AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity, today launched a new report highlighting the challenges autistic people experience in Ireland, the continued low levels of public understanding and the barriers that remain when accessing services.

The Same Chance Report is based on two separate surveys conducted during the past six months. The first, conducted by Core Research, assesses the public’s attitudes and behaviours towards autism and autistic people. The second survey reflects the views of parents, carers and autistic people over the age of 18.

The findings of the Same Chance Report include:

Public Perceptions:

-Only 4 in 10 Irish people claim to have a ‘good’ understanding of Autism

-6 in 10 people associate negative connotations with Autism

-Only 6 in 10 people believe autistic children should attend the same school as non-autistic children

Views of Autistic People:

-54% of cardholders confirmed they have experienced discrimination

-71% believe the Government does not take a coordinated approach

-10% of cardholders believe the workplace is inclusive

In response, to these findings, AsIAm has also today launched its Same Chance Campaign, at the Aviva Stadium to mark World Autism Month and spearhead its key annual fundraising efforts. The campaign aims to ensure that autistic people are afforded the same chance in every aspect of life, from going to school and making friends, to finding a job and accessing public services.  Donations can be made directly here.

The launch event also featured two panel discussions around the challenges still being faced by autistic people in Ireland today in the areas of education and professional life, with Minister of State for Special Education Josepha Madigan TD contributing a keynote speech.

Speaking at the launch, Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm commented:

“Unfortunately, too often autistic people face barriers which others in society do not.  AsIAm is working to remove these barriers, through our wide range of support, information and advocacy programmes, but we urgently need the public to donate this month in order to sustain and expand this work.

“We are calling on the Government, policy makers, employers, educations and healthcare professionals to do give autistic people the same chance, to work with us to provide a roadmap of progress for the next two years. These report findings reveal the clear challenges still being regularly faced by autistic people across Ireland while also highlighting the work to be done to educate the public and improve the lives of autistic people.

There is a real opportunity for all of us to identify areas key areas that require immediate attention to shape and contribute to a National Autism strategy and help bring autistic people on to the same platform as all in society.”

Source: asiam.ie

Comments