“We Still Don’t Have the Same Chance”
AsIAm Launches 2025 Report Revealing Deep Inequalities for Autistic People in Ireland
Public attitudes and a a lack of support means Autistic people experience discrimination and exclusion across Irish society
Marking World Autism Awareness Day, AsIAm – Ireland’s Autism Charity – has launched its Same Chance Report 2025, revealing a concerning regression in access to vital supports and services for individuals and families. This annual report captures the experiences of over 1,400 Autistic people and their families, revealing ongoing exclusion and systemic failures across education, healthcare, and community life.
86% of respondents say they still do not have the same chance as non-Autistic people in Irish society – citing long waiting lists, discrimination, lack of support, and financial pressure as key barriers.
Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, said,“World Autism Day is an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate Ireland’s Autistic community but it must also lead to tangible changes for Autistic people in our day-to-day lives. While public awareness has grown, Autistic people and families continue to face barriers in every aspect of Irish society – from accessing public services such as education and healthcare through to making friends and feeling safe when out and about in the community. i. The Programme for Government has pledged to legislate for a National Autism Strategy in Ireland – this commitment must be followed through as an urgent priority, with the associated investment and implementation.This . This World Autism Month our community is not asking for awareness but for the same chance to live, work and play in Irish society – no more, no less.”
Key Findings at a Glance
91% believe being Autistic is a barrier to making friends and being accepted
84% are waiting more than a year to access HSE disability supports
71% say public healthcare does not meet the needs of the Autistic community
55% report difficulty accessing mental health services
44% experienced discrimination in the past year
70% say the education system is not inclusive, up 14% from last year’s report
92% believe the Government should legislate for the right to access therapies
This year’s report includes an Attitudes to Autism Poll in which, a representative sample of 1,000 Irish adults were asked to respond to day-to-day scenarios ]in which Autistic people commonly face barriers. One features Jane from Cork, a 9-year-old Autistic girl attending a cinema with her mother:
“Jane is 9 years old and is in the cinema with her Mum. Jane is very excited to see the film which features her favourite cartoon character who she knows lots about. Jane shouts out quotes and phrases from her favourite cartoon character during the trailers. During the film, Jane jumps up and down the aisle a number of times and stops to see what people are eating. Jane tells one customer that his hot dog is very smelly. Halfway through the film, there are scenes with lots of noise and Jane begins to cry. Her Mum passes her ear defenders, but Jane drops them on the floor. Jane exits and re-enters the cinema a number of times with her Mum. Another customer asks Jane’s Mum to either leave with Jane or stay and make sure she remains quiet.”
While 64% of people agreed Jane should be allowed to enjoy the cinema like anyone else, 42% of people felt her mother should remove her if she was disruptive.
“Jane’s story illustrates the barriers Autistic people face to having our needs understood and accepted in public places. Day-to-day environments such as going to the cinema are something most families can take for granted yet often invisible barriers, including the attitudes of other people, means this is far from the case for many in our community.,” said Harris. “We urgently need more public understanding, inclusive design. Those of us who are Autistic change everyday for a world not built for us – this World Autism Day we are asking the public to take steps to meet us half way./
The cost-of-living crisis has disproportionately impacted Autistic people and their families. 79% report additional costs due to being Autistic or caring for someone who is. These costs can range from €10,000 to over €28,000 per year (ATU Sligo, Dr Áine Roddy) Many families report having to reduce work hours or give up employment entirely. 92% of respondents believe a Cost of Disability payment should be introduced while 80% support removing means testing for disability welfare.
“Living in poverty should not be an inevitable part of being Autistic or raising an Autistic child,” Harris added. “Autistic people deserve recognition, support, and dignity.”
Schools & Society: A disconnect Between Policy and Practice
24% agreed that they would be uncomfortable with their non-Autistic child being educated in the same classroom as Autistic students
98% believe families should be asked for consent before restraint is used in schools
99% support independent investigation of seclusion and restraint
69% say sex education is not accessible to Autistic students
92% say misinformation about Autism has increased in the past year
As one Autistic contributor shared,“Give me a chance and try to get to know me. I can hold my own in a conversation. I just need to be included.”
To raise awareness and show solidarity, the public is invited to take part in The Same Chance Walk on Saturday, 5th April at Malahide Castle, Dublin and Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon. These inclusive, family-friendly events will bring communities together and support AsIAm’s work in creating a fairer, more inclusive Ireland.
