The Ark Cultural Centre for Children presents Peat, a brand new theatre show for ages 8+ by Kate Heffernan and directed by Tim Crouch, which runs until March 31. Relaxed performances of Peat, aimed at children on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities, take place on Thursday 14 March at 10.15am and Saturday 16 …
Interview – Kate Heffernan and Aisling O’Gorman, Peat @ The ArkRead More »
In December of last year, the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and Teacher’s Union of Ireland (TUI) advised their members against drafting and implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) – and any similar initiatives – rejecting “the imposition of a special education needs model which takes no account of the time, workload and practical implications …
In December 2018, it was brought to AsIAm’s attention that the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) has issued advice to its members encouraging them to disengage with Individual Education Plans (IEPs)/Student Support Files (SSFs)/individualised planning within their schools. We learnt that this followed similar advice issued by the Teacher’s Union of Ireland (TUI) over …
We’re very proud to say that Orán Timoney, a member of our first Youth Leadership Team and now an AsIAm Youth Ambassador, scooped a Special Award at this year’s BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in the RDS! He was awarded the RCSI Award for “Project with the Best Impact on Human Health”. His winning …
Orán Timoney – Special Award Winner at BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition!Read More »
As the national autistic advocacy organisation, AsIAm receives a huge volume of messages from families with a child on the autism spectrum who can’t access a school place, or whose child can no longer attend school. We know the situation has escalated over the past number of years, affecting many families across the country. As …
Call Out: Complete Our Surveys on School Places and Exclusion/WithdrawalRead More »
Following constructive and insightful discussions and correspondence with AsIAm in recent weeks, on Tuesday 23rd January Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD addressed Dáil Eireann on the importance of using inclusive and correct language when we refer to autism in the education system (which can be viewed in the video above; transcript at …
Representatives from both AsIAm and the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) met last week to discuss the recent ASTI advice to their membership on the non-implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) / Student Support Files (SSFs) and other forms of individualised support. We felt it was a constructive dialogue for both parties involved as …
Constructive Meeting between AsIAm & ASTI RepresentativesRead More »
Sign our petition calling for the ASTI & TUI to revise their advice here! AsIAm, Ireland’s largest autism charity, has today condemned the Association of Second Level Teachers of Ireland (ASTI) for its advice to members, issued yesterday, to refuse to participate in or implement Individual Education Plans (IEP) or Student Support Files (SSF). …
The annual Christmas pantomime is a festive tradition for many families in Ireland (oh yes it is!… Sorry.). In recent years some pantomimes and shows have started putting on relaxed or autism-friendly performances for families with special needs, so they can join in on the fun alongside their peers! A relaxed performance is a theatre …
Kelli Twomey, a mother of an autistic child, sent us this poem from her child’s perspective, and we think its message of acceptance and inclusion will resonate with many in the autistic community. Read on below! I may seem different, weird or funny, I might even sometimes seem odd. But it’s just that my thoughts …
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