Carlow teen meets Taoiseach to highlight challenges facing autistic community
Caoimhe Kelly Meeting An Taoiseach
CARLOW teenager Caoimhe Kelly took part in a special meet-and-greet with Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Government Buildings last week to mark the launch of the AsIAm ‘Same Chance Report 2026’ and discuss the challenges facing Ireland’s autistic community.
The report highlights the growing concern about misinformation surrounding autism in Ireland, with recent national and international debates including renewed claims about the so-called causes of autism and unproven ‘cures’ promoted on social media, which has added to the stigma that autistic people and their families can face.
The report was based on the experiences of more than 1600 autistic people and their families, with 68% believing that misinformation about autism has increased in the past year and 72% saying they do not have the supports needed to live independently.
Caoimhe and the rest of the group from AsIAm’s youth Advisory Panel, which was led by AsIAm CEO Adam Harris, told the Taoiseach about the firsthand challenges they face on a day-to-day basis, and reinforced the importance of the Government delivering on its commitment to legislate for a National Autism Strategy.
“The rise in misinformation about autism is deeply concerning,” said Adam Harris.
“We see everything from conspiracy theories about vaccines to influencers promoting unproven ‘cures’ on social media. Unfounded hunches and baseless commentary that isn’t supported by data is extremely harmful as it fuels stigma, undermines trust in research and distracts from the real issues facing Autistic people, such as access to services, education and supports,” he added.
April is World Autism Month, and communities across Ireland are invited to take part in the Same Chance Walk for Autism, which takes place this coming Sunday, 12 April.
The flagship walks will take place at 11am at Belmont Demesne in Greystones, Co Wicklow and Kylemore Abbey in Connemara, Co Galway, however, there are smaller community walks organised by groups across the country, so keep an eye out for any in the Carlow area or near your locality.
You can register for the walks at www.AsIAm.ie
