Autism

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Summary:

Summary of Autism

Autism is a lifelong neuro-developmental disability that affects the development of the brain in areas of social interaction and communication. People with autism have difficulties in communicating and forming relationships with people, in developing language and in using abstract concepts. It also impacts on their ability to make sense of the world around them.

Statistics:

How Many People Have Autism?

The official figure for Ireland is 1 in 100. Prevalence Study Autism Counts – Irish Autism Action has funded a study that determined the number of people in Ireland who are on the autism spectrum. By providing a concrete figure for incidence of autism the Irish Autism Prevalence Study will make a compelling case for the State to invest in resources for autistic people. This study was carried out in conjunction with DCU and lead by Professor Anthony Staines. The study concluded that the current rate of autism in Ireland is 1 in 100.

Charities:

Charities	Location	Est.	Services
The Irish Society For Autism https://autism.ie/	Dublin	1963	We have helped to establish residential services for adults with Autism in Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Wexford.
Brothers Of Charity http://www.brothersofcharity.ie/	Galway	1883	Residential, Respite, Day, Host families, Home based, Multidisciplinary in Clare, Galway, Limerick, Roscommon, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford
Irish Autism Action https://autismireland.ie/	Westmeath	2001	Raising awareness, information on education & intervention support, advocacy, counselling, home based support, research information and advice for families
The Cope Foundation http://www.cope-foundation.ie/	Cork	1988	We support over 2,350 children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism between 3 to 18 years of age
ASIAM https://asiam.ie/	Dublin	2015	Training, Education & Advocacy for the Autism Community

Cottage Autism Network (CAN)	Wexford	2004	We provide support, promoting equality and inclusion as well as raising awareness in the community by being a voice for our members.

Not-Profit Groups:

Non-Profit Groups	Location	Est.	Services
Laois Offaly Families for Autism (LOFFA)	Laois & Offaly	2001	Our group provides subsidized access to a private Speech & Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist and Art Therapist for those families who are forced, through lack of services. We also run Junior Play dates, 10 Pin Bowling sessions and Art & Drama Groups.
Ripples	Dublin	TBA	Supporting Parents, Children & Teens with Dyspraxia, Aspergers, ADHD & similar or simply those who do not get on well in mainstream activities
Social Circle	Dublin	2014	The group has more than 120 member families, who engage in a number of weekly activities, such as art, lego clubs, music therapy, science, football and swimming – with families also enjoying monthly trips and camps.
The Collective Sensory Group	Wexford	2015	We provide Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy and Play Therapy along with weekly recreational activity for the children 0-18 years
The Autism Alliance	Navan	2016	We provide Early Interventions, Social Skills, Sports for All, Music Therapy and Fun and Entertaining classes for children on the spectrum. Coffee Mornings, Workshops and Social Events for Parents/Carers.
DLR Additional Needs	Dublin	2017	We’re a parent led group Running afterschool activities and classes Saturday morning activities and Sunday camp For Additional Needs Children / Teens with Learning Disabilities OR Intellectual Disabilities. Mainstream, special class, special school, home educated.
iCARE	Donegal	2000	We provide support, training, information and respite to families

Information:

What is Autism?

Autism is described as a “spectrum disorder”. This means that the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations and can range from mild to severe. Two people with the same diagnosis can act very differently from one another and have varying skills. Autism Spectrum Disorder is also referred to as ASD.

Autism is often referred to as the “hidden” disability because people who are on the autistic spectrum show no significant physical difference to their peers, rather it is their behaviours that mark them out as different. The 3 main areas of difficulty for people with autism are referred to as the “triad of impairments”.

Social communication
Social interaction
Social imagination

There is a fourth area which has been identified as presenting people with autism with significant difficulties and that is the area of sensory processing. Sensory processing difficulties are indicated by either an over or under sensitivity across any or all of the senses.

Useful Services	Location	Established	Services
ALF Shopping Trolley	Cork	2016	We provide ALF(Autism Life skill Friend) Shopping Trolleys to Supervalu & Lidl Stores in the Munster region with our trolley growing in reach year on year
Children and Young People’s Services Committees (CYPSC)	Nationwide	2007	Children and Young People’s Services Committees are responsible for securing better outcomes for children and young people in their area through more effective integration of existing services and interventions