Adult Support

Autistic Adult Support & Wellbeing Programme
The AsIAm Adult Support & Wellbeing Programme began in 2021 and we have been overwhelmed by the support and engagement received from the Autistic community. Through the programme, we provide peer-led spaces that are safe and empowering for Autistic adults to meet, socialise, and discuss issues that are important to them. We also run activity-based groups that are fun, interactive, and support the wellbeing of our community in an accepted environment, both in-person and online.
Our Adult Support and Wellbeing Officers are here to help!
Please feel free to contact us at any time. We will be happy to reply, once your query is regarding our programme – otherwise, we will refer you to the appropriate team or relevant support.
Please note that due to the volume of queries received, we may be delayed in replying to you.
Sam Marcus – Adult Autism Supports Manager
David Conlon - Adult Support and Wellbeing Officer
Email: adultgroups@asiam.ie
Who can take part in the Adult Support & Wellbeing programme?
Any Autistic adult over the age of 18 who is currently based in Ireland can take part.
You do not have to have an official diagnosis. You can take part if you self-identify as Autistic or are waiting on an assessment.
Please note: If you have additional support or accessibility needs, let us know and we will take all reasonable measures to ensure you can fully participate in the group.
How do I register for the groups?
To register for the groups, you must first fill in the form below to register for our newsletter. You will then receive an email each Friday with info on upcoming groups and links to book in. Please note: you must register for the newsletter in order to receive the links to book into the groups. If you have any questions you can email us at adultgroups@asiam.ie.
Please note: To ensure that we comply with GDPR and to maintain the personal autonomy of every Autistic adult, we require all participants who wish to take part to email us themselves, where possible. We understand that there may be instances when a support worker or family member is emailing on behalf of the participant.
Current Groups
If you are having trouble viewing this Calendar, please Click here.
FAQs
• What is the purpose of the adult groups?
The Adult Group’s aim to reduce social isolation in the adult autistic community in Ireland by running two kinds of groups - wellbeing, peer-led social groups and fun, activity-based groups. Please note, the groups are a social space, not a therapeutic (space) experience.
• Where do the groups take place?
We offer online and in-person groups across Ireland
• Do I have to turn my camera on while attending online?
Our Facilitators create an inclusive space for all attendees. When registering for a group you can request any accommodations you may need. If you feel more comfortable with your camera off, that is totally fine.
Disclaimer and links to urgent support services
The Adult Support & Wellbeing Programme is not therapeutic and we cannot provide support in place of medical attention.
Though these groups are intended to be enjoyable spaces, at times, community members may discuss or raise topics that some may find upsetting. The support these peer groups offer is only support. If you have any significant issues or are seeking medical advice, please speak to your GP. If you ever feel you are in a mental health crisis and need urgent help, please refer to the following for additional advice and support.
• Samaritans: 116123
• Bodywhys: 01 – 2107906
• Txt support: https://text50808.ie/ – 50808
• Aware: Depression – 1800 80 48 48
Code of Conduct
By attending one of our groups, you agree to abide by the guidelines within the Code of Conduct. We ask that you please note our Code of Conduct is an evolving document that will be refined continuously with the safety and wellbeing of our community in mind.
Read or Download: AsIAm Adult Support Programme Code of Conduct
URGENT HELP
If you need urgent help
Please be aware that the Autism Information Line does not offer a crisis or emergency service. You can access urgent help or support by contacting the services listed below.
Immediate risk or danger
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services, such as An Garda Síochána. Telephone: 112 or 999
Urgent medical attention
If you or someone you know needs urgent medical attention,or is suicidal:
- Call 112 or 999 if there is an immediate risk of harm (this also includes risk of suicide)
- Go to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of any hospital or make an emergency GP appointment
- Contact the GP Out of Hours service HERE
Other helplines and listening services
Please note: The services listed below are delivered by other charities/organisations. Information about each service, including their privacy policies, can be found on each of their websites.
Samaritans
If you are having a difficult time, you can contact Samaritans any time, day or night.
Call: 116123 (24-hour Helpline)
Pieta 24 Hour Crises Helpline (Suicide or self-harm)
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, are engaging in self-harm, or need advice on supporting a loved one.
Call: 1800 247 247 (24-hour Helpline)
Text: 'HELP' to 51444
Text About it
If you are experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis- big or small, you can contact this free 24/7 text service.
Text: 50808 (SMS)Website: Text About It
Aware
If you, or a loved one, are experiencing depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety or related mood conditions.
Call: 1800 80 48 48 (7 days a week from 10am to 10pm)
Email: supportmail@aware.ie
Connect
If you wish to contact an anonymous professional telephone counselling service that supports survivors of physical, emotional and sexual abuse
Call: 1800 477 477 (Wednesday to Sunday; 5pm to 9pm)
Turn2Me
If you are experiencing poor mental health and would benefit from self-help, peer support and professional support.
Website: turn2me.ie
Contact: https://turn2me.ie/contact/
Bodywhys
If you, or a loved one are affected by an eating disorder,and you would like support, information and a listening service.
Email: alex@bodywhys.ie
Website: www.bodywhys.ie
Phone: 01 2107906
Childline
If you are under 18 and you need support about anything that might be on your mind.
Website: www.childline.ie
Helpline: 1800 66 66 66 (24-hour Helpline)
Freetext – 50101
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre
If you have experienced sexual assault, rape or childhood sexual abuse and would like to speak to someone. Call: 1800 77 88 88 (24 Hour Helpline)
Email: counselling@rcc.ie
Website: https://www.drcc.ie/
Adult Group Art Exhibtion
We are incredibly proud to showcase the amazing artistic talent within our Adult Groups. This exhibition features a diverse collection of work, with each piece offering a unique perspective and story from our members. We invite you to explore the gallery below and celebrate the creativity of our community
Alyx

Adriana

Anonymous

S.C.

JK

JK

Emma Murtagh










