Orla Heaney

Orla joined AsIAm in June 2026 taking up the role of Information Line Manager. She has worked with autistic children, families, and adults, for more than 20 years. This experience included autism nurse specialist roles in children and adult services in Dublin. Orla holds an undergraduate BSc (Hons) in Nursing from Trinity College Dublin and a post graduate Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Autism from the University of Brimingham. Her experience also includes non- nursing roles, managing and designing services and supports autistic people. She has been involved in development and delivery of undergraduate and post graduate learning in neurodiversity for nursing students and SNAs in Ireland. Orla has extensive experience of advocacy and support for autistic people across the lifespan. This has given her a deep wish for equity of access for autistic in Ireland people to education, employment, healthcare, housing and all aspects of community life. Her personal journey with navigating services and supports with neurodivergent family members has given her further depth of understanding. This has also added to her passion and grit to support autistic and neurodivergent people in Ireland to have the same chance of access to the good things in life.