03.03.2026 18:48
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Reform must align with the UNCRPD and reflect the Social Model of Disability.
Ireland has clear international obligations.
An Assessment of Need must be a pathway to timely supports, not a report that sits on a shelf.
Families deserve certainty, transparency and action.
Over 20,000 children are currently overdue an Assessment of Need.
Reform cannot ignore the structural resourcing crisis behind these delays.
#AON #DisabilityAct
AsIAm appearing before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters as part of Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill 2025 www.oireachtas.ie/en/oireachta...
Registration is now open for the Same Chance Walk 2026 proudly supported by @ptsb.bsky.social
This Sunday, April 12, join us to support Autistic people and their families by taking part in AsIAm’s nationwide walk for inclusion.
Register now: asiam.ie/same-chance-...
AsIAm's Head of Community Support Michael O'Flanagan and Senior Policy Officer Adrian Carroll alongside our colleagues on the DPO Network were thrilled to meet the Minister of State for Disability Emer Higgins and representatives from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality at Leinster House this afternoon. We had a very positive and engaging meeting where we discussed the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People, funding for Disabled Persons Organisations, addressing the Cost of Disability, and engaging with and actively involving Autistic and Disabled people in policymaking and research reflecting community experiences. AsIAm looks forward to further engagement with Minister Higgins over the coming months. Irish Deaf Society, Disabled Women Ireland, Independent Living Movement Ireland
Great to meet Minister Emer Higgins and officials at Leinster House today alongside the DPO Network.
We discussed the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People, funding for DPOs, the Cost of Disability, and ensuring Autistic and Disabled voices shape policy and research.
Following our statement yesterday, AsIAm has written to the NCSE and the Department of Education seeking clear reassurance that every Autistic student who requires SNA support will receive it.
AsIAm statement in response to Irish Examiner report on proposed SNA reductions.
(www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41...)
AsIAm and Inclusion Ireland have written jointly to Ministers about the proposed changes to the Assessment of Need process.
We will continue to engage and seek clarity on these proposals in the interests of Autistic people and the wider disability community.
A graphic from AsIAm titled "Statement." The background is a darkened image of a woman and a young child walking together in a wooded area. The text reads: "AsIAm welcomes the publication of this timely study, which counters the misinformation spread by the US administration connecting the taking of paracetamol during pregnancy with a person being Autistic. Whilst the relevant healthcare statutory authorities and professional bodies in Ireland have already debunked this dangerous misconception, this rigorous study should also be widely shared to confront misinformation head on. It found that taking paracetamol during pregnancy does not increase the likelihood of a child being Autistic or having a diagnosis of ADHD or intellectual disability. The research was published recently in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health, and led by researchers from City St George’s, University of London."
@asiamireland.bsky.social statement welcomi g a timely a recent study published in the Lancet refuting the link between taking paracetamol during pregnancy and autism.
Full statement: asiam.ie/news/statement-on-autism-misinformation-study
Statement from AsIAm on the Assessment of Need Reforms
www.asiam.ie/policy-news/statement-on-the-assessment-of-need-reforms
Image of a visitor exploring 'A Dubliner’s Collection of Asian Art: The Albert Bender Collection'
Need a peaceful moment? 🌿
QUIET HOUR at the National Museum of Ireland offers a sensory-friendly space to explore at your own pace.
📍 Collins Barracks | 🗓 Saturday 29th November, 10:00 - 11:00
Free & inclusive. @asiamireland.bsky.social
www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museum...
#QuietHour #SensoryFriendly
The OECD’s annual “Education at a glance” can be read in full here:
www.oecd.org/en/publicati...
We note that data on the experiences and outcomes of students with additional needs remains limited.
Statement on the Department of Education and Youth’s Inspectorate report, Special Classes for Autistic Pupils in Primary Schools – Towards a Coherent, Inclusive System.
asiam.ie/news/statement-on-department-of-education-and-youths-inspectorate-report
Image of a visitor exploring 'A Dubliner’s Collection of Asian Art: The Albert Bender Collection'
Image of a Eurasian Elk (Alces alces) on a red background
QUIET HOUR at the Museum
A sensory-friendly space with low lighting, reduced noise & fewer crowds—ideal for neurodivergent visitors & anyone seeking calm.
📍 Collins Barracks, Dublin
📅Saturday 11 October, 10:00am - 11:00am
🔗 Details: www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museum...
#SensoryFriendly
AsIAm is aware of a number of concerns raised by community members regarding SNA allocations for children who require such supports. Any rollback of support that impacts a child’s right to education and appropriate school placement is something we are deeply concerned about and will raise directly with the NCSE. SNAs are an essential component in supporting Autistic children at school.
Families have been in touch with concerns about SNA allocations.
SNAs are essential in ensuring Autistic children can access education and the right school placement. We’ll be raising these concerns with the NCSE.
Statement from AsIAm in response to Autism misinformation by the US Government.
Congratulations to Swords Autism Friendly Town Committee on their official launch at the beautiful Swords Castle on Thursday evening.
📢 Upcoming Parent Webinar with @ncseirl.bsky.social
📅 Thursday, 25th September
Learn about:
SENOs & school supports
Contacting your child’s SENO
The Parents Notify Portal (closes 1 Oct)
Important for parents seeking a Special School or Autism Class place 2026.
🔗 eu01web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
We welcome steps to bring the HSE into compliance & reduce waiting times for children.
But over-reliance on private providers risks challenges around recruitment, cost & sustainability.
Read more: www.thejournal.ie/hse-assessme...
We had an amazing start to @AutismEurope International Congress 2025. We have two days to go and so much to see, hear, learn and be inspired by! asiam.ie/news/europes...
Elizabeth, a white woman with long brown hair, poses with Adam Harris, a tall white man with short light brown hair, in a conference room with a blue carpet and the As I Am logo on the wall in the background. Elizabeth wears a white Communication 4 ALL t-shirt, red jacket, black pants, black flats, a conference nametag lanyard, and holds her iPad. Adam wears a dark grey suit with a light blue collared shirt and pink tie.
A fantastic Day 1 at the 14th @autismeurope.bsky.social International Congress in Dublin!
Elizabeth met with Adam Harris, conference leader and Founder of @asiamireland.bsky.social and typed “Don’t forget about nonspeakers.”
#aecongress2025
Great engagement between speakers and attendees at #aecongress2025 #ae2025 @autismeurope.bsky.social
Fantastic!
Amazing crowd listening to Dr TC Waisman at Congress this morning @autismeurope.bsky.social
Hi Helen - thanks so much for reaching out! 😊 We will use #AECongress2025 and you can also follow #asiam throughout the week!
A promotional graphic for the 14th Autism Europe International Congress. The slide shows logos for Thriving Autistic, Neurodivergent Practitioner Community, AsIAm, and Autism Europe. Title reads: Poster Presentation: Building a global neurodivergent practitioner network: a model for professional peer support and service delivery. Date and time: Saturday 13th September, 2pm, Main Hall Balcony – Hall 1. A photo of Tara O'Donnell-Killen appears on the right.
We're attending Autism-Europe International Congress Event hosted by @asiamireland.bsky.social
13/9/25 join us for a presentation by our founder & CEO
@taraodk.bsky.social
on Building a Global Neurodivergent Practitioner Network: A Model for Professional Peer Support & Service Delivery
A promotional graphic for the 14th Autism Europe International Congress. The slide shows logos for Thriving Autistic, Neurodivergent Practitioner Community, AsIAm, and Autism Europe. Title reads: Poster Presentation: Creating Systemic Change: Adapting to a Neurodiversity Affirmative Future. Date and time: Thursday 11th September, 2pm, Main Hall Balcony – Hall 1. Photos of Tara O'Donnell-Killen and Prof Davida Hartman appear on the right
Our founder and CEO @taraodk.bsky.social will be presenting a poster with Davida Hartman from at the 14th Autism-Europe International Congress hosted by @asiamireland.bsky.social
Creating Systemic Change: Adapting to a Neurodiversity Affirmative Future.
Find out more: autismcongress2025.org
