If you're waiting for an autism assessment in Ireland right now, you already know the system is less than perfect. Patients face a staggering wait-time of three years, which means they may risk a vital diagnosis window in their child’s development. We’ve partnered with Aspire to make positive chances for the autistic community in Ireland.

Over 25,000 children are waiting for an autism assessment in Ireland, with many failing to get a diagnosis until they're eight years old or older. By that point, they've already missed years of early support that could have made school, friendships, and their everyday life easier.

Adults, too, face mounting challenges. 84% of autistic adults in Ireland are unemployed, a figure likely due to the system failing to give them adequate support. With around 79,000 autistic people in the country, this is a problem that affects a huge portion of the population.

The Partnership with Aspire

At Autism Services Group, we specialise in ADHD and autism diagnostics and training. Aspire has spent the last 30 years supporting autistic people in Ireland through a selection of community services.

Of course, there’s a big overlap between the services both we and the Ireland-based charity provide, and in working together we’re able to offer a complete support system.

"This partnership strengthens our 30-year mission of empowering autistic individuals through person-centred services designed for inclusion, growth, and dignity" said Linda Blake, CEO of Aspire Ireland.

This partnership is a way to connect the dots, and give autistic people both the diagnoses and support they so desperately need. It’s about filling in the gaps and providing help where alternative systems may have failed.

The Power of Working Together

This collaboration opens up doors for a whole range of services across Ireland. Let’s take a look at how the partnership will benefit the autistic community:

Faster Assessments

First things first, we will be working to reduce those three-year waiting times for autistic adults and children in Ireland. This is one of the biggest challenges faced by autistic people. By partnering with Aspire, we can offer faster assessments to their community.

Education and Training

We will also be providing education for families, teachers, and employers. We believe that understanding autism shouldn't require a degree in psychology, and we want to make education of neurodiversity more accessible.

Support After Diagnosis

Getting diagnosed with autism is just the first step. After that, autistic people deserve support, services, and guidance. Together with Aspire, we'll help connect you with ongoing support.

Waiting for an Assessment?

If you're waiting for an autism assessment, we're actively working to speed up the process and improve what happens once you get your diagnosis.

On the other hand, should you have already been diagnosed and feel lost about next steps, this partnership may offer you more post-diagnostic support. That means that you won’t be left to figure things out alone, and can access more guidance than ever before.

Looking to the Future

The challenges Ireland is facing have been building for years, but we’re on the threshold of seeing real change. We believe partnerships like ours can start making real progress and flip the script for autistic people who have been waiting far too long.

As Sarah Phelan, CEO of Autism Services Group, puts it: “Together, we can bridge the gap and build real support for autistic people in Ireland.”

This is just the beginning. We'll be sharing updates on our progress, the families we're helping, and the vital lessons we're learning along the way. Want to hear more? Follow us on Instagram @autismservicesgroup and @aspire_ireland to stay connected.