Autistic young people set out priorities at first AsIAm Youth Congress

Manifesto developed by national gathering of young Autistic advocates will shape AsIAm’s advocacy priorities over the coming year

Autistic young people from across Ireland have called for more quiet spaces in schools, better training for healthcare staff, greater communication accessibility in communities and a stronger say in how schools support Autistic students.

The priorities were identified by young Autistic advocates at the first ever AsIAm Youth Congress, which brought together young people from across Ireland at The College Green Hotel Dublin, last Saturday, 27 June.

Organised and led by AsIAm’s Youth Leadership Team, the first-of-its-kind event created a national space for Autistic young people to share their experiences, discuss the barriers they face, and set out the changes they want to see in schools, healthcare, communities and wider society.

The Youth Congress manifesto calls for:

More quiet spaces in schools.
Education for all healthcare staff, both medical and non-medical, on understanding the Autistic experience.
A stronger say for Autistic students in how schools treat and support them, including opportunities to advocate for themselves.
Greater communication accessibility in communities, including AAC supports in shops, tills for people with communication differences, communication boards, and options to type or write.
Tailored supports for each child, based on a person-centred and holistic approach.
A working document of needs, separate to formal reports, to ensure supports are strengths-based and person-centred.
More education on accessibility and Autism for young people in schools as part of the curriculum.
Action to ensure Autistic people are not forced into homeschooling because of a lack of support or a lack of appropriate school places.

The event, proudly supported by CCT Dublin, was organised and led by AsIAm’s Youth Leadership Team, a group of young Autistic advocates supported by AsIAm to develop leadership skills, understand and speak up for their rights, represent Autistic people, and engage with decision-makers on issues that affect their lives. The Youth Congress was chaired by Caoimhe Kelly, with Oisin Keyes serving as Deputy Chair.

Throughout the day, young people were supported by leading Autistic advocates as they took part in discussions, workshops and activities focused on rights, advocacy, inclusion and the issues that matter most to Autistic young people in Ireland today.

CEO of AsIAm, Adam Harris said:

“This manifesto is powerful because it comes directly from young Autistic people themselves. It sets out, in clear and practical terms, what needs to change if we are serious about building a society where Autistic young people have the same chance to participate, learn, communicate and thrive.

“Too often conversations about Autistic young people exclude Autistic young people. This manifesto identified practical steps which society must urgently take to build a more equitable future for Autistic young people and demonstrates the strength of leadership and self-advocacy within the young Autistic community. We will now take forward this mandate from our young people as key priorities in our advocacy for the year ahead.”

Caoimhe Kelly, Chair of the AsIAm Youth Congress, said:

“The Youth Congress showed me how powerful it is when Autistic young people are actually listened to. The manifesto comes directly from lived experience, and I really hope it leads to real change. I trust AsIAm, and I know they will keep pushing these priorities until they become reality.

“As a young teenager myself, it was striking to be in a room with so many Autistic young people speaking openly about the issues that affect us. It made me realise how often our experiences overlap in ways people don’t always expect, even when our lives can look very different.

“Hearing so many different perspectives in one room really stayed with me. It showed just how much stronger things become when we’re actually heard and provided with an encouraging, inclusive environment.”

Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, said:

“It was a great privilege to meet with, and speak to, this brilliant group of young Autistic people. The recommendations they’ve produced are very insightful and important. I commend the AsIAm organisation for creating this opportunity to listen to, and take on board, the voices of their young members. That is child rights work at its best and I hope other organisations will follow this example.”

AsIAm said the manifesto will now be used to inform its advocacy, campaigning and policy work, including engagement with Government, public bodies, schools, healthcare providers and community organisations.