland held local and European elections and another referendum. However, for blind and visually impaired people, voting was cumbersome, time-consuming, and even risky.
A 34-year-old Deaf woman who has been living in a nursing home for the past two years is suing the HSE. The woman has a physical disability, and uses Irish Sign Language (ISL) to communicate, the only person in the nursing home who has ISL. Her counsel says that despite the best efforts of the staff, the woman’s health and well-being is deteriorating and being placed in a nursing home for older people is inappropriate.
Scientists have induced certain autistic traits in mice after faecal transplants. In the study, animals that had faecal transplants from autistic children became less sociable, less vocal and developed repetitive behaviours. The scientists say that the links between autism and the digestive system have been made more concrete.
Meanwhile in the United States, disability advocates say a new rule granting health care providers more powers to deny care that they disagree with could have serious consequences for people with disabilities and illnesses.
Back in Dublin, the Dublin Inquirer talks to the people behind a new programme launched to help people with disabilities access work and education.
Research increasingly suggests that psychosis occurs in more than 3 in every 100 autistic people, more than three times the frequency in the general population. In Spectrum, two researchers write about their work trying to raise awareness of psychosis in autistic people and give appropriate care and treatment.
Pride festivals will be held across the world this June, honouring the legacy of the Stonewall riots and the LGBTQ+ movement. But many LGBTQ+ disabled people can still get left behind during Pride due to inaccessibility. Here’s how that can change.
In the last few weeks, groundbreaking new research was launched on autistic social dynamics and communication, which found that autistic people find it easier to communicate with other autistic people, even easier than neurotypical people communicating with other neurotypical people. The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism interviews one of the researchers on how the study was conducted, how the results break autism stereotypes, and what happens next.
And one from the archives…
I feel really sad.
A deep churning sadness.
A very familiar and crushing mix of shame, frustration and exhaustion.It’s a mix of feelings I can’t remember ever not being present. Experience tells me these feelings won’t last with the intensity I’m feeling them right now, but neither will they ever fully go away.
I’m mostly very happy, but there’s an aspect of myself that I’ve always found hard: hard to experience, hard to think about and hard to explain to others.
by Eleanor Walsh - 2 June, 2019
Last updated by Eleanor Walsh - May 31, 2019
in Accessibility, Advocacy, Arts and Culture, Challenging Behaviour, Communication, Employment, Featured News, Healthcare, Meltdowns, Our Week Online, Socialising

ExamRevision.ie Grants Free Access to Autism ID Cardholders
by Ian Lynam - 9 April, 2021
AsIAm is pleased to announce that ExamRevision.ie, will be offering free access to holders of our...[...]

CEO of AsIAm Adam Harris To Address United Nations Observance of World Autism Day
by Ian Lynam - 7 April, 2021
The CEO of AsIAm, Ireland's National Autism Charity, Adam Harris will address the United Nations ...[...]

AsIAm welcomes the commitment to develop an Autism Innovation Strategy in Ireland announced by Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte TD, today
by Ian Lynam - 2 April, 2021
2nd April AsIAm, Ireland's National Autism Charity, has welcomed the announcement by Minister of ...[...]

9 in 10 autistic people believe their autism makes it difficult to get a job – new research
by Ian Lynam - 1 April, 2021
The Autism in the Workplace Report from IrishJobs.ie in partnership with AsIAm reveals that almos...[...]

Say Yes To Autism Acceptance: AsIAm and World Autism Month 2021
by Ian Lynam - 31 March, 2021
We are delighted to announce our events and webinars for the month of April as part of our World ...[...]

Letter to Ministers Donnelly and Rabbite Regarding Dossiers Collected on Autistic Children
by Ian Lynam - 26 March, 2021
We've written to Minsters Stephen Donnelly and Anne Rabbitte asking for an urgent meeting to disc...[...]

Statement on RTÉ Investigates Report
by Adam Harris - 25 March, 2021
AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity, is deeply concerned following the RTÉ Investigates prog...[...]

International Women’s Day: Jody O’Neill on Autistic Women
by Ian Lynam - 19 March, 2021
Jody is an autistic writer, actor and advocate. Her acclaimed play, What I (Don’t) Know About Aut...[...]

Disability & Carers Groups Secure Commitment From Ministers Foley And Madigan
by Ian Lynam - 19 March, 2021
Groups highlighted to Ministers members anger and disappointment at being left behind in the retu...[...]

Webinar: Accessing Healthcare under the UNCRPD in Ireland
by Ian Lynam - 19 March, 2021
Welcome to the second of two webinars we're hosting on accessing supports under the UN Convention...[...]

No consultation on changes to school re-opening plan that will negatively affect 20,000 children with additional needs – Disability and Family Carer Groups
by Ian Lynam - 19 March, 2021
Representative groups waiting over a month for engagement from Government on special education is...[...]

Webinar: Accessing Education under the UNCRPD in Ireland
by Ian Lynam - 19 March, 2021
Welcome to the first of two webinars we're hosting on accessing supports under the UN Convention ...[...]

Thousands of children with additional education needs in mainstream education ‘completely dropped’ from school re-opening agenda – Disability and Family Carer groups
by Ian Lynam - 19 March, 2021
Groups waiting over a month for a meeting with Minister Foley while parents and childre...[...]

New #ChildrensFuturesIRL campaign focuses on children’s right to an adequate education
by Ian Lynam - 19 March, 2021
New #ChildrensFuturesIRL campaign focuses on children’s right to an adequate education ...[...]

Explainer: Supplementary Education Programme
by Ian Lynam - 19 March, 2021
What is this? The Department of Education, along with relevant education stakeholders, has begu...[...]

Partial return to special education ‘a mixed day’ for families – Disability, Children’s and Family Carer groups
by Ian Lynam - 11 February, 2021
Seven leading advocacy organisations, AsIAm, Down Syndrome Ireland, Family Carers Ireland, Inclus...[...]

Employers called on to Make Inclusion Work on International Day of Persons with Disabilities
by Ian Lynam - 15 December, 2020
Employers called on to make inclusion work on International Day of Persons with Disabilities N...[...]

Students with additional needs face new challenges during COVID-19
by Ian Lynam - 15 December, 2020
• 41% of families state their child’s needs more support • 22% of families state their chil...[...]

AsIAm Application to the Disability Participation and Consultation Network Successful
by Ian Lynam - 15 December, 2020
Earlier this month, AsIAm made a successful application to the Disability Participation and Consu...[...]

AsIAm Youth Theatre Ireland
by Ian Lynam - 15 December, 2020
AsIAm are delighted to have had the opportunity to partner with Youth Theatre Ireland to create a...[...]

Career Opportunities: Training Officer
by AsIAm.ie - 30 September, 2020
AsIAm are currently recruiting for a dynamic and innovative person to join our organisation in th...[...]

AsIAm & Rethink Ireland Partner to Support 3rd Level Autistic Students
by Ian Lynam - 23 September, 2020
Project develops quality online resources to help autistic students transition ...[...]

Football For All: Inclusive Sport in Ireland
by Ian Lynam - 18 September, 2020
Young people with additional needs have struggled during lockdown; along with the disru...[...]

Life Over Lockdown: Kevin Hanly
by Ian Lynam - 18 September, 2020
Kevin Hanly – Being autistic and living through a pandemic!! COVID-19 has affected everyone’s li...[...]

Autistic Pride: Part Three
by Ian Lynam - 18 September, 2020
Apologies for the delay in getting to the next part! As you can imagine, a lot has been happening...[...]

Autistic families concerned about the return to school, survey finds
by Ian Lynam - 18 September, 2020
Autistic families concerned about the return to school, survey finds 77% of families feel ...[...]

SURVEY: Returning to school during COVID-19
by Ian Lynam - 18 September, 2020
AsIAm, Ireland's National Autism Charity, has been working to support our community through the C...[...]

Assistive Technology Passport: A Promising New System
by Ian Lynam - 18 September, 2020
Assistive Technology Passport; The Qualitative Research study In 2016, Enable Ireland and th...[...]

Youth Leadership Team: Lock Down, Unlocked Campaign
by Ian Lynam - 18 September, 2020
The AsIAm Youth Leadership Team has developed a campaign aimed at educating other young people an...[...]

Youth Leadership Team Unlocked: Tristan Lennon
by Ian Lynam - 18 September, 2020
The Covid-19 Pandemic has affected my life in many aspects, but predominantly in terms of my fami...[...]

Autistic Pride Part 2
by Ian Lynam - 17 July, 2020
We now move onto part two of the Autistic Pride Online coverage. Thank you for bearing with us. C...[...]

Autistic Pride 2020 Part One
by Ian Lynam - 6 July, 2020
We hope you all enjoyed celebrating Autistic Pride 2020, especially our friends at Autistic Paddi...[...]

Autism and Eating Disorders: Sharlene Woods and Fiona Fisher Bullivant
by Ian Lynam - 2 July, 2020
Experts have discussed the correlation between autism and eating disorders before. However, they'...[...]

“Bridge Back to School”- An Autism-Friendly Learning Resource for Summer 2020
by Adam Harris - 2 July, 2020
SuperValu & AsIAm are delighted to announce the launch of a learning resource toolkit, develo...[...]

Autistic Pride in Ireland
by Ian Lynam - 18 June, 2020
Autistic Pride began in 2005 with a celebration by Aspies for Freedom. Since then every year June...[...]

FAQs about July Provision / Summer Education Programme 2020
by AsIAm.ie - 17 June, 2020
The Department of Education and Skills recently announced a new version of July Provision for 202...[...]

Clarification on Home Based Summer Provision Application Procedures
by Ian Lynam - 17 June, 2020
Yesterday we sought further clarity from the Department of Education on parents registe...[...]

Explainer: July Provision / Summer Education Programme 2020
by AsIAm.ie - 12 June, 2020
The Department of Education and Skills (DES) has announced a new support plan as part of the annu...[...]

Autism Charity welcomes Summer Education Programme
by Ian Lynam - 12 June, 2020
“We now all need to work together to make sure that every child who is eligible can ben...[...]

“I think many of the people put blame on themselves more than the college” Autism and Dropping Out of University
by Ian Lynam - 11 June, 2020
Between the sensory changes, new routines and demanding workloads, starting university can be esp...[...]

Explainer: Inspectorate Report on Educational Provisions for Autistic Learners in Irish Schools
by AsIAm.ie - 5 June, 2020
A landmark report on the special educational provisions for autistic learners in Irish schools ha...[...]

Update on July Provision
by AsIAm.ie - 4 June, 2020
Today, AsIAm's Chief Executive Officer Adam Harris, along with the representatives of several oth...[...]

Echo’s Bones Call For Participants Aged 15-21
by Ian Lynam - 27 May, 2020
Are you an autistic young person aged 15-21 living in north Dublin and interested in creative wri...[...]

Tiktok #Autismchallenge causes widespread controversy
by Ian Lynam - 14 May, 2020
Social media challenges are nothing new. They can be utilised to great effect such as the Movembe...[...]

Conor McDermott : Autism and Airports
by Ian Lynam - 14 May, 2020
Conor McDermott has recently completed a research project for his undergraduate in Occupational T...[...]

Explainer: Leaving Certificate Rules 2020
by Gáibhin McGranaghan - 13 May, 2020
What's a Calculated Grade? Calculated grades are grades which are based on how an individual pu...[...]

AsIAm’s Open Letter to the Party Leaders
by AsIAm.ie - 6 May, 2020
AsIAm has written to the leaders of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Green Party to stress the imp...[...]

Letter to Minister McHugh
by AsIAm.ie - 17 April, 2020
In recent days AsIAm has been reviewing the responses to our COVID-19 survey and identifying key ...[...]

Department of Health Clarifies 2km limit for Autistic Community
by Ian Lynam - 9 April, 2020
AsIAm submitted a question to the Minister of Health in relation to Covid-19 restrictions for ind...[...]

World Autism Month: #FlyForAutism Campaign
by Ian Lynam - 1 April, 2020
This is an unusual April Autistic people face major barriers in day to day life from education t...[...]

Social Story: COVID-19 “Lockdown”
by Adam Harris - 28 March, 2020
AsIAm, Ireland's National Autism Charity, has been working in close partnership with SuperValu to...[...]

Hannah O’Dwyer: Resources for Learning at Home
by Ian Lynam - 27 March, 2020
Many young students across the country have had their education massively impacted by the COVID19...[...]

An Garda Síochána and An Post Announce New Supports during COVID-19 Outbreak
by Ian Lynam - 27 March, 2020
Both the Gardaí Síochána and An Post have pledged supports to the most vulnerable members of soci...[...]

SURVEY: How can AsIAm help during COVID-19?
by AsIAm.ie - 26 March, 2020
AsIAm has been working to support Ireland's autism community throughout the COVID-19 emergency. ...[...]

Adrian Carroll: Impact of COVID-19 on Autistic Employees
by Ian Lynam - 25 March, 2020
Like many others facing difficult times, autistic people will largely have the same concerns abo...[...]

Autism and Covid19 Healthcare Information
by Ian Lynam - 25 March, 2020
Here’s some specific information for the autistic community about the current crisis, developed b...[...]

Explainer: COVID-19 and Changes to Work
by AsIAm.ie - 20 March, 2020
UPDATE: changes have been announced to certain payments from the Government at this time of writi...[...]

Maintaining Calmness about COVID-19/Coronavirus in the Autism Community
by Ian Lynam - 14 March, 2020
Michael Ryan – Counsellor/Psychotherapist While we cannot control the spread of this virus in th...[...]

Autism Friendly Vodafone
by Ian Lynam - 5 March, 2020
We at AsIAm were proud to work with Vodafone Ireland to introduce autism-friendly retail hours in...[...]

Emma Davies Speech
by Ian Lynam - 1 March, 2020
Emma Davies, a young autistic advocate and friend of AsIAm, recently delivered a speech to her sc...[...]

Meme Sunday 23-02-2020
by Ian Lynam - 23 February, 2020
Welcome to our next instalment of meme Sunday! [caption id="" align="alignnone" widt...[...]

Midlands Regional Hospital Sensory Room
by Ian Lynam - 19 February, 2020
The Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar recently became one of the first hospitals in the cou...[...]

#HappierHealthierLonger General Election Campaign Debrief
by AsIAm.ie - 18 February, 2020
Throughout the General Election, AsIAm had one key message: Ireland needs an Autism Empowerment S...[...]

Meme Sunday 16-02-2020
by Ian Lynam - 16 February, 2020
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="693"] Great piece on masking from Aspie-Rations Comics![/...[...]

What I (Don’t) Know About Autism: An Autistic Review
by Ian Lynam - 12 February, 2020
After all our press on Jody O'Neill's play, we couldn't wait to see the play ourselves. Our Vice-...[...]

Medb Lambert: What I Don’t Know About Autism
by Ian Lynam - 8 February, 2020
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Medb Lambert, head of design for What I (Don't) ...[...]

General Election Manifestos Review
by AsIAm.ie - 3 February, 2020
In the lead-up to polling day, it’s important that you know where each of the political parties s...[...]

What I (Don’t) Know About Autism: Jody O’Neill and Dónal Gallagher
by Ian Lynam - 30 January, 2020
What I (Don't) Know About Autism will shortly begin its run in the Peacock stage in the Abbey. Th...[...]

#HappierHealthierLonger: General Election 2020 Campaign Tools
by AsIAm.ie - 27 January, 2020
AsIAm has one message for every candidate standing in the General Election: Ireland needs an Auti...[...]

General Election Manifesto: Happier, Healthier, Longer Lives
by AsIAm.ie - 24 January, 2020
The national autism charity and advocacy group AsIAm is calling on every candidate running in the...[...]

What I (Don’t) Know About Autism: Matthew Ralli and Paula Mc Glinchy
by Ian Lynam - 24 January, 2020
What I (Don’t) Know About Autism, a play written by Jody O’Neill, will soon hit the stage. The pl...[...]

What I (Don’t) Know About Autism: Shay Croke and Jayson Murray
by Ian Lynam - 22 January, 2020
What I (Don’t) Know About Autism, a play written by Jody O’Neill, will soon hit the stage. The pl...[...]

What I (Don’t) Know About Autism: Eleanor Walsh Interview
by Ian Lynam - 20 January, 2020
What I (Don't) Know About Autism, a play written by Jody O'Neill, will soon hit the stage. The pl...[...]

Adam Harris Appointed To HSE Programme Board
by Ian Lynam - 17 January, 2020
AsIAm are pleased to announce that our Chief Executive Officer Adam Harris, will be joining the H...[...]

General Election 2020: We Need An Autism Empowerment Strategy
by AsIAm.ie - 14 January, 2020
Ahead of General Election 2020, AsIAm has one message for every candidate and political party – t...[...]

Hannah Gadsby, Gender and Autism
by Ian Lynam - 10 December, 2019
On June 20th of last year, Hannah Gadsby's show, Nanette, debuted on Netflix. Since then, the com...[...]

Explainer: Special Classes & Schools
by AsIAm.ie - 5 December, 2019
In November, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) published policy advice on special...[...]

Rolling For Kindness AsIAm Stream Interview: Elijah and Michael
by Ian Lynam - 28 November, 2019
Roll For Kindness, a LGBT positive RPG group, will shortly host a stream for AsIAm. This weekend ...[...]

Our Week Online- 24/11/2019
by Ian Lynam - 24 November, 2019
Welcome to our week online: we've been very busy preparing for our Christmas campaign, but a lot'...[...]

National Gallery of Ireland Becoming Autism Friendly
by Ian Lynam - 18 November, 2019
Last week the National Gallery of Ireland became the first cultural institution in Ireland to rec...[...]

AsIAm’s Response to Minister McHugh’s South Dublin Statement
by Ian Lynam - 15 November, 2019
AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity, has welcomed the Minister for Education and S...[...]

Dublin Gaymers: Ethan Browne
by Ian Lynam - 15 November, 2019
Dublin Gaymers is an LGBTQ+ gaming group which holds regular sessions in Dubl...[...]

Fighting Words Becoming Autism Friendly!
by Ian Lynam - 29 October, 2019
Fighting Words is a creative writing centre established by Roddy Doyle and Sean Love. F...[...]

Autism Siblings: Freya O’Horo and Her Blog!
by Ian Lynam - 22 October, 2019
Freya O’Horo is a Mayo native studying Social Care and Practice in Athlone Institute of Technolog...[...]

Our Week Online 20/10/19
by Ian Lynam - 20 October, 2019
Hello and welcome to our week online. Firstly, this time last week Minister Simon Harris annou...[...]

Autism and Education: Emigration Considered Due To Lack Of School Places
by Ian Lynam - 18 October, 2019
Rebecca Hitchcock Martins is a Cork mother who was working in London she met her husban...[...]

Autism Behind the Wheel: Teaching Teens and Young Adults on the Spectrum to Drive- Carmen Adams
by Ian Lynam - 9 October, 2019
*Editor's note: Carmen's piece, though helpful, is written in an American context. Not all situat...[...]

AsIAm Spending Proposals for Budget 2020
by AsIAm.ie - 4 October, 2019
AsIAm launched our spending proposals this week for Budget 2020, with a clear message to the Gove...[...]

NCI Reaching Autism Friendly University Status This Month!
by Ian Lynam - 2 October, 2019
We're currently currently working towards Autism-Friendly Status with National College of Irelan...[...]

Clonakilty Anniversary One Year Event: An Evening With Alan Gardner
by Ian Lynam - 2 October, 2019
We'll soon the first anniversary of Clonakilty becoming Ireland's first...[...]

AsIAm/Specialisterne Partnership
by Ian Lynam - 1 October, 2019
We at AsIAm are pleased to ann...[...]

Autism Friendly Schools Pilot Project 2019/2020
by Ian Lynam - 25 September, 2019
AsIAm are excited to announce the launch the ‘Autism Friendly Schools Pilot Project 2019/2020,’ ...[...]

Autism and Higher Education: Steve Silberman and Dr. Magda Mostafa
by Ian Lynam - 25 September, 2019
AsIAm recently hosted an informal discussion for autism and higher education. The session began w...[...]

AsIAm Budgetary Submission
by Ian Lynam - 19 September, 2019
At a time when many in the State continue to see the benefits of economic growth, Ireland’s auti...[...]

11 More Autism Friendly Towns Announced With SuperValu
by AsIAm.ie - 19 September, 2019
AsIAm is happy to today announce an additional 11 towns on the journey to becoming autism-friendl...[...]

AsIAm Community Seminar: Autism and Sibshops 11/09/2019
by Ian Lynam - 12 September, 2019
Michael opened the night and introducing our two presenters, Liz Fitzpatrick & Linda Foley. ...[...]

Robert Byrne’s Sensory Pod
by AsIAm.ie - 10 September, 2019
Today we sit down with Robert Byrne, creator of the sensory pod. Adapting the capsule hotels comm...[...]

Dr. Gillian Smith on Autism Friendly Dental Practices
by AsIAm.ie - 6 September, 2019
Dr. Gillian Smith is a Bray-based dentist. She previously made headlines in 2012 when she won the...[...]

Special Interest: Melissa Mooney- The Sixties
by Ian Lynam - 4 September, 2019
Mods, moptops and miniskirts. JFK, Woodstock and the moon landing. My pass...[...]

Community Voices: Nóra Nic Oireachtaigh and Bullying
by AsIAm.ie - 2 September, 2019
The following piece is the final piece in our series covering bullying and autism. The first part...[...]

Our Week Online 01/09/2019
by AsIAm.ie - 1 September, 2019
Hello and welcome to Our Week Online. Apologies for the long gap since Eleanor's final post. I've...[...]

School and Autism – My Experience: Lauren Martin
by AsIAm.ie - 28 August, 2019
August; and it seems as if I have only grown accustomed to the structure deficient summer days. T...[...]

Fota Wildlife Park recognised for commitment to autism inclusion
by AsIAm.ie - 27 August, 2019
The attraction has been accredited by National Autism Charity as an example of best practise in a...[...]

Community Voices: Autism and Bullying
by AsIAm.ie - 23 August, 2019
Hello all. If you haven’t seen our previous interview with Neil Kenny, I’d recommend checking it ...[...]

AsIAm Condemns Cut to Rehabilitative Training Allowance
by AsIAm.ie - 21 August, 2019
AsIAm, Ireland’s national autism charity, has condemned the Health Service Executive’s decision t...[...]

Explainer: New Rules for Irish Language Exemptions
by AsIAm.ie - 12 August, 2019
The Minister for Education and Skills announced a rehaul of the criteria for granting exemptions ...[...]

Limerick Launches First Autism Friendly Intreo Office
by AsIAm.ie - 12 August, 2019
July saw the launch of Ireland's first autism friendly Intreo Office. Intreo Offices, a crucial p...[...]

Autism and Education: Riley O’Keefe
by AsIAm.ie - 8 August, 2019
Mark O'Keefe, celebrity hairdresser and owner of the Sugar Club, made headlines last week in his ...[...]

Our Work With Playstival
by Ian Lynam - 7 August, 2019
We at AsIAm can't wait for Playstival in three days time. Having worked with them since January w...[...]

Aidan’s Snakebook
by Ian Lynam - 3 August, 2019
We had a guest in our offices last week who dropped in to show us the book he has been working on...[...]

AsIAm and Supervalu’s Corporate Charity Partnership Earns Award
by AsIAm.ie - 2 August, 2019
Coming ahead of some stiff competition, AsIAm and Supervalu have won the Corporate Charity Partne...[...]

Bullying and Autism: Neil Kenny Interview
by AsIAm.ie - 30 July, 2019
In the wake of Joel Langford’s tragic death, I wanted to discuss the unique nature of bullying di...[...]

Kevin McLoughlin on University Societies as an Autistic Man
by AsIAm.ie - 25 July, 2019
Hey everyone! I’m Kevin, I’m 19 years old, and I’m halfway through my first year exams ...[...]

Ireland’s First Disability Friendly Music Festival Enters Second Year
by AsIAm.ie - 24 July, 2019
After a highly successful debut in 2018, AbleFest is coming back to Co. Meath! I spoke to Shay Ca...[...]

Autistic Son To Be Relocated 70km Away From Family
by AsIAm.ie - 19 July, 2019
Jake O’Kane is 18 years old. He likes music, swimming and horse riding and he will soon be moved ...[...]

Our Week Online – 7/7/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 7 July, 2019
Hello, and welcome to Our Week Online. This edition will be the last news roundup on AsIAm.ie, at...[...]

Our Week Online – 30/6/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 30 June, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online, where we read the internet so you don't have to! A disability cent...[...]

AsIAm CEO Addresses Oireachtas Committee on Public Petitions on Mandatory Teacher Training
by AsIAm.ie - 25 June, 2019
Last Wednesday 19th June AsIAm Founder and CEO Adam Harris addressed the Oireachtas Committee on ...[...]

Our Week Online – 16/6/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 16 June, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online, and what a wet week it's been. Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride has announced ...[...]

Adam O’Brien: Spectrum
by AsIAm.ie - 14 June, 2019
October, the month of Halloween, is a month associated with monsters, moonlight, and ...[...]

AsIAm CEO Addresses Oireachtas Joint Committee Consultation on Reduced Timetables
by AsIAm.ie - 13 June, 2019
Today AsIAm's Founder and CEO Adam Harris addressed the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education a...[...]

Autism ID Card Announcement
by AsIAm.ie - 12 June, 2019
Autism ID Cards Update: Applications for Autism ID Cards will open on 31st July. Design has been...[...]

William Florish: “Here’s to the Invisible Kids”
by Eleanor Walsh - 30 May, 2019
Here at AsIAm we've been inspired this week by William Florish, who just graduated from Transitio...[...]

Our Week Online – 12/5/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 12 May, 2019
Hello, and welcome to Our Week Online. This week Ireland became the second country in the world t...[...]

Our Week Online – 5/5/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 5 May, 2019
Hello, and welcome to Our Week Online. The autism community has made it through another World Aut...[...]

Minister for Education Reminds Schools of Obligations to Students with SEN Following Enough Is Enough Protest
by Eleanor Walsh - 1 May, 2019
Yesterday Minister for Education Joe McHugh TD published a statement reminding schools and patron...[...]

Kevin Hanly – The Achievements That Can Be Made With Being Autistic!
by AsIAm.ie - 30 April, 2019
As we come to the end of World Autism Month 2019, autistic advocate and Tipperary GAA supporter K...[...]

AsIAm to Join Enough Is Enough Protest on Lack of School Places for Autistic Students at Leinster House
by AsIAm.ie - 25 April, 2019
In light of the recent publication of our Invisible Children report on School Absence and Withdra...[...]

Joan McDonald – Introduction to Autistic Paddies
by AsIAm.ie - 24 April, 2019
You may have met Autistic Paddies at our last National Autism Conference in October, the Face...[...]

Our Week Online – 21/4/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 21 April, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online. Happy Easter, and Bank Holiday Weekend! If you need a break away from...[...]

Research Opportunity: Barriers experienced by autistic adults accessing primary healthcare in Ireland
by AsIAm.ie - 16 April, 2019
AsIAm.ie is delighted to share this research opportunity with our readers. If you are interested ...[...]

Our Week Online – 14/4/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 14 April, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online. We're about halfway through World Autism Month, and it can be long. R...[...]

Explainer: What Happened in Senator Devine’s Commencement Matter on SEN Schools Provision in the Seanad?
by AsIAm.ie - 12 April, 2019
On Thursday morning, Senator Máire Devine submitted a Commencement Matter to Seanad Éireann on th...[...]

Autism ID Card Consultation
by AsIAm.ie - 11 April, 2019
In AsIAm we aim to make society universally accessible for autistic people. This would be a socie...[...]

Explainer: What Happened in Senator Ó Ríordáin’s Commencement Matter on School Places in the Seanad?
by Eleanor Walsh - 10 April, 2019
On Tuesday afternoon, Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin submitted a Commencement Matter to Seanad Éireann...[...]

So You Want to Celebrate World Autism Month
by Eleanor Walsh - 8 April, 2019
April is World Autism Month! That means many people will be talking about autism in the media, in...[...]

Our Week Online – 7/4/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 7 April, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online, and the first week of World Autism Month. This series has proved that...[...]

Explainer: What Happens Now after the Dáil’s Autism Motion?
by Gáibhin McGranaghan - 4 April, 2019
On Tuesday evening, Sinn Féin used their Private Members’ time to submit a motion to establish an...[...]

Majority of Irish Support Autistic People in Jobs, Schools and the Community, but Don’t Understand Autism Well, survey finds
by Gáibhin McGranaghan - 2 April, 2019
Irish people show strong positive support for autistic people in schools, employment and society ...[...]

What is an Autism Strategy & What’s Happening Tomorrow with Sinn Féin’s Private Member’s Motion?
by Gáibhin McGranaghan - 1 April, 2019
Autism Strategy Tomorrow evening, Sinn Féin will be submitting a Private Member's Bill to establ...[...]

Our Week Online – 31/3/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 31 March, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online. Today happens to be AsIAm's fifth birthday! So it would be rude not t...[...]

Resource Pack for Primary and Secondary Schools 2019
by AsIAm.ie - 29 March, 2019
Calling all schools, teachers, and educators! April is World Autism Month, and we have developed ...[...]

SuperValu and AsIAm Inclusive Communities Award
by AsIAm.ie - 29 March, 2019
AsIAm and SuperValu have a strong partnership in supporting communities to become autism-friendly...[...]

Our Week Online – 24/3/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 24 March, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online. The countdown to April has begun, it's a really important month for A...[...]

What We Learned – Parent Wellness and Self-Care
by Eleanor Walsh - 20 March, 2019
Last week we held our Community Support event in Tipperary on Parent Well-Being and Self-Care. Th...[...]

Free SuperValu Home Delivery to the Autism Community for April!
by AsIAm.ie - 20 March, 2019
AsIAm are delighted to partner with SuperValu, the first food retailer in Ireland to introduce Au...[...]

Our Week Online – 17/3/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 17 March, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online. In what has been a very busy news week, we've picked out autism and d...[...]

Interview – Kate Heffernan and Aisling O’Gorman, Peat @ The Ark
by AsIAm.ie - 12 March, 2019
The Ark Cultural Centre for Children presents Peat, a brand new theatre show for ages 8+ by Kate ...[...]

Our Week Online – 10/3/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 10 March, 2019
Hello, and welcome to Our Week Online. This week we celebrated Pancake Tuesday, World Book Day, a...[...]

Advice on Education Plans ~ AsIAm Explains
by AsIAm.ie - 5 March, 2019
In December of last year, the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and Teacher’s Unio...[...]

Press Release: AsIAm Advice on Education Plans
by AsIAm.ie - 5 March, 2019
In December 2018, it was brought to AsIAm’s attention that the Association of Secondary Teachers ...[...]

Our Week Online – 3/3/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 3 March, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online - because these days, media is all about the signal boost. In the U...[...]

Help Raise Funds For AsIAm By Taking Part In The VHI Women’s Mini Marathon 2020
by AsIAm.ie - 26 February, 2019
Help Raise Funds For AsIAm By Taking Part In The VHI Women's Mini Marathon 2020 Date: ...[...]

Our Week Online – 24/2/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 24 February, 2019
Welcome to Our Week Online. Did anyone else struggle with knowing what to wear in the sudden warm...[...]

Community Support Update and FAQs
by AsIAm.ie - 22 February, 2019
We want to give you all an update on our Community Support seminars so far! We've held five event...[...]

Interview: Dr. Linda O’Rourke and Elzaan Marnane of Core Clinical
by AsIAm.ie - 21 February, 2019
It's no secret that meaningful supports and services for autistic people in Ireland are tough to ...[...]

Call Out: Complete Our Survey on Adult Autism Diagnosis
by AsIAm.ie - 21 February, 2019
In partnership with Core Clinical, we invite autistic people with a formal adult diagnosis of aut...[...]

What We Learned – Autism and Play: Promises and Possibilities
by AsIAm.ie - 21 February, 2019
On Monday evening we held our Community Support event in Co. Limerick on Autism and Play. We ...[...]

Are You Ready to create your Autism Friendly Town?
by AsIAm.ie - 19 February, 2019
AsIAm and SuperValu were proud to partner with the community of Clonakilty in creating Ireland’s ...[...]

Our Week Online – 17/2/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 17 February, 2019
This is Our Week Online. We hope you all had a Happy Valentine’s Day (and an even better Galentin...[...]

Interview: Julie McCabe
by AsIAm.ie - 16 February, 2019
For those of you who watched the most recent episode of Ireland’s Got Talent last Saturday at...[...]

Noel Ward and Michael McEnery’s April Ultra-Marathon in aid of AsIAm!
by AsIAm.ie - 14 February, 2019
Autism Awareness Month is coming up soon in April, and two men are planning to give it their all ...[...]

A Right to Earn a Living ~ AsIAm Explains
by AsIAm.ie - 12 February, 2019
Last week, Education and Skills Minister Joe McHugh TD stated that his Department would be appeal...[...]

Our Week Online – 10/2/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 10 February, 2019
This is Our Week Online. Sit down, why don't you? A quarter of the disabled population of Irel...[...]

What We Learned – Community Support: Puberty and Sexuality
by AsIAm.ie - 8 February, 2019
Last night we held our Puberty and Sexuality Community Support seminar in Co. Wicklow, and we're ...[...]

Being a True Friend by Rachael Donohoe
by AsIAm.ie - 7 February, 2019
Here at AsIAm it's important to us to champion the work of the autistic community. That's why we ...[...]

Orán Timoney – Special Award Winner at BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition!
by AsIAm.ie - 5 February, 2019
We're very proud to say that Orán Timoney, a member of our first Youth Leadership Team and now an...[...]

Our Week Online – 3/2/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 3 February, 2019
It's Sunday, and February is here which means, whether it feels like it or not, Spring has come t...[...]

Call Out: Complete Our Surveys on School Places and Exclusion/Withdrawal
by AsIAm.ie - 30 January, 2019
As the national autistic advocacy organisation, AsIAm receives a huge volume of messages from fam...[...]

What We Learned – Community Support: Independent Living and Housing
by AsIAm.ie - 29 January, 2019
Last week we held our first 2019 Community Support event in Ratoath, County Meath, on the topic o...[...]

Our Week Online – 27/1/2019
by Eleanor Walsh - 27 January, 2019
It's 2019, and welcome to Our Week Online. How are you doing with your New Year's Resolutions? If...[...]

“It’s Not A Disorder”: Minister Joe McHugh Challenges Himself and TDs on Inclusive Language around Autism
by AsIAm.ie - 23 January, 2019
Following constructive and insightful discussions and correspondence with AsIAm in recent week...[...]

Interview: Daniel Kennedy
by AsIAm.ie - 22 January, 2019
Art is a natural fit for many people on the autism spectrum. Whether it's done as a hobby or a fo...[...]

Constructive Meeting between AsIAm & ASTI Representatives
by AsIAm.ie - 21 January, 2019
Representatives from both AsIAm and the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) met last...[...]

AsIAm Condemns the ‘Pick & Choose’ Approach to Meeting Students’ Needs from the ASTI & TUI
by AsIAm.ie - 19 December, 2018
Sign our petition calling for the ASTI & TUI to revise their advice here! AsIAm, I...[...]

Our Week Online – 16/12/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 16 December, 2018
Welcome to the last Our Week Online of 2018. This will be our last round up of the year because w...[...]

Kelli Twomey: “This is ME”
by AsIAm.ie - 10 December, 2018
Kelli Twomey, a mother of an autistic child, sent us this poem from her child's perspective, and ...[...]

Our Week Online – 9/12/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 9 December, 2018
Welcome to Our Week Online. Don't know what it is about December, but the autism and disability s...[...]

We Need an Inclusive, Measurable Autism Strategy
by AsIAm.ie - 6 December, 2018
AsIAm has said the publication by the Department of Health of two reports relating to autism must...[...]

Our Week Online – 2/12/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 2 December, 2018
Welcome to Our Week Online. This is the biggest roundup so far, but it was a big week! Go and boi...[...]

National Autism Conference 2018 Speaker Presentations
by AsIAm.ie - 26 November, 2018
It's been a month since our National Autism Conference in October, and we've received wonderful f...[...]

Our Week Online – 25/11/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 25 November, 2018
Welcome to Our Week Online, a round up of autism and disability related news around the world, ar...[...]

Kevin Hanly: Living With Autism at Christmas Time
by AsIAm.ie - 23 November, 2018
The end of November is near, and while there's still a few weeks left until Christmas, preparing ...[...]

Interview: Elaine Harris
by AsIAm.ie - 19 November, 2018
Elaine Harris is a yoga teacher who founded The Yoga Shed in Co. Wicklow in 2014, which serves to...[...]

Our Week Online – 18/11/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 18 November, 2018
Welcome to Our Week Online, probably the only news roundup this week that doesn't include Brexit....[...]

Our Week Online – 11/11/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 11 November, 2018
It's Sunday, winter has definitely arrived, and there's only six weeks to Christmas! Welcome to O...[...]

Community Support – Autism in the Home, University College Cork, Cork
by AsIAm.ie - 6 November, 2018
AsIAm is hosting twenty four Community Support Seminar talks around the country over the next twe...[...]

Community Support – Autism and the Law, RCSI, Dublin
by AsIAm.ie - 6 November, 2018
AsIAm is hosting twenty four Community Support Seminar talks around the country over the next twe...[...]

Our Week Online – 4/11/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 4 November, 2018
It's Sunday, and welcome to Our Week Online. Here's the internet's tricks and treats from the pas...[...]

Interview: Nicholas Ryan-Purcell
by Eleanor Walsh - 2 November, 2018
Nicholas Ryan-Purcell is an autistic filmmaker from Co. Tipperary. His latest film is called This...[...]

Our Week Online – 28/10/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 28 October, 2018
It's Sunday, Halloween is almost here, Ireland is (hopefully) done with voting for the year, and ...[...]

Call Out: NCSE Consultations on Special Schools and Classes
by AsIAm.ie - 24 October, 2018
Our survey on special schools and classes is now live and open to the public! If you're a school ...[...]

Autism Friendly Santa School
by AsIAm.ie - 24 October, 2018
*Due to the huge amount of inquiries we have had about our Autism Friendly Santa Training, we...[...]

Community Support Survey 2018
by AsIAm.ie - 23 October, 2018
We at AsIAm invite the autism community in Ireland to take part in our new Community Support Surv...[...]

Research Opportunity: Building Inclusive Healthcare for People with Autism, NUI Galway
by AsIAm.ie - 23 October, 2018
AsIAm.ie is delighted to share this research opportunity with our users. If you are interested in...[...]

Our Week Online – 21/10/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 21 October, 2018
It's Sunday, and welcome to Our Week Online. The AsIAm team are having a well-deserved rest after...[...]

Laragh Smith: My Experience of an Inclusive Community
by AsIAm.ie - 19 October, 2018
The theme of this year's National Autism Conference is "Building Inclusive Communities". Laragh, ...[...]

Update: National Autism Conference 2018
by AsIAm.ie - 18 October, 2018
AsIAm National Autism Conference is just two days away! Our team are putting the final details to...[...]

Meet Our New Community Support Officer!
by AsIAm.ie - 17 October, 2018
Last month, we introduced you to our new Information Officer, Eleanor Walsh. Today, we would like...[...]

National Autism Conference 2018 – Autism Welcoming Venue and Experience
by AsIAm.ie - 16 October, 2018
National Autism Conference is less than a week away, in the Grand Hotel, Malahide, Dublin, this S...[...]

A First For Ireland With Clonakilty Becoming Ireland’s First Autism Friendly Town
by AsIAm.ie - 16 October, 2018
SuperValu and AsIAm partner with the entire community of Clonakilty to secure full Autism Friendl...[...]

Our Week Online – 14/10/2018
by Eleanor Walsh - 14 October, 2018
Here's a new series on the website where we round up some of the best writing on autism, disabili...[...]

Stephen Shore Visits AsIAm and DCU
by AsIAm.ie - 5 October, 2018
Last week AsIAm was honoured to welcome Dr. Stephen Shore, noted autistic academic and speaker, t...[...]

The Clonakilty Commitment – Training Week!
by AsIAm.ie - 3 October, 2018
The town of Clonakilty in Co. Cork has undertaken a commitment to become fully Autism Friendly – ...[...]

What Strategies can I use for my Non-Verbal Child to ease their Transition?
by Emer Ring - 28 September, 2018
All autistic children experience challenges in communication. While many might have an extensive ...[...]

BUY YOUR COPY: Mary Immaculate publishes a handbook for educators – “Autism from the Inside Out”
by AsIAm.ie - 21 September, 2018
AsIAm would like to thank Dr Emer Ring and her colleagues from Mary Immaculate College (MIC)'s De...[...]

Meet Our New Information Officer!
by AsIAm.ie - 21 September, 2018
AsIAm is delighted to welcome two new members of staff to our team this autumn! Michael O'Flan...[...]

How Can I Apply for a Special Needs Assistant (SNA)?
by Emer Ring - 20 September, 2018
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has just completed a review of the Special Need...[...]

Autism Experience Exhibition in Clonakilty on Thursday 27th September!
by Adam Harris - 20 September, 2018
SuperValu and AsIAm.ie will host a unique exhibition which will enable the people of Clonakilty t...[...]

How can My Child Be Supported if They’re Having a Meltdown?
by Emer Ring - 20 September, 2018
Research continues to tell us that we must view ‘challenging behaviour’ as a way in which the chi...[...]

How can I Explain My Child’s Sensory Needs to their New Teacher?
by Emer Ring - 19 September, 2018
Your child’s teacher may already be aware of autistic children's sensory needs. However, if your ...[...]

What’s an Individual Education Plan (IEP) & how can I Set One Up for My Child?
by Emer Ring - 18 September, 2018
An Individual Education Plan, often referred to as an ‘IEP’, is a plan to support your child’s le...[...]

What can I Do if my Child Doesn’t Want to go Back to School?
by Emer Ring - 14 September, 2018
If your child doesn’t want to go back to school, it's important to talk about the reasons why the...[...]

How can I help Ease My Child Back into the School Routine from Home?
by Emer Ring - 11 September, 2018
We all struggle getting back into our regular routine after holidays and for autistic children, w...[...]

What Resources are Available to Support Families on their Transitions in School?
by Emer Ring - 7 September, 2018
There is a wide range of resources available to support parents and children on this exciting jou...[...]

Is it a Good Idea to Arrange a Meeting with their Teacher? If so, What Should I Ask?
by Emer Ring - 4 September, 2018
It is a really good idea and absolutely essential to arrange a meeting with your child’s teacher,...[...]

Are there Things I can do at Home to Prepare my Child for Starting School?
by Emer Ring - 31 August, 2018
Parents and families are preparing their children for school from the day they are born and not j...[...]

What are the Most Important Things to Consider when Choosing a School for my Child?
by Emer Ring - 29 August, 2018
Starting school is one of the biggest events in both a family member's and a child's life. All be...[...]

Kevin Hanley: Back to Routine!
by AsIAm.ie - 27 August, 2018
Returning to routine after a break can be a tough one to get your head around, especially after a...[...]

AsIAm CEO Speaks before the Oireachtas Education Committee
by AsIAm.ie - 27 June, 2018
AsIAm Founder and CEO Adam Harris called on the Department of Education to deliver training to te...[...]

Melissa Mooney: Autism is a Superpower!
by AsIAm.ie - 19 June, 2018
Melissa, a young woman living with Asperger's, talks about her experiences with her autism and ab...[...]

AsIAm official charity partner at the forthcoming Arsenal vs Chelsea match
by AsIAm.ie - 13 June, 2018
It was with great pride and excitement that we announce today that AsIAm will be charity partner ...[...]

NCSE’s Review of Special Needs Assistants Explained
by AsIAm.ie - 31 May, 2018
This week, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) launched its review into the Special...[...]

AsIAm National Autism Conference 2018: “Building Inclusive Communities”
by AsIAm.ie - 6 May, 2018
We are delighted to make the tickets available for our 3rd Annual AsIAm National Autism Conferenc...[...]

Interview: Jody O’Neill – Autism & Entrepreneurship
by AsIAm.ie - 4 May, 2018
Jody O’Neill is a young self-advocate attending Castletroy College in County Limerick. She has se...[...]


Building an Autism-Friendly Environment
by AsIAm.ie - 23 April, 2018
Day #22 of our #AsIAmChallenge for World Autism Day is about helping prepare for an autism-friend...[...]

Aisling Foran: Listening & Social Groups
by AsIAm.ie - 20 April, 2018
WHAT IS THE TRIPLE A ALLIANCE? Triple A Alliance was set up in 2002 by a group of parents who wa...[...]

Make Your Club Autism-Friendly
by AsIAm.ie - 19 April, 2018
Awareness about autism has increased among society in recent years. This is a positive developmen...[...]

Check In & Ask
by AsIAm.ie - 18 April, 2018
Day #17 of our #AsImChallenge is about checking in and asking. Successful autism inclusion is ...[...]

Conducting Autism-Friendly Interviews
by AsIAm.ie - 17 April, 2018
Businesses have begun to recognise the valuable skills that autistic employees can bring to the w...[...]

Creating a Quiet Space
by AsIAm.ie - 16 April, 2018
Sensory rooms or quiet spaces are designated areas where autistic people can use to stim or retre...[...]

Create a “Social story” for your business or organisation
by AsIAm.ie - 15 April, 2018
Social stories are short guides of a particular situation, event or activity. They include specif...[...]

#Day 13 Making Written Communication Clear
by AsIAm.ie - 14 April, 2018
Day#13 of our #AsIAmChallenge is about using Plain English when communicating. We often think ...[...]

Making Your Organisation Sensory-Friendly
by AsIAm.ie - 13 April, 2018
Day#12 of our #AsIAmChallenge is about being aware of people's sensory needs. Autistic individual...[...]

Check out our Sensory Checklist Tool!
by AsIAm.ie - 13 April, 2018
It's Day 12 of #AsIAmChallenge and things have taken a big step up! Today we are challenging memb...[...]

Autism & Stereotyping
by AsIAm.ie - 12 April, 2018
Autism is widely known yet it is not widely understood. Awareness of the condition has grown in r...[...]

CALLOUT: World Autism Awareness Month Blogs
by AsIAm.ie - 6 April, 2018
Personal stories and experiences, sharing and openly discussing them, are what make any awarene...[...]

Sensory Awareness in Practice
by AsIAm.ie - 4 April, 2018
An autistic person’s brain may struggle to receive and respond to information collected through t...[...]

Top Tips for Being Patient
by AsIAm.ie - 3 April, 2018
ONE PIECE OF INFORMATION AT A TIME Autistic people love routine and predictability. Knowing what...[...]

World Autism Month:
by AsIAm.ie - 2 April, 2018
World Autism Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate the autism community, highlight the chall...[...]

Teach Me AsIAm Early Years Programme Arrives at Limerick
by AsIAm.ie - 30 March, 2018
Up to sixty early years professionals attended the ‘Teach Me AsIAm’ Early Years seminar in Limeri...[...]

DCU Autism-Friendly Campus Launched Today
by AsIAm.ie - 22 March, 2018
Dublin City University was recognised as the world’s first autism-friendly university by AsIAm to...[...]

Top Tips for an Autism-Friendly St Patrick’s Day
by AsIAm.ie - 16 March, 2018
St Patrick's Day is a great way to spend time with our friends and families and celebrate being I...[...]

Interview: DCU School of Special & Inclusive Education
by AsIAm.ie - 13 March, 2018
DCU's School of Special and Inclusive Education are setting up a funded PhD exploring the experie...[...]

AsIAm Cautiously Welcomes the UNCRPD’s Ratification
by AsIAm.ie - 8 March, 2018
AsIAm welcomes the government’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Pe...[...]

‘Teach Me As I Am’ Early Years Training Programme Update
by AsIAm.ie - 3 March, 2018
AsIAm launched the ‘Teach Me As I Am’ Early Years Autism Programme in North Dublin on Monday 19th...[...]

Changes In Routine: What do I do?
by AsIAm.ie - 28 February, 2018
Changes in schedule or routine can make autistic people – children as well as adults – anxious an...[...]

Secondary School Workshop at Colaiste Gleann Lí
by AsIAm.ie - 28 February, 2018
This week, Adam Harris visited Colaiste Gleann Lí in Tralee, Co. Kerry, as part of AsIAm’s second...[...]

AsIAm CEO Addresses SuperValu 2018 Conference
by AsIAm.ie - 27 February, 2018
This week, the AsIAm team attended SuperValu’s annual conference in Killarney, Co. Kerry, with th...[...]

Welcome to our new Board of Directors members!
by AsIAm.ie - 22 February, 2018
BRIAN IRWIN Brian is a Cork native, living in the heart of the city all his life. He enjoys orga...[...]

Nicole Duggan: My Boy Blue
by AsIAm.ie - 19 February, 2018
Nicola Duggan is a young parent of a child on the autism spectrum. She has been blogging about he...[...]

Spotlight: Autism Spectrum Fitness
by AsIAm.ie - 15 February, 2018
Fitness and keeping up exercise can be challenging habits to start, nevermind keep, for those of ...[...]

Interview: YLT’s Ben Rowsome & his Garda Youth Award
by AsIAm.ie - 9 February, 2018
Earlier this week, Co. Wicklow's Ben Rowsome was nominated for a Garda Youth Award for his advoca...[...]

Recap: Why don’t You start Autism-Friendly Practice?
by AsIAm.ie - 6 February, 2018
Last week, our CEO Adam Harris featured on RTÉ Radio 1's The Business programme, discussing the g...[...]

Welcome Progress on Ratifying UN Disabilities Convention in Ireland
by AsIAm.ie - 30 January, 2018
AsIAm has welcomed progress in ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilit...[...]

AsIAm CEO Condemns Irish Rail’s Quiet Carriages Phasing-Out
by AsIAm.ie - 26 January, 2018
AsIAm CEO Adam Harris has condemned Irish Rail’s move to phase out its quiet carriages from its D...[...]

Announcing our ‘Teach Me As I Am’ Early Years Programme
by AsIAm.ie - 12 January, 2018
AsIAm are delighted to announce the dates and locations for our new training programme for early ...[...]

Interview: Dr John Hillery
by AsIAm.ie - 10 January, 2018
Dr John Hillery is the President of the College of Psychiatrists in Ireland. In this exclusive ...[...]

Brian Irwin: Accessibility & Finding the Supports You Need
by AsIAm.ie - 19 December, 2017
Brian Irwin, a self advocate based in Cork, talks about his personal journey as a young person on...[...]

Learn My Language Online Campaign Launch
by AsIAm.ie - 14 December, 2017
Communication skills are one of the toughest hurdles for autistic people to develop. Many individ...[...]

AsIAm CEO attends SuperValu Autism-Friendly Shopping Project Launch
by AsIAm.ie - 1 December, 2017
AsIAm Founder and CEO Adam Harris helped launch SuperValu’s Autism-Friendly Shopping project earl...[...]

Kevin Hanly: “Take it One Day at a Time”
by AsIAm.ie - 28 November, 2017
Beginning a new start anywhere – whether it’s a new school, a new college or a job – is as exciti...[...]

Eleanor Walsh: “You Matter!”
by AsIAm.ie - 23 November, 2017
Eleanor Walsh, a member of our Youth Leadership Team, lets those of us on the spectrum know why w...[...]

Brian Irwin: Sensory Overload & Meltdowns
by AsIAm.ie - 8 November, 2017
Sensory overloads are common experiences with many autistic individuals and can often lead to mel...[...]

Interview: PRISM DLR Autism Support Group
by AsIAm.ie - 25 October, 2017
Support groups are invaluable resources for the autism community, from individuals on the spectru...[...]

Laura Crean: Just what is a ‘successful’ transition?
by AsIAm.ie - 17 October, 2017
Laura Crean is a member of AsIAm's Youth Leadership Team and currently in her first year of study...[...]

Kevin McLoughlin: ‘Look At Me Now’
by AsIAm.ie - 4 October, 2017
Kevin McLoughlin is a member of our Youth Leadership Team and is currently completing his Leaving...[...]

Louise Ryan: Knowing Parents’ Rights for Your Child’s Education
by AsIAm.ie - 2 October, 2017
Louise Ryan from Co. Limerick, a mother of two young boys on the autistic spectrum, talks about h...[...]

Socialising & Building Social Skills
by AsIAm.ie - 29 September, 2017
Amid preparing for school or for college, whilst we’re often completely caught up worrying if we’...[...]

AsIAm Founder & CEO Adam Harris Speaks at Mary Immaculate College
by AsIAm.ie - 25 September, 2017
The AsIAm team travelled to Limerick City on Friday, where our Founder and CEO Adam Harris delive...[...]

Joanne Weller: Back to Education and Transitioning from School to College and Further Education
by AsIAm.ie - 22 September, 2017
It’s the time of month again to go back to school and starting third level education, even going ...[...]

Kevin Hanly: New Journeys Starting College
by AsIAm.ie - 1 September, 2017
With the college term fast approaching, students across Ireland are busy readying themselves for ...[...]

Spotlight: HSE ASD Review
by AsIAm.ie - 30 August, 2017
HSE ASD Review The HSE are seeking written submissions for a review into the different services p...[...]

Summer on the Autistic Spectrum: A Parent’s Take
by AsIAm.ie - 23 August, 2017
Summers can be challenging for the parents of autistic children. With school out, regular routine...[...]

Spotlight: Dr Temple Grandin in Cork
by AsIAm.ie - 21 August, 2017
The AsIAm team travelled to Cork city this Friday past to attend an afternoon lecture from Dr Tem...[...]

Autism and the Internet: Keeping Yourself Safe Online
by AsIAm.ie - 11 August, 2017
The internet can be a powerful platform and a huge resource for the autistism community. A wealth...[...]

Sibling Safety this Summer
by AsIAm.ie - 4 August, 2017
The season of summer is well underway. As we enter August, children everywhere across Ireland wi...[...]

Spotlight: Sensory Room at the Sligo Clayton Hotel
by AsIAm.ie - 2 August, 2017
This week, Sligo’s Clayton Hotel became the first hotel in Ireland to establish a room specifical...[...]

Poem: BE YOU – NIQUE
by AsIAm.ie - 25 July, 2017
Leigh E. O'Brien's young nephew Liam lives with autism. Earlier this year, she composed this poem...[...]

Spotlight: Middletown Centre for Autism
by AsIAm.ie - 24 July, 2017
The Middletown Centre for Autism is an educational and research facility whose work revolves arou...[...]

Adam Kennefick: Autism Through My Eyes
by AsIAm.ie - 17 July, 2017
When I was just a small child, my parents and teachers noticed something different about me. They...[...]

The National Disability Inclusion Strategy – what is it?
by AsIAm.ie - 14 July, 2017
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL DISABILITY INCLUSION STRATEGY? The National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2...[...]

Interview: Senator Dr. James Reilly
by AsIAm.ie - 13 July, 2017
Earlier this week, as his Autism Spectrum Disorder Bill passed through the Seanad, we sat down wi...[...]

Positive progress made as Autism Bill passes through Seanad Éireann
by AsIAm.ie - 13 July, 2017
AsIAm Ireland has warmly welcomed the passage through Seanad Éireann of the Autism Spectrum Disor...[...]

Interview: Autism, Tipp G.A.A. and Me
by AsIAm.ie - 6 July, 2017
This week, we sat down with Kevin Hanly, a young man from Tipperary to talk about his experiences...[...]

Top Tips for a Successful St. Patrick’s Day
by AsIAm.ie - 17 March, 2017
Well excitement will have been building, in schools across Ireland, over the past week for the an...[...]

BLOG: Hello from the other side
by AsIAm.ie - 10 March, 2017
Trish Flood, a mum to two boys on the Autism Spectrum and a super advocate for the Autism Communi...[...]

Stepping off the treadmill: Getting a Diagnosis as an Adult
by AsIAm.ie - 10 March, 2017
A blog by Brian Irwin, AsIAm Volunteer & Secondary School Speaker in the Cork Region [capti...[...]

Autism & Me Documentary – Monday 13th March, 9:35pm on RTE One
by AsIAm.ie - 8 March, 2017
We are very exciting for the release of a new RTE One Documentary, produced by Firebrand Producti...[...]

NEW SERIES – “AutismQs” – Your Questions, Answered
by AsIAm.ie - 9 September, 2016
During the month of September, AsIAm is excited to be bringing you a whole range of new content, ...[...]

VIDEO: AsIAm Says Hi – What supports are available to students with Autism?
by AsIAm.ie - 8 September, 2016
There is so many different people and organisations doing great things to support people with Aut...[...]

VIDEO: Autism – Emily’s perspective as a sibling
by AsIAm.ie - 6 September, 2016
We recently came across this extraordinary video on YouTube. The video features the sibling of a ...[...]

NEW MONTHLY COMPETITION: Your thoughts on…
by AsIAm.ie - 1 September, 2016
We are excited to announce a new monthly competition on AsIAm.ie! Every month we will ask users t...[...]

Yvonne Newbold: Top Tips for Parents at the start of the School Year
by AsIAm.ie - 8 September, 2015
Yvonne Newbold is a parent and advocate for those affected by Autism in the UK. Yvonne wrote a bo...[...]

Michael Ryan: Secondary School – Getting off to the right start
by AsIAm.ie - 1 September, 2015
Starting or returning to Secondary School can be a big change and a challenge for all students, h...[...]

AsYouCan: Focus on Sports & Extra-Curricular Clubs
by AsIAm.ie - 22 April, 2015
As part of our “AsYouCan” Campaign, for World Autism Awareness Month, each day in April we will s...[...]

President Michael D. Higgins becomes Patron of AsIAm.ie
by AsIAm.ie - 22 April, 2015
AsIAm.ie is pleased to announce that the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, has kindly agr...[...]

“AsYouCan”: Focus on Healthcare
by AsIAm.ie - 14 April, 2015
As part of our “AsYouCan” Campaign, for World Autism Awareness Month, each day in April we will s...[...]

“AsYouCan”: Focus on Public Transport
by AsIAm.ie - 10 April, 2015
As part of our “AsYouCan” Campaign, for World Autism Awareness Month, each day in April we will s...[...]

“AsYouCan”: Focus on Restaurants & Bars
by AsIAm.ie - 9 April, 2015
As part of our “AsYouCan” Campaign, for World Autism Awareness Month, each day in April we will...[...]

“AsYouCan”: Focus on Retail
by AsIAm.ie - 8 April, 2015
As part of our "AsYouCan" Campaign, for World Autism Awareness Month, each day in April...[...]

AsYouCan Campaign – What can you do to be more Autism-Friendly?
by AsIAm.ie - 1 April, 2015
This World Autism Awareness Month, AsIAm is calling on every individual, organisation and sector ...[...]

Julie Direen: Why I wouldn’t change my son one bit!
by AsIAm.ie - 12 February, 2015
Being a parent of a child with Autism can be challenging but, as Julie Direen shares, it can also...[...]

Carrie Burton: Acceptance and Understanding is key
by AsIAm.ie - 2 February, 2015
[caption id="attachment_3318" align="alignleft" width="300"] Carrie, centre, at our recent "Back ...[...]

AsIAm seeks cultural and legislative change to protect vulnerable people
by AsIAm.ie - 10 December, 2014
The online support and advocacy group for people with autism, AsIAm.ie, has said Ireland needs ...[...]

Jonathan Victory: Aspergers Syndrome & Martial Arts
by AsIAm.ie - 5 December, 2014
Jonathan Victory shares his positive experiences of Martial Arts as someone with Aspergers Synd...[...]

Dolores Crowley: Let’s focus on the positives
by AsIAm.ie - 10 November, 2014
Dolores Crowley works for Financial Wellbing, advising parents of children with Special Needs abo...[...]

Free Ebook: 30 Winning Tips for Better Meetings by Yvonne Newbold
by AsIAm.ie - 31 October, 2014
One stressful aspect of being a parent of a child on the Autism Spectrum is getting the right sup...[...]

Parents Guide: Birthday Parties
by AsIAm.ie - 29 September, 2014
Attending, and having, a Birthday party is an important part of growing up! For children with A...[...]

RTE News Six:One – AsIAm.ie “Back to School” Handbooks
by AsIAm.ie - 10 September, 2014
The challenges of "Back to School" for students with Autism, and the launch of the AsIAm.ie "Back...[...]

My Child / All About Me Handbooks: Every child with Autism is different
by AsIAm.ie - 24 August, 2014
There is an old adage: "If you know one person with Autism, you know one person with Autism" It ...[...]

Newstalk Breakfast: Vanessa Fox-O’Loughlin shares her story & AsIAm “Back to School” Handbooks
by AsIAm.ie - 22 August, 2014
Yesterday we were delighted to launch our AsIAm "Back to School" Handbooks for teachers, parents...[...]

Press Conference: AsIAm “Back to School” Handbooks
by AsIAm.ie - 21 August, 2014
AsIAm.ie has today published a series of guides to help people with autism deal with the major ch...[...]

Sean O’Rourke Show Podcast: AsIAm “Back to School” Handbooks
by AsIAm.ie - 20 August, 2014
Tomorrow, AsIAm will launch its "Back to School" Handbooks on Autism, for parents, students and t...[...]

Download Today: AsIAm “Back to School” Handbooks
by AsIAm.ie - 20 August, 2014
Education can throw up many challenges for students with Autism such as the environment, structur...[...]

Carrie Burton: Jack makes three for us
by AsIAm.ie - 17 June, 2014
Frequent blogger and AsIAm Liaison Officer, Carrie Burton, writes of the challenges of a third di...[...]

Yvonne Newbold: 10 Great Things People with Autism can add to society
by AsIAm.ie - 3 June, 2014
Yvonne Newbold is the author of "The Special Parent's Handbook", a practical, hands-on parenting ...[...]

Shauna Gilligan: “Mama, the sunrise is orange”
by AsIAm.ie - 14 April, 2014
Shauna Gilligan is a writer and mother of a son on the Autism Spectrum. In the article below, she...[...]

Carrie Burton: A second diagnosis in the family
by AsIAm.ie - 14 April, 2014
Frequent blogger, Carrie Burton, writes on the recent diagnosis of her second child, Ava, with AD...[...]

Dr Aoife Lyons: Organisational & Study Skills
by AsIAm.ie - 5 April, 2014
Dr Aoife Lyons, licensed clinical psychologist and university lecturer in UCD and DCU, ha...[...]

Mairead Quinn: Our Doggy Superheroes
by AsIAm.ie - 4 April, 2014
April is Autism Awareness Month but we’re aware of Autism 365 days a year in our house. Our hom...[...]

Noel Quigley: Our lovely daughter with Autism
by AsIAm.ie - 3 April, 2014
Following on from his recent article on his son with Aspergers, Noel, an AsiAm.ie board member, w...[...]

Lisa Domican: A is for Acceptance
by AsIAm.ie - 2 April, 2014
Lisa Domican is a mother of 2 children (Grace and Liam, pictured) on the Autism Spectrum and a so...[...]

Carrie Burton: Autism has made us who we are
by AsIAm.ie - 2 April, 2014
Regular blogger, Carrie Burton, talks about how Autism has challenged, but also strengthened, her...[...]

Asperger’s Story – Noel Quigley
by AsIAm.ie - 1 April, 2014
Noel Quigley is a Board Member of AsIAm.ie - here he shares his experiences of raising a son with...[...]

Dr Aoife Lyons: Things students with Autism or ADHD would like their teachers to know
by AsIAm.ie - 23 March, 2014
Dr Aoife Lyons, licensed clinical psychologist and university lecturer in UCD and DCU, puts herse...[...]

Planes, Asperger Syndrome, and Airports
by AsIAm.ie - 8 January, 2014
Introduction My name is Sean Foley. I am 25 years old and I have Asperger Syndrome – an autistic...[...]

Ann Kennedy: The challenges of growing up undiagnosed
by AsIAm.ie - 2 May, 2013
Ann Kennedy is a 60 year old lady living with Asperger's Syndrome. In this incredibly honest pie...[...]

Carrie Burton: Communion Day – The Day We Thought We’d Never See!
by AsIAm.ie - 1 May, 2013
In this article our regular contributor, Carrie Burton, shares her experiences of preparing her d...[...]

Mother’s Day: Susan Browne – Amazing Brains
by AsIAm.ie - 10 March, 2013
Today is Mother's Day and we want to celebrate and support all those brilliant Mum's of children ...[...]

Interview: Sensodyne Dentist of the Year, Dr. Gillian Smith
by AsIAm.ie - 14 February, 2013
Today we finally got an opportunity to catch up with Dr. Gillian Smith, Founder and Principal Pr...[...]

Carrie Burton – Living with Autism
by AsIAm.ie - 30 January, 2013
My daughter Mia has Aspergers. She is 8 and was first diagnosed when she was 4. It has been a lon...[...]