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Double Empathy: Why Autistic People Are Often Misunderstood

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Autism affects how someone makes sense of the world around them. About 1–2% of people are autistic. You might have an autistic classmate or family member, or maybe you are autistic. Autistic people might communicate differently than people who are not autistic. This means that it can be difficult fo…

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Minister for Education urges families to apply for special school places before new deadline

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The closing to contact the National Council for Special Education for a school place is 1 October 2025, four months earlier than last year.

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Applications for a Special Class or Special School

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The Department of Education and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) have announced that to support better forward planning and to provide earlier clarity for families of children with special educational needs, the timeline by which parents are to notify the NCSE that a child requires a special class or special school place for the 2026/2027 school year should be brought forward to 1 October 2025.

According to Circular 0039-2025, "parents/guardians can notify the NCSE via the parents notify system which is outlined on the NCSE website at https://ncse.ie/notify-ncse-special-class-special-school. Parents/guardians engaging with this process will be provided with a letter from the NCSE confirming the outcome of the NCSE's review of the supporting evidence provided which they can then give to the school/s as part of their application for enrolment in a special class or special school".

In relation to enrolment in a special class for Autism, the following must be provided in support of your application:

Professional report(s) outlining:

* Diagnosis of Autism: DSM IV/V or ICD 10/11 (psychologist, psychiatrist, multidisciplinary report) AND

* A demonstration of the understanding of complexity of the child's overall level of need/s evidenced in the professional reports AND

* Given the severity or complexity of the child's support needs, a clear professional recommendation as to what educational placement type would be most appropriate to best meet the child's needs, along with the rationale for same AND

* A letter from the NCSE confirming that the child is known to them and that the child has the required diagnosis and recommendation for a special class for autism.

Circular 0039-2025 can be read here. Additional information can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/press-releases/minister-mcentee-and-minister-of-state-moynihan-announce-new-measures-to-support-forward-planning-for-special-education-provision-for-the-20262027-school-year-and-beyond/

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Applications for a Special Class or Special School for 2026/2027 brought forward to October 1st 2025. - Irish Society for Autism

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The Department of Education and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) have announced that to support better forward planning and to provide earlier clarity for families of children with special educational needs, the timeline by which parents are to notify the NCSE that a child requires a special class or special school place for the 2026/2027 school year should be brought forward to 1 October 2025.

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Notify NCSE – Special Class/Special School Placement – National Council for Special Education – Working to deliver a better special education service

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The NCSE aims to assist parents seeking a special class/school placement for their child/young person.

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"All children deserve a place at the table. People say to me, 'control your child'. The idea that these efforts are being made to make Dublin more inclusive, has made me emotional because every innocent person should have a place in the world."

These are the words of Emma O'Shea, whose eight-year-old daughter Cara has autism. Emma believes that a three-year plan to turn Dublin into the first autism- and neurodivergent-inclusive capital in the world will help to make life easier for children like Cara and families like hers. She also believes that making the public more aware of autism is key.

Irish soccer star James McClean, who was recently diagnosed with autism, and whose daughter Willow-Ivy is autistic, has become a powerful advocate for the autism community and is helping to build that awareness.

He was a guest of honour at an autism awareness event in Dublin on Wednesday hosted by the AsIAm autism charity.

Adam Harris, the founder and CEO of AsIAm, said: "Most people associate autism with children, but James McClean is an adult who is autistic, and he was recently diagnosed and has been very generous when it comes to sharing his story.

Footballer James McClean with his wife Erin and their six-year-old daughter Willow-Ivy in Dublin with AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity, which is celebrating World Autism Month. Picture Brian McEvoy

"The fact that he is a professional footballer, sharing his experience is incredible. He has done so much for so many people. This is not about statistics, it's about people's stories".

The three-year plan for Dublin aims to address physical infrastructure in the city but also takes into account education, healthcare, recreation, and community support. It will be guided by input from autistic people and their families.

To date, 60 champion organisations in the business, public, and voluntary sectors, have agreed to undertake training and commit to making small changes, such as implementing quiet times. It will see more festivals, events, and public awareness of people with additional needs.

Dublin will hold its first Sensoria Festival on Sunday April 28 in Merrion Square.

10-year old Marley Rose McDonald from East Wall. Her mum Rachel Kane is involved in North Inner City Side by Side group which is looking at developing an area in East Wall as a safe space for children. Picture: Moya Nolan

The city's Lord Mayor, Daithí de Róiste, first raised the idea of a more inclusive capital when he was elected to office last year.

"I don't want Dublin to be seen as a city, it is a community, and we are leaving people behind by not being inclusive."

"It was done in Clonakilty in 2018, they have led the way so, since Christmas, a series of engagements across the community have taken place at the mansion house, to hear feedback from people with lived experiences."

The Lord Mayor said one of the recent successful initiatives this year, was to make a part of the St Patrick's Day festival silent.

"We decided not to make it silent at the end of the parade, but to do it right in the middle of it.

"Just as the parade was coming to College Green, we reduced the sound slowly until it was quiet. It was a success and we plan to do more of this.

"The most important thing is, we get people involved and educate others."

The families of people with additional needs have welcomed the three-year plan, including Emma O'Shea. Her daughter, Cara, who is now eight, was born with autism and global developmental delay.

James Rickard, who has Cerebral Palsy, says making Dublin an inclusive city 'starts with the word normalisation', and making every path and door accessible to everyone by default. Picture: Moya Nolan

"Cara is the middle child, and I have only started bringing her out in the past year," Emma said.

"Her behaviour as she got older has calmed down. People would say 'she doesn't look autistic' and wrong things can be said, but I do understand that people are still learning.

"Cara can get overwhelmed if she is hearing music people say to me, 'control your child'.

"The idea that these efforts are being made to make Dublin more inclusive, has made me emotional because every innocent person should have a place in the world.

"All children deserve a place at the table. Cara has missed a lot of things, she is a flight risk, she runs off, some places might have loads of doors and escape routes, but other places don't, so there is no consistency.

Ms O'Shea said: "The public in general need to be made more aware of autism - we need to have a more inclusive world."

Two of Bernard and Amy McGivney's children have autism.

Footballer James McClean and his six-year-old daughter Willow-Ivy - both pf whom have autism - met with young autistic football fans in Dublin on Wednesday as AsIAm celebrates World Autism Month. Picture: Brian McEvoy

Mya is 8 years old and also has a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis and Ben, aged 9, has autism and ADHD. The couple's youngest is Kai, aged 4.

"Their mum Amy is a psychiatric nurse, and I stay with the children at home" Mr McGivney said.

"We are aware of the plans to make Dublin more inclusive, and we feel it is long overdue and absolutely amazing, especially for Mya.

"Ben is the oldest - he is very sensitive to noise, and he can get emotional when distressed. Anything that helps those things, would take the stress off any parent and to help them have an enjoyable time.

"It is hard to do. We have to plan ahead, we have ear defenders packed, lunches packed - if you miss anything you can throw the whole day out.

"A sudden sound can really throw a child. We use ear defenders at football matches at the Aviva. They are brilliant, and Ben knows what works for him too, so we are guided by the children.

Emma O'Shea from Finglas with her eight-year-old daughter Cara, who has autism. Picture: Moya Nolan

"Our youngest Kai, he is waiting to be assessed. For people who are learning about a diagnosis changing the way we approach the city and getting around for children with special needs, is so important.

"Public transport is something we rarely use. We just recently came from Disneyland Paris, there were little or no waiting times for children with special needs - people need to learn that its very hard for children to be quiet while waiting anyway.

Rachel Kane's 10-year-old daughter Marley is autistic, and also has an avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.

"In June 2022 we set up North Inner City Side by Side in East Wall, with Michelle Curtis, whose son Dre, 7, is autistic and our aim is to provide people with information, and we pass on life experience.

"Up until then there was nothing for children in the area that had any kind of additional needs and we found it difficult. There were no community activities and there was a lack of understanding.

"There is a struggle in crowds especially, like shopping centres, so we have been linking in a few councillors in the area to try and open up a sensory space, we have been looking for this since 2023, but we never pinpointed an area until now.

"There is a large space in East Wall, and we have been discussing it as a group and it would be a safe space for children".

Her colleague Michelle Curtis said: "All around us are new buildings and high rises, so we are losing our green spaces, we have nowhere to go. I'm living on the seventh floor of an apartment block, so I need a green space for my children.

"A sensory garden here would be a major addition to the community.

"We are battling with dog dirt, crammed parks, and lack of quiet time. A sensory garden with an allotment where we could grow fruit and veg would be very grounding for them.

"We were on a course recently with the Children's Disability Network team and we explained that children with autism tend to strip off and go barefoot and in underwear.

"It takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a child with autism to raise the consciousness of the village."

James Rickard, 69, is a psychologist specialising in social inclusion and diversity.

He was born with cerebral palsy and lives independently in Dublin. While he is now retired, he has spent most of his adult life living, studying, and working in Dublin city.

He said that making Dublin an inclusive city "starts with the word normalisation".

"Whatever we do, it cannot be exceptional, it has to be part of being normal" he said. "You have to look at basic things, like ramps and footpaths, and having everything a wheelchair user, or person with restricted mobility, won't have a problem with.

"You shouldn't have to look up places that are wheelchair accessible, just normalise it, just expect it, don't make it exceptional.

"It's not enough to say, 'we'll put that ramp at the main entrance' or 'on the footpath'. They should do it anyway."

"Everything should be included in the planning of buildings and roadways; everything should be flattened. I know that is not easy, but we have to be creative in our thinking and thinking total flatness in terms of footpaths and roads.

"I spent my life in Dublin city, and there have not been any major issues for me, I've been going into town all my life.

"Keep everything in mind - mobility and inclusivity is the key when it comes to every part of planning going forward."

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'All children deserve a place at the table': Families welcome plan to make Dublin autism-friendly

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Ireland soccer star James McClean was guest of honour at an autism awareness event in Dublin yesterday and his presence is a reminder the condition affects adults too, writes AlisonO'Reilly

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Chris Packham helps autistic people connect with their friends and family in a new way.

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Putting Yourself in Someone Else's Shoes

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What is Neurodiversity (The DERS Guide) ~ Autistamatic

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Stephen Wiltshire - Autistic Savant Artist Draws City From Memory

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This video is a guide geared towards teens, described by experts as "Not your typical dry educational presentation." "Speaks to students of all ages."

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Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. There are approximately 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.

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New report provides damning snapshot of Autistic life in Ireland

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AsIAm, Ireland's National Autism Charity, has today launched a new report providing unique insights from the autistic community in Ireland. The report provides a summary of insights from 1,600 autistic people, parents, family members and carers. It covers a range of topics including education, healthcare, housing, life in the community, safety and the cost of living.

The headlines make for stark reading. 86% of respondents do not believe they have the same chance in Irish society, 90% do not think the Irish public understands enough about autism and 91% believe that being autistic is a barrier to being accepted and making friends.

61% don't believe the education system is inclusive

75% don't believe the healthcare system is inclusive

68% are on waiting lists to access services

38% believe they have experienced discrimination in the past 12 months

81% report that being autistic makes the cost of living crisis worse

The majority of responses relate to children (70%) while autistic adults, aged over 18 represented (30%) of responses.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, said;

" Depriving autistic people of the same chance does not just have devastating consequences on the at least 3.3% of people in Ireland who are autistic. It also represents a loss of diversity, talent and perspective for Irish society as a whole.

"This report provides a very depressing landscape of Autistic people who want the same chance to live long, healthy and happy lives. No more, no less. It is important that inclusion is not defined merely as access to services such as education or healthcare. It is about public transport, the workplace, and life in the community in a much broader sense. Autistic people will only enjoy equality in Irish life if we live in communities which are informed, accepting and affirming of our community. Yes, there has been progress in some areas, but there is so much work still to be done.
"We look forward to hear the Government's response in the upcoming Oireachtas Committee on Autism and the Minister's Strategy for autism."
Participants were asked to comment on their own experiences as part of the report. Here are some of the verbatims:

"I wish they knew how difficult simple tasks are, like going to the shops, finding a school place, participating in community activities like sports."

"Just because I excel in work doesn't mean I don't need supports in other areas of my life."

"Being autistic is different for everyone especially for women and girls. Also what masking is. I seem fine sometimes so they think that I'm like that all the time."

"I wish everyone knew how hard I am trying every day to fit in, to be accepted, to have people like me and feel like I am valued as a member of the community. I feel people view a diagnosis, in particular an adult diagnosis of autism as 'an excuse' or 'being lazy'."

"It's not something to be wary of, just allow us, be us."

"Be our friend or partner. Don't walk through us like we dont exist. Stop treating us like we are invisible."

"Invite us, include us."

"Left out of birthday parties and sports. In school they are in an Autism class but want to spend more time in a mainstream class but their school won't allow this. We are trying to get him into his mainstream class more by highlighting the environmental changes that are needed but this is ongoing. His sister is able to remain in mainstream with access to the autism class if and when she needs it so we know school can accommodate this."

Same Chance Campaign

The event marks the launch of the of the Same Chance Campaign which takes place across the month of April. It is an invitation for the general public to engage and learn more about autism in order to remove day to day barriers experienced by autistic people.

Across the month, the charity will be running a series of vents and fundraiser to provide the public with opportunities to learn more and to donate and support AsIAm work which directly supports autistic children and adults across Ireland.

Sunday is World Autism Day. AsIAm is hosting a 5km fundraising walk at Belmont Demesne at 1100 on Sunday 2 nd April. Everyone is welcome.

This year alone the charity needs to raise €2 million to support its current activities. AsIAm has an ambition to directly support 25,000 autistic people and families by 2025.

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New report provides damning snapshot of Autistic life in Ireland

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AsIAm, Ireland's National Autism Charity, has today launched a new report providing unique insights from the autistic community in Ireland. The report provides a summary of insights from 1,600 autistic people, parents, family members and carers. It covers a range of topics including education, healthcare, housing, life in the community, safety and the cost of living.

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Get in Touch. Get Involved.

Dóchas Midwest Autism Support was established by parents in 1997 in response to the need for an organisation to represent the needs of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Mid-West region. The charity supports children, young adults and their families.

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Dóchas Midwest Autism Support was established by parents in 1997 in response to the need for an organisation to represent the needs of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Mid-West region. The charity supports children, young adults and their families.

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What is Expected of you at College?

Learning at University or College will likely appear to be quite different to what you might be accustomed to at primary or secondary school. You might hear from lecturers and tutors that you need to engage in 'self-directed' or 'independent' learning. Whilst this might seem initially daunting or an unusual way to learn - many students might find this to be a more enjoyable experience as it can provide a platform for students to pursue their interests.

Making the transition into this new way of learning takes time, and this includes giving yourself time to learn as a University or College student. This article will set out what might be expected of you, what the pace of college life might look like, what your course workload will look like in practice and how to manage the feeling of being overwhelmed by college life.

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Autism Friendly HEI - The Autistic Guide to Starting College

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Learning at University or College will likely appear to be quite different to what you might be accustomed to at primary or secondary school. You might hear from lecturers and tutors that you need to engage in 'self-directed' or 'independent' learning.

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A higher education scheme for Leaving Certificate students whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

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Minister Madigan announces significant expansion of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE)

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The Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, Josepha Madigan, today addressed the National Council for Special Education Research Conference at Croke Park where she announced investment of nearly €13 million to support the expansion and development of the NCSE to ensure that it is fit for purpose and able to deliver real and meaningful supports for children, families and schools that support children with special educational needs.

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Minister Madigan announces significant expansion of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE)

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The Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, Josepha Madigan, today addressed the National Council for Special Education Research Conference at Croke Park where she announced investment of nearly €13 million to support the expansion and development of the NCSE to ensure that it is fit for purpose and able to deliver real and meaningful supports for children, families and schools that support children with special educational needs.

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Movement Breaks - Nice resource from the NCSE 

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Movement Breaks - Nice resource from the NCSE 

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Autism Awareness Month - Autism Simulator | Operation Ouch | Science for Kids

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Autism - Good Practice Guidance for Schools

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ASD Inclusive Practice In Educational Settings Workshop

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"Copy & Paste": girls with Asperger's | Niamh McCann | TEDxDunLaoghaire

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Sixteen-year-old Niamh McCann is passionate about many things, including ballet, the plays of William Shakespeare, the environment and public speaking! Her talk looks at the challenges of the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum for girls. Niamh is a quiet, sensitive girl, who studied hard, got good grades and not one to cause trouble.

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Autism Ontario  - See the Potential with Michael McCreary

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Sensory Overload Interacting with Autism Project HD

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RTÉ - IRELAND’S NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE MEDIA

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Adam Harris speaks what it feels like having Autism | The Saturday Night Show | RTÉ One

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Amazing Things Happen - by Alexander Amelines

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Founded in 1963, the Irish Society for Autism is the longest established dedicated organisation for people with Autism in Ireland.

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Sign up for alerts from The Irish Times

Just click on "Allow Notifications" on the message appearing on your browser to activate them.

We will send you a quick reminder in the future, in case you change your mind.

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Autistic people still facing barriers, new report finds

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Sign up for alerts from The Irish Times Just click on "Allow Notifications" on the message appearing on your browser to activate them. We will send you a quick reminder in the future, in case you change your mind.

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ASD Ireland | Autism Supporting Diversity Ireland 1800 71 88 65

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ASD Ireland is a registered charity and a Not for profit organization that provides socially inclusive activities for people with autism and their families. Our head office is in Limerick and we provide activities to people from all over Ireland

The group founded by two parents Keith Enright and Caroline Hogan who both have teenagers with autism spectrum disorder. It was developed due to the lack of socially inclusive activities available for their children. It began with the development of Limerick autism Group and progressed to providing a number of inclusive activities nationwide.
We provide:
Information line 1800 71 88 65

Limerick autism specific camps

Weekly movement groups

Psychotherapy counselling

Music Therapy

Parking Permits

Autism Friendly initiative

Autism ID card

Training, awareness and employment programmes

Find out more at our new app with thanks to Clubzap

my visit to the autism friendly initiative

.. I was first amazed to see a new set of autism family car spaces �on entering currys Peter had the option of wearing an orange baseball cap, this discreetly alerts staff that this person has autism and may need a little help .. Peter was greeted by a very friendly staff member and then directed to an autism friendly check out to complete his purchase , on leaving the shop the hat is placed back on the special rack , we then had a similar experiences in TK MAXX the whole idea actually brought me to tears finally we are recognised and accepted and helped to simply shop something most people take for granted whoever is responsible for this marvellous venture .. i thank you most sincerely

2019-08-21T21:11:24+00:00

.. I was first amazed to see a new set of autism family car spaces �on entering currys Peter had the option of wearing an orange baseball cap, this discreetly alerts staff that this person has autism and may need a little help .. Peter was greeted by a very friendly staff member and then directed to an autism friendly check out to complete his purchase , on leaving the shop the hat is placed back on the special rack , we then had a similar experiences in TK MAXX the whole idea actually brought me to tears finally we are recognised and accepted and helped to simply shop something most people take for granted whoever is responsible for this marvellous venture .. i thank you most sincerely

my boys love it

this is the only place where my twin boys are accepted for who they are and are encouraged to have fun

2019-08-21T21:14:10+00:00

this is the only place where my twin boys are accepted for who they are and are encouraged to have fun

All stars business accredited

The first autism charity in Ireland to receive this independent accreditation

2019-08-21T21:02:28+00:00

The first autism charity in Ireland to receive this independent accreditation

Keith and the team at Limerick Autism Group were incredible in their support.

We needed help, and needed it from people who understood what we were going through. Keith and the team at Limerick Autism Group were incredible in their support. The positivity we experienced was life-changing and we now have the coping skills and self-acceptance to help our son reach his full potential. Limerick Autism Group embody self-empowerment, inclusivity and enablement of others. They are a community of people who truly understand the life journey for people with Autism and their families. I cannot thank them enough for the support they have given my family.

2019-08-21T21:16:15+00:00
Our work is Supported by:
We needed help, and needed it from people who understood what we were going through. Keith and the team at Limerick Autism Group were incredible in their support. The positivity we experienced was life-changing and we now have the coping skills and self-acceptance to help our son reach his full potential. Limerick Autism Group embody self-empowerment, inclusivity and enablement of others. They are a community of people who truly understand the life journey for people with Autism and their families. I cannot thank them enough for the support they have given my family.

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ASD Ireland | Autism Supporting Diversity Ireland 1800 71 88 65

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ASD Ireland is a registered charity and a Not for profit organization that provides socially inclusive activities for people with autism and their families. Our head office is in Limerick and we provide activities to people from all over Ireland The group founded by two parents Keith Enright and Caroline Hogan who both have teenagers with autism spectrum disorder.

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Jigsaw Limerick | In your area | Jigsaw Youth Mental Health

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study and work

Later I trained as an Integrative Psychotherapist and worked in private practice. Initially I worked mainly with adults but as I started to work with more young people I realised how much I enjoyed it. As I was passionate about the potential for change within youth mental health, I felt like Jigsaw would be a good fit for me.

Outside of work I enjoy yoga, hiking, outdoor swimming, being part of a community garden, and sitting in my own garden chilling with the neighbour's cat.

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Jigsaw Limerick | In your area | Jigsaw Youth Mental Health

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Meet the team and find out all the details you need to get in touch with the Jigsaw service in Limerick, for youth mental health support.

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Melanie Sykes Credit: PA

The TV presenter Melanie Sykes says she is 'relieved' after being diagnosed as autistic.

The 51-year-old, from Ashton-Under-Lyne, recently discovered that she is living with the condition, something she describes as "life-changing".

Melanie, who is also a radio presenter and model, says she is relieved and says things in her life are 'finally starting to make sense'.

In a video on Instagram, Sykes explained:"There's a sense of relief about it and a sense of mourning. Not because I don't want to be who I am, it's that I wish I'd known sooner so I could have understood exactly why things were rolling the way they were rolling.

"I've been vulnerable to abusive people, I've been vulnerable to people that lie because I only see and take on board what people tell me. I've always been a bit funny with jokes, if somebody tells me something with a deadpan delivery I believe them."

While making a documentary investigating the failures of the education system for children who are autistic, she decided to take a test which came back positive.

She said "to find out at 51 it is incredible". Sykes' youngest son received an autism diagnosis at the age of three.

The model and TV star Christine McGuinness recently revealed she had been diagnosed as autistic.

Appearing on ITV's Loose Women, she discussed how autism had affected her life and relationships.

She said: "I got my diagnosis a few months ago. I have felt different my whole life. Honestly, I am relieved to finally understand myself!"

Christine McGuinness was recently diagnosed as autistic. Credit: PA

Christine, who is married to Top Gear's Paddy McGuinness, has three children who all have an autism diagnosis.

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TV presenter Melanie Sykes announces autism diagnosis | ITV News

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The TV presenter Melanie Sykes says she is 'relieved' after being diagnosed as autistic. The 51-year-old, from Ashton-Under-Lyne, recently discovered that she is living with the condition, something she describes as "life-changing". Melanie, who is also a radio presenter and model, says she is relieved and says things in her life are 'finally starting to make sense'.

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As Christine McGuinness is diagnosed with autism, 15 signs of autism in adults | BreakingNews.ie

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As Christine McGuinness is diagnosed with autism, 15 signs of autism in adults | BreakingNews.ie

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Although the first signs of autism are usually seen in childhood, it’s often not diagnosed until adulthood. Lisa Salmon outlines some of the symptoms.

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Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Why everything you know about autism is wrong | Jac den Houting | TEDxMacquarieUniversity

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We are the UKs leading charity for autistic people and their families. Since 1962, we have been providing support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.

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National Council for Special Education - Working to deliver a better special education service

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News Update

14/11/2023

FEAPDA
REGISTRATION & CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS - 27th FEAPDA Conference

Diversity in deaf education: Exploring the diversity of deaf learners in their many lives: implications for our knowledge and practice.

26-27 April 2024 in The Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

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National Council for Special Education - Working to deliver a better special education service - Working to deliver a better special education service

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14/11/2023 FEAPDA REGISTRATION & CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS - 27th FEAPDA Conference Diversity in deaf education: Exploring the diversity of deaf learners in their many lives: implications for our knowledge and practice. 26-27 April 2024 in The Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

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'I always felt I was a little different' - Stefanie Preissner tells of autism diagnosis at age of 34

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Stefanie Preissner has revealed that she was diagnosed with autism this year at the age of 34.

he writer told how she has always felt a bit different but described the diagnosis as both a relief and a "big fear".

"I always felt that I was a little bit something, like a little bit too something. A little bit too sensitive, too controlling, a little bit too anxious, always just a little bit off," she said.

She said she struggled to accept change as a teenager in secondary school.

"I wondered a lot as a kid particularly like as I started to diverge, with girls we were all fine in primary school and then in secondary school girls started to change and wear makeup and listen to different music and I was like what hang on we all decided that we like the Spice Girls and that we were going to hang out at my house on Friday night why do you want to go to that park and sit in a bush and what's happening and how long are we going to be there and who's going to pick us up.

"Why am I different why can I not relate to the impulses of other people," she told The Anton Savage Show on Newstalk.

The actor said she internalised her feelings and thought there was something wrong with her.

"I did endless personality tests online and quizzes and I was constantly like who am I and why am I different," she added.

"I never thought about autism because my version of autism, and this is a huge barrier to diagnosis, was based on Rain Man or genius savant men who are unemotional and can't make eye contact or a seven-year-old boy who rocks back and forth and can't respond to his mother.

"That's my fault Google exists I could have done research but the mass media was feeding me this is what autism is and it didn't look like me," she said.

Ms Preissner said a doctor suggested to her that she might be autistic when she wrote her first book, Why Can't Everything Just Stay The Same.

"I was working with a doctor actually when I published my first book and it was about how I really struggled to tolerate change.

"The doctor told me she had read my book and asked me would I consider being assessed for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

"I kind of laughed it off and was like I have a cousin and an uncle with autism and they're both non-speaking," she said.

She said she was "afraid" of the thought that she might be autistic. Things then started to change for her during the pandemic.

"I was on social media a lot during the pandemic helping other people to process what was happening and I noticed that while a lot of people were struggling with their mental health, what was happening to me was slightly different I just became fixated on the data.

"I could have told you how many cases there were in any country on a given day, how many cases there were developing in Ireland and then as the Government were coming out with new rules, I was reading those long documents and telling people the rules," she said.

She added: "I was very worried about why people weren't sticking to the rules, like these are very clear rules you were told to do it why would you not do it. I can be quite literal in my understanding of things.

Ms Preissner said she is still learning new things every day, she said: "I'm absolutely the same person I always was, I have always been autistic. I just wish I had known that autism can look like me."

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'I always felt I was a little different' - Stefanie Preissner tells of autism diagnosis at age of 34

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Stefanie Preissner has revealed that she was diagnosed with autism this year at the age of 34. he writer told how she has always felt a bit different but described the diagnosis as both a relief and a "big fear". "I always felt that I was a little bit something, like a little bit too something.

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Penneys launch autism-friendly shopping across Irish stores

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Penneys and AsIAm have launched an autism-friendly shopping experience across Irish stores.

The Irish retailer is working with the national autism charity to provide sensory friendly hours.

Adam Harris, Founder and CEO, AsIAm, said: "Shopping and the retail environment can be an incredibly overwhelming experience for autistic people and their families, due to crowded environments and the sensory overload from noises.

"We are delighted in AsIAm to have partnered with Penneys to make shopping more accessible for our community.

"Outside of the weekly sensory friendly shopping hour, we wanted to ensure that meaningful accommodations were in place all of the time that would enable an autistic person or their family to comfortably navigate the shopping environment, as well as training all Penneys staff in understanding autism.

"We are very excited to start this journey and to continue to work together in our commitment to making shopping as inclusive as possible."

Every Sunday, starting from 14 November, autistic people and those close to them can visit Penneys stores during the Sensory Friendly Shopping Hour.

Several measures are in place to ensure a calmer and more inclusive shopping experience.

These measures include noise reduction such as silencing tills and in-store announcements and turning off in-store music.
Other measures include:

Additional assistance provided if required

A queue marshal positioned at the till points to help provide assistance and direct customers to the next available till point in a quiet manner

Champions will have access to a copy of our visual guide and map in case a customer has not had the opportunity to review them in advance of their visit

Accepting the following ID cards for those in need of assistance e,g, AsIAM ID Cards; JAM Cards; Carer Cards; GP Letters

There will also be additional assistance and support from in-store Champions who have all received specialised training from AsIAm through a custom-built Autism Awareness e-learning module, which is hosted on Penneys' digital learning platform.

Damien O'Neill, Head of Sales at Penneys, said: "Penneys is for everyone, we want everyone to feel welcome in our stores and we understand that for some customers we need to adapt the way we work to provide a better experience.

"This is just one of the ways we're doing that and we've learnt a lot through AsIAm about how making some small changes can have a big impact.

"We are really looking forward to continuing our work with AsIAm as we work to raise awareness and understanding of autism among our colleagues and in our stores."

Penneys have a list of recommendations to create a more comfortable shopping experience for autistic people during all trading hours.

The special digital support materials accessible on the Penneys website to ensure that shopping is more accessible for autistic people outside of the Sensory Friendly Shopping Hour.

Customers can visit the relevant store page and, through visual and audio aids, prepare themselves for the sights and sounds they may experience while in store that may cause sensory overload.

It also includes a store map and visual guide called "My Trip to Penneys" to prepare for their visit and help identify how they can navigate through the store when they arrive.

Customers will also be able to easily access these online supports through QR codes placed in-store.
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Penneys launch autism-friendly shopping across Irish stores

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Penneys and AsIAm have launched an autism-friendly shopping experience across Irish stores. The Irish retailer is working with the national autism charity to provide sensory friendly hours. Adam Harris, Founder and CEO, AsIAm, said: "Shopping and the retail environment can be an incredibly overwhelming experience for autistic people and their families, due to crowded environments and the sensory overload from noises.

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Temple Grandin: The world needs all kinds of minds

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Temple Grandin, diagnosed with autism as a child, talks about how her mind works -- sharing her ability to "think in pictures," which helps her solve problems that neurotypical brains might miss. She makes the case that the world needs people on the autism spectrum: visual thinkers, pattern thinkers, verbal thinkers, and all kinds of smart geeky kids.

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Rosie King: How autism freed me to be myself

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"People are so afraid of variety that they try to fit everything into a tiny little box with a specific label," says 16-year-old Rosie King, who is bold, brash and autistic. She wants to know: Why is everyone so worried about being normal?

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What is Autism (Part 1)? | Written by Autistic Person

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2023 will no doubt provide us with a variety of challenges on all different levels. Irrespective of the year challenges remain for all members of the Autism Community our advocates and supporters as we strive to ensure that all autistic people get the SAME CHANCE in life!

So, for 2023 Take on the 20 for 23 Challenge this year for AsIAm.

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Welcome to AsIAm. We are Ireland's National Autism Charity. How can we help you? Lets get you to the right place

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Training

Middletown Centre provides a range of training opportunities for parents, carers and educational professionals in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Centre has a full training calendar of face to face and online sessions, which can be managed using the Centre's app The Centre, in partnership with Mary Immaculate College Limerick provides a Graduate Certificate, Diploma and MA in Autism Studies Individual schools can apply for whole school training and these are provided in partnership with the EA in Northern Ireland and The NCSE in Ireland. Further information on applying for a whole school training is available by contacting us using the email training@middletownautism.com

Here is a list of all our main current events happening within Middletown Centre for Autism

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Bulletins

Research Bulletin no. 42 - Strength-based approaches

Our latest Research Bulletin is focused on Strength-based Approaches. It highlights papers that show how taking a strength-based approach can create an empowering environment for autistic young people and allow them to define what they value..
Download issue (pdf)

Research Bulletin 41 - Well-being

Our latest Research Bulletin focuses on well-being for all. By better understanding the experiences & strengths of the entire autism community, we can better support each other to thrive.
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Middletown Centre for Autism - Middletown Centre For Autism

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Middletown Centre provides a range of training opportunities for parents, carers and educational professionals in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

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