AsIAm launches landmark Community Support Hubs

AsIAm launches landmark Community Support Hubs

A new model of support for Autistic children and adults

Minister Emer Higgins TD marks opening of first of its kind neuroaffirmative community space for Autistic people and families

AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity, officially launched a new regional model of support for Autistic children and adults in two new community-based premises in Dublin and Galway. The model seeks to provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ of support, information and community connection to Autistic people across the life cycle and draws from twenty years of implementation in Scotland.

The Dublin premises, located in The Liberties in Dublin 8 was opened this morning by Minister of State for Disability, Emer Higgins TD. The Minister highlighted the importance of accessible, community-based supports for Autistic people and their families, in line with a commitment in the Autism Innovation Strategy and Programme for Government.

The Community Support Hub is a dedicated, in-person, neuroaffirmative space designed to provide information, advice, advocacy and peer connection for Autistic people and their families. Funded by the HSE, it has been co-created with the Autistic community to ensure it is welcoming, accessible and responsive to real-world needs. Minister Higgins said:

“It’s a genuine honour to open AsIAm’s brand new Community Support Hub. This new space is going to make a real difference to lives of Autistic children, adults and their families. Along with the new hub in Galway, it gives people a warm, welcoming and inclusive place to come for support, guidance and connection. It’s a space where adults, teenagers, children and families can feel included, understood and genuinely supported. Thank you to everyone in AsIAm whose vision, passion and dedication made today happen.”

The Community Support Hub provides structured, person-centred supports including:

· Individualised information and advice sessions for Autistic adults (18+) and parents or caregivers

· Single-session pre-diagnosis support for adults awaiting Autism assessment and for parents awaiting assessment for a child

· Peer support groups and activity-based groups

· Dedicated spaces for Autistic adults, teenagers, children and parents

Speaking about the launch, AsIAm CEO Adam Harris said:

“The opening of our Community Support Hubs reflects AsIAm’s continued commitment to a neuroaffirmative approach — recognising Autism as a valid and valuable neurotype, centring Autistic voices and promoting autonomy, dignity and inclusion. By strengthening local,

community-based supports, the Hub aims to reduce isolation and remove barriers to timely, accurate information and guidance. This model of support has been tried and tested in Scotland and offers barrier free support, based on needs identified locally, at a time in which Autistic people face pervasive barriers to support at every stage in life. We are committed to scaling this model nationally, in line with our Strategic Commitment to be present within 100km of any Autistic person who may wish to access our support.”

In the coming months, the Hub will also launch its ‘One Stop Shop’ structured post-diagnostic programmes tailored for Autistic adults, Autistic teenagers and parents and caregivers. These programmes are designed to equip participants with practical tools, build self-understanding and strengthen community connection following diagnosis.

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