Aspire – The Autism Spectrum Association of Ireland

30 Years of Autistic Empowerment

With over three decades of work, the national autism charity has evolved from parent-led beginnings into a respected organisation providing residential services and advocating for autism inclusion, employment support and community connection across Ireland and beyond.

Our growth includes the creation of a social enterprise, the expansion of autism services and stronger community networks for autistic adults and their families.

Vision: A world where autistic people have the same opportunities to work, socialise and participate as everyone else.

“The best way to be fulfilled is to help others”

See what 30 years of autistic empowerment looks like

Features

Life and Employment Support

Aspire Ireland provides practical, person centred autism support designed around the

strengths and goals of each individual.

Its award-winning social enterprise, Aspire Designs, offers meaningful work experience and

employment progression for autistic adults in creative design projects. Participants develop

teamwork, communication, and organisational skills while gaining confidence and wellbeing.

Individuals gain the tools and experience to create the life they want, whether through

entrepreneurship or by becoming job-ready for inclusive workplaces.

- Connecting learning with real world experience

- Helping autistic adults move from coaching to self-employment or job readiness

Strengths-Based Coaching

Unique, personalised coaching service.

Strengths based, rooted in lived experience and led by autistic coaches.

We work holistically, helping to build self-awareness and transform overwhelm into self-knowledge.

From teens to adults including late diagnosed individuals.

Neurodivergent-Friendly Shop

Neurodivergent friendly sensory items and resources for all ages and uniquely designed

greeting cards

- Sensory items to ease sensory overload

- Sensory boxes and workplace kits for neurodivergent friendly environments

- Sensory toys for adults

- Fidgets, ear defenders and water bottles for daily sensory regulation

- Greeting cards that celebrate autistic talents

- Special Emotional regulation items and gifts

Each purchase funds real jobs, training and wellbeing programmes that empower autistic

adults and promote inclusive workplaces.

“Diversity fuels creativity.”

Find your next sensory favourite here

Post Diagnosis

Empowering autistic adults to move forward with confidence and renewed sense of identity.

Receiving an autism diagnosis, especially in adulthood, can bring both clarity and new

questions. Aspire offers post diagnosis guidance, peer led groups, and strengths-based

wellbeing workshops to help individuals process their diagnosis, build self-understanding,

and connect with others on similar journeys.

Find connection after diagnosis

Social Groups & Programmes

Social groups and creative programmes that spark connection, build confidence, and

nurture independence. They bring autistic individuals together to share experiences, reduce

isolation, and strengthen mental health in a welcoming environment.

Participants explore practical life skills, cooking, creative drama, and confidence-building

workshops that inspire personal growth and belonging.

Activities are co-created with autistic voices, ensuring the programmes remain fresh,

inclusive, and true to real needs.

Talks & Awareness Training

Tailored online and in person autism awareness talks for schools, communities, parent

groups, and businesses that want to make their workplaces more inclusive of all.

It includes resources on sensory differences, social isolation, mental health and

straightforward workplace adaptations that employers can implement right away.

Delivered from lived experience with autism

Seeing the strength, understanding the challenges and transforming awareness into action.

Online & Accessible Support

Are you based internationally or in a rural area? Prefer a digital approach?

Alongside in-person initiatives, Aspire can also support you online. Through wellbeing

workshops, strengths-based coaching, post diagnosis guidance, e-learning resources, autism awareness talks and more, Aspire provides flexible ways to connect, learn and grow wherever you are.

Aspire Designs

An award-winning social enterprise dedicated to celebrating creativity, fostering inclusion, and providing wonderful products with a purpose. Born from the heart of Aspire We provide meaningful work experience, skills development and employment opportunities for autistic artists.

Our sensory tools are chosen with care and our greeting cards are designed with heart.