AsIAm Welcomes Government Publication of National Autism Strategy
AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity, welcomes today’s publication of the Government’s Autism Innovation Strategy which we believe marks an important milestone as we campaign for an equitable society for Autistic people and families in Ireland, where we are empowered, supported and given the same chance.
This is an important day for the Autistic community. Since the organisation’s inception 10 years ago, we have been campaigning for a whole of life, neuroaffirmative strategy, that breaks down silos across Government and society.
We were delighted to secure a commitment from Minister Rabbitte to publish an Autism Innovation Strategy when she addressed our World Autism Day event in April 2021. Since then, we have engaged extensively with the process at multiple levels through numerous consultations, submissions and participation in the Autism Innovation Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group. Key to today’s publication has been the work of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism. In its final report in July 2022, it called on the Government to legislate for a National Autism Strategy.
Today’s strategy document contains many of the recommendations made by AsIAm and by the individuals and families that make up our community including the local support groups across the country. If these recommendations are implemented, they would directly impact the lives of Autistic people and families. This includes the roll-out of training to public services, the creation of a public education campaign, the development of new innovative supports for Autistic people in the community and funding to better understand the barriers which Autistic people face and the solutions we need to create a society which truly works for Autistic people.
It is worth noting that the Strategy places the lived experiences of Autistic people and families at the core of the oversight structures and also promotes an empowering, human-rights based approach to the inclusion of Autistic people in Ireland society.
As we approach a general election, it is of critical importance that the Strategy does not gather dust on a shelf or get lost in the formation of the next Houses of the Oireachtas and Government.
It our firm view that the strategy must by underpinned by legislation. Not only will this send a positive message to our community and their families, but it would demonstrate a recognition by the State of the barriers that Autistic people experience living in Ireland.
The Strategy, as set out, will not in and of itself break down every barrier which our community faces, particularly in the short 18 months which has been provided for its implementation.
It is now of key importance that it is resourced and implemented and must be accompanied by the forthcoming publication of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy which must address a range of shared challenges across the disability community, including the relentless barriers which Autistic people and families face in accessing our statutory right to assessment and vital therapeutic supports.
As an organisation, AsIAm will work to hold Government to account on the full implementation of the 83 promised actions in the Strategy and will communicate regularly with our community on how we believe implementation is progressing.
