William Nestor (AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns Manager), Adam Harris (AsIAm CEO), with Leontia Fannin and Eamonn Crowley (PTSB) at the lunch of the 2025 Autism Friendly Towns initiative.
Towns across Ireland are invited to join a growing movement of autism-friendly communities, following the example of Clonakilty, Maynooth, Killarney, Drumcondra, and Waterford.
AsIAm and PTSB have today launched the 2025 Autism Friendly Towns initiative. The initiative, developed by AsIAm and proudly supported by PTSB, empowers cities, towns and villages across Ireland to become genuinely inclusive of Autistic people and their families.
Communities are asked to establish a local steering committee, recruit a quota of Autism-friendly champions within their community and co-create a 3-year plan to bring about real inclusion for Autistic people in their community. To date, there are 40 communities around Ireland taking part in the initiative. Earlier this year, Waterford City was recognised as the first-ever city in Ireland to achieve Autism Friendly status, marking a significant step in ensuring urban areas are accessible and inclusive for autistic individuals. Killarney and Drumcondra were also awarded Autism Friendly Town status, joining established leaders such as Clonakilty and Maynooth in creating more inclusive spaces for autistic people and their families.
PTSB, who was the first bank in Ireland to be accredited with Autism-Friendly branches, has a multi-year partnership with AsIAm which aims to scale and grow the supports that the charity offers throughout Ireland to promote and drive greater inclusivity in Irish society.
Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, said:
“It is really encouraging to see more and more Autism Friendly Towns around the country. I commend AsIAm and everyone involved for working together to ensure that Autistic individuals and their families are supported, understood, and empowered. The Autism Friendly Towns initiative is an inspiring example of how public and private sectors can work hand-in-hand to create a more inclusive Ireland.”
The partnership is a key element of the PTSB’s newly launched Sustainability Strategy, which is focussed on channelling investment and directing impact towards areas that enhance societal wellbeing. Investing in local community initiatives and advocating for social inclusion through activity such as Autism Friendly Towns, is a demonstration of the Bank’s strategy in action.
Adam Harris, AsIAm Founder and CEO added:
“Autistic individuals face barriers in every community across Ireland, from access to public services to participation in social life. Through the Autism Friendly Towns initiative, we are working to break down these barriers and create a society where Autistic people are accepted and supported. We are proud to partner with PTSB in this mission and look forward to the impact we can achieve together.”
Courtnee Kyle, PTSB’s Head of Sustainability, commented:
“We are delighted to partner with AsIAm to promote inclusion for the Autism community in Ireland. At PTSB, we are committed to helping to build inclusive communities in towns and cities around the country. The Autism Friendly Towns initiative is an important step towards a society that values and empowers everyone and we are proud to play our part in championing this national movement.”
PTSB’s partnership with AsIAm expands on the success of the Same Chance Walk, held in April 2025, which saw people across the country come together to support Autism inclusion and awareness. The event, proudly supported by PTSB, raised vital funds for AsIAm and sparked nationwide conversations around the importance of giving every individual the same chance to thrive.
Become an Autism-friendly town and help build a more inclusive Ireland
Learn more at Autism Friendly Towns
