There are many types of support available for autistic people and their families if you need it.
Friends and family
Talking to friends and family about your or your child's autism diagnosis is important.
Tell them how:
- you or your child experiences, understands and interacts with the world
- they can continue to connect and support you or your child
- they can help with everyday things
- their emotional support would help you
Asking for help when you need it can give you more time to focus.
Help for families of autistic people
Local support groups
Ask your assessment team, GP, public health nurse or school staff if there are local support groups in your area.
Organisations that provide support
These national organisations help parents, young people and adults with autism.
As I Am
Advice, resources, and guidance for parents and carers of autistic children, autistic young people and adults.
Services:
- child and family support
- adult support
- information line
- events
- legal clinic
Phone: 0818 234 234, 10am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday
Email: support@asiam.ie
Website: asiam.ie
Facebook: AsIAm Ireland
Irish Society for Autism
Services and support for autistic people, their parents and carers.
Services:
- information and support
- phone line
- training
- education programmes
- adult residential services
Phone: (01) 874 4684
Email: admin@autism.ie
Website: autism.ie
Facebook: Irish Society for Autism
Middletown Centre for Autism
Specialist educational services and training for parents, carers and educational professionals.
Services:
- learning support and assessment
- training courses
- online learning
- podcasts
- research
Phone: 0044 (0) 28 3751 5750
Email: admin@middletownautism.com
Website: middletownautism.com
Facebook: Middletown Centre for Autism
Social media and forums
There is a lot of information on social media and forums about autism. This often comes from personal experiences. Autism is different for everyone. What happened to other people might not be the same for you or your child.
Ask your GP or specialist for advice before you make any changes to your or your child's routine.
Your school, college or workplace
You can get support to make things easier for you or your child in pre-school, education and work.
- early learning AIM supports - gov.ie
- school – talk to teachers or special needs assistants
- higher education access DARE scheme - accesscollege.ie
- college or university - talk to student support services
- employment supports - autism.ie
- work – speak to your manager and human resources (HR)
Financial support
Talk to your disability liaison nurse or public health nurse about financial resources available to parents of autistic children.
This may include:
- Carers Allowance (means tested)
- Carers Benefit
- Carers Support Grant
- Domiciliary Care
- Disability Allowance
Disability and illness payments - citizensinformation.ie
Professional help
If you think you or your child needs help from a health professional, speak to a GP or the assessment team that diagnosed you.
If you need other support, they may refer you to a specialist.