Latest News
RING OF KERRY CYCLE – SATURDAY 6TH JULY 2013
Iarnród Éireann and the Irish Society for Autism would like to offer all entrants taking part on behalf of the society and travelling to the Ring of Kerry Cycle event a 10% Discount off Intercity Travel when booking on www.irishrail.ie.
This offer is valid from 9.00am Monday 17th June until 5.00pm Friday 21st June.
* Simply use the code RAIL2357 (input promotional code on payments page) from the dates above to avail of the 10% OFF the line fare.
Remember, tickets can be purchased 59 days in advance of travel on www.irishrail.ie.
Discount applies to all bookings, except special offers. Terms, conditions, credit card and transaction charges apply.
Thank You and Well Done Girls!
The sun was blazing in Dublin for the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon 2013. Women (and some brave men) came out in their thousands to represent different charities in the biggest all-women’s event of it’s kind in the world.
The Irish Society for Autism would like to say a big THANK YOU to all those who took part on our behalf, the funds raised will help the society promote awareness and to continue to develop a specialised service for people with Autism.
Well Done Girls!
Thank You to Mike Flanagan
March 2013 – A big Thank You to Mike Flanagan from Galway City who took on the challenge of the Craughwell 10 Mile Road Race on behalf of the Irish Society for Autism. Not only did Mike run the race, he ran it backwards; what a great achievement. He raised a fantastic amount for the society. Again many thanks Mike!
Autism Conference Presentations 2013
Temple Grandin : Personal Experience: An Insight into Autism
Download Presentation
Emer Ring : Contributing Factors in Achieving Positive Behavioural Outcomes for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. It’s not All the Children’s Behaviour… We Need to Think Carefully About Our Behaviour Too…
Download Presentation
L. Scott and J. Drysdale : A Transdisciplinary Approach to Learning Support and Intervention
Download Presentation
Tom Berney : The Ethical and Moral Consequences arising from a Diagnosis of ASD
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Rita Jordon : Understanding & Meeting the Educational Needs of Children & Young People with ASD
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Hilde De Clercq: Quality of Life for People with Autism in a Lifelong Perspective.
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Hilde De Clercq: Autism from Within Workshop.
Download Presentation
Thank You!
We would like to thank all of you who made the Irish Society for Autism Conference 2013 possible – delegates, speaker and organisers. It was truly an inspiring event! We do hope that you learned more about Autism and how we can make a real difference to the lives of people with Autism.
Presentations that are made available to us by the speakers will be available for download on our website shortly – www.autism.ie. Please watch this space.
Autism Parent Support Meeting
THE METHODIST CHURCH, LOWER ABBEY STREET, DUBLIN 1.
Wednesday 1st May 2013 at 11.00 a.m.
For Further Details and Directions Please Contact:
The Irish Society for Autism, Unity Building,
16-17 Lower O’Connell Street, Dublin 1.
Phone: 01-874 4684 / Fax: 01-874 4224
Email: admin@autism.ie
Meeting Co-ordinator – Denis Sexton
Autism Awareness Bear
Don’t forget to visit a Build-A-Bear Workshop store to make an Autism Awareness Bear.
€1 from the purchase of this beary special teddy will be donated to the Irish Society for Autism.
With soft blue fur, an Autism Awareness bow and the sweetest smile, this furry friend will bring
forever love and hugs! Hurry while stocks last (www.buildabear.co.uk).
For more information please contact the society by email or phone; admin@autism.ie, 01 874 4684.
Autism Conference On-line Registration Has Closed
On-line registration has now closed. If you are still interested in going to the conference please send an e-mail here: info@autismconferenceireland.com. If you would like to contact us via a telephone, please call: 01-6486274.
Ring of Kerry Cycle 2013
We are delighted to announce that the Ring of Kerry Cycle 2013 has nominated the Kerry Branch of the Irish Society for Autism as one of the chosen charities to benefit from the cycle this year. This event will take place on July 6th in Killarney.
Take note: In order to participate in the cycle this year, cyclists must raise a minimum of €60 for one of the chosen charities
We are fundraising to help develop a residential service for young people with Autism in the Kerry region. The project will provide eight people with autism the opportunity to live, work and participate in leisure and recreational activities in an ambiance of unconditional respect and dignity in a social-care model of excellence. This project will be the first of its kind in Kerry.
We are thrilled to announce that construction for the Residential Centre for Autism commenced in April 2012 in Dromavalla, Ballyseedy, Tralee. We hope the project will be completed in 2013. We are planning major fundraising to ensure this project reaches fruition.
Would you be willing to cycle for our charity in the Ring of Kerry Cycle 2013?
If you are willing, we would very much appreciate your support. The event takes place on Saturday 6th July 2013. To sign up for the Ring of Kerry Cycle 2013, please download the Registration Form. Once you have printed the form out and completed it, please post the form to either of the addresses at the bottom of the page. You will then receive a registration pack and sponsorship cards. Thank you.
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Jim Adams by email at adams@diginet.ie or by phone at 066 71-24740 / 085-123 3288, Patricia Adams by phone at 087-617 7083 or contact Liam Kingston by phone at 087-416 3865.
Research into Social Responsiveness in Children
Research into the Sensory and Motor correlates of Social Responsiveness in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
My name is Michaela Murray and I am currently studying for a MSc in Cognitive
and Clinical Neuroscience at Goldsmiths, University of London and I am required to
complete a research project as part of my coursework. I have decided to examine
how sensory processing and motor coordination impairments, which are frequently
observed in conjunction with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), affect social abilities in
children with this disorder.
STUDY TITLE: The Sensory and Motor correlates of Social Responsiveness in
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
PARTICIPANTS: Participants of this study will include parents of children aged
between 5 and 10 years old.
Purpose of the study
As the causes of ASD are not yet known, the causal mechanisms behind social
impairments, the most significant deficit associated with the disorder, are not yet fully
understood. Children with ASD are frequently reported to exhibit sensory modulation
deficits such as behaviours associated with sensory sensitivity (e.g. covering ears to
loud sounds), sensory under-responsivity (e.g. failure to respond to name) and sensory
seeking (e.g. rocking). Similarly, disturbances in motor behaviour are commonly
associated with the disorder and early motor deficits are often among the earliest
symptoms observed in children with autism. Evidence from multiple studies has
shown that, although not part of the diagnostic criteria, these impairments may play an
important role in the rate of acquisition of language, social, and communication skills.
The current study aims to further investigate the theory that atypical sensory
processing and motor coordination patterns may play an important role in the severity
of social skills in children with autism. A more detailed understanding of such patterns
will add to the understanding of how they manifest in behaviour and interact with the
core characteristics of the disorder. It is hoped that this knowledge may then allow for
more targeted approaches to early intervention in the future.
Procedure
If you are interested in taking part, you can either complete the questionnaires:
1.) Online at http://ww3.unipark.de/uc/Team_Hill/f684
2.) In pen and paper (please email Michaela and request a copy to be posted to you)
3.) On your mobile phone by scanning the QR code below:
These questionnaires contain questions about your child’s social abilities, sensory
abilities and motor abilities and can be completed at any point up until the 15th July
2013.Your child does not need to participate, although you may wish to observe a
particular behaviour that you have been asked a question about, in order to confirm
your answer. In total, it will take approximately 35 minutes to complete all three
questionnaires. Please answer all questions as honestly and accurately as possible.
Compensation for your time
As a thank you for your participation in this study, each participant will be entered into
a draw to win a €100/£100 M&S voucher. If you would like to be entered in this draw,
please provide your contact details as requested on online/paper forms.
Participant rights
Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary and you may refuse to complete
the study at any point without prejudice, or refrain from answering any questions with
which you are uncomfortable.
Confidentiality
All responses will be treated with the strictest sensitivity and stored in secure files to
ensure confidentiality. All identifying information will be removed from questionnaires
as soon as your participation is complete and all responses will be analysed as a whole.
For further information
Should you require any further information about this study, please contact Michaela
Murray at ps203mm@gold.ac.uk.
Alternatively you can contact my research project supervisor, Elisabeth Hill, by email at
e.hill@gold.ac.uk.
Thank you very much for your time.
Research into the Post-Primary School Environment
Research into the Impact of the Post-Primary School Environment on
Adolescents with ASD
My name is Margaret Dee and I am an MSc student in Trinity College Dublin looking for participants for a study on the school environment. The aim of the study is to see what the most important environmental factors are that impact on participation in mainstream post-primary education for students with ASD.
To find out what these factors are, I am holding two focus groups for interested participants. One focus group will be for adolescents with ASD who are in mainstream post-primary schools. The other group will be for parents or guardians of adolescents with ASD who are in mainstream post-primary school, and teachers of adolescents with ASD who are in mainstream post-primary school.
They will take place in Trinity College Dublin, in the evening after school, at a time and date that suits all participants. Hopefully this will be around Easter. During these focus groups, you will be asked questions about you/your child/student’s school and your/their participation in all aspects of school life. The focus groups will last for 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Refreshments will be provided.
An adolescent can participate even of their parent or guardian does not wish to participate and parents or guardians can participate even if their child isn’t.
This study has been granted ethical approval by the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Committee, Trinity College Dublin. If you are interested in participating or would like to hear more about the study, please contact me at mdee@tcd.ie.
Many thanks for your time.
Autism Bill Through First Stage Today
A historic day for Autism. A Private Members Bill by Deputy Michael McCarthy requiring the government to publish a National Autism Strategy passed its first stage with all party support. The Autism Bill now goes to committee stage for further discussion.
Another milestone has been reached. The passing of the Autism Bill will ensure that the future of People with Autism will be protected and enhanced.
Research into Language Development in Girls with Autism
My name is Emily Dillon and I am a PhD student in the School of Psychology in Trinity College, Dublin and I am interested in the language development of girls with autism. There is a large gender bias in autism and we hope by exploring the differences in language of girls and boys with autism we can better understand how autism expresses differently between genders. We also hope by looking at the language styles of family members we can see how family language traits may help in autism.
No national numbers for the prevalence for autism in Ireland exist, making the scale of autism undocumented and unknown. Girls with autism especially have been overlooked. Strong findings suggest that girls with autism may show a unique expression of autism and therefore have unique needs to be addressed with interventions and support. It is even possible the rate of girls with autism has been under-estimated due to an expression of autism different from the traditional male traits. Only with more research can we know what special needs girls with autism have and how to meet them.
If you have a moment, please think about participating in our family study of autism. Any interest expressed here does not signify any commit, and your help is greatly appreciated. The link to the survey is https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/IrishFamilyAutismStudy. Closing date January 2014.
Thank you for your time.
Autism Conference in Ireland – Programme Announced!
We are now proud to announce the programme for the Irish Society for Autism International Conference – The Next Generation.
Our comprehensive programme features International speakers and exciting workshop possibilities, covering many aspects of Autism.
Take a moment to view the programme.
The conference takes place on the 3rd and 4th April in the Convention Centre Dublin.
For those who have already registered you will be able to sign up for your preferred workshops shortly and will receive a separate notice on this.
This year the Irish Society for Autism celebrate their 50th Anniversary providing services for people with Autism. The Conference will mark this special occasion and will also celebrate World Autism Awareness Day.
The Registration is now closed, if you would like to register still please click: info@autismconferenceireland.com.
International Autism Conference in Dublin
We are less than 2 months away from our big Autism Conference in Dublin! The Irish Society for Autism has been promoting the awareness and services for Autism for 50 years now and we would love it if you could help us promote this important event by spreading the word and sharing this post with all your friends and family. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!
The Autism Conference theme is “The Next Generation” and our keynote speaker is Dr Temple Grandin, a person with high-functioning Autism, noted for her work in Autism advocacy. She was listed in the Time 100 list of the 100 most influential people in the world in the “Heroes” category in 2010.
Speakers for the Autism Conference will also include: Ross Blackburn, Hilde de Clerq, Prof. Michael Fitzgerald, Prof. Rita Jordan, Theo Peeters and Paul Shattock OBE.
Be sure to check out our workshops, speaker profiles, and other important information on our website: www.autismconferenceireland.com.
The registration time has closed now. If you would like to still register please click: info@autismconferenceireland.com.
Flora Women’s Mini Marathon
Make that New Year’s Resolution a reality and register to do the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon to raise much needed funds for The Irish Society for Autism!
The Mini Marathon takes place this year on Monday 3rd June. If you would like more information please contact Jackie O’Loughlin by email or phone: fundraising@autism.ie , 01 874 4684.
Autism Parents Support Meeting
We are pleased to invite the parents of people with Autism to our next support meeting that will take place in:
THE METHODIST CHURCH,
LOWER ABBEY STREET,
DUBLIN 1.
Wednesday 30th January 2013
11.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.
If you need Further Details and Directions please don’t hesitate to contact:
The Irish Society for Autism, Unity Building,
16-17 Lower O’Connell Street, Dublin 1.
Phone: 01-874 4684 / Fax: 01-874 4224
Email: admin@autism.ie
Meeting Co-ordinator – Denis Sexton
What is the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership?
The members of the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership are: Irish Society for Autism, Autism Cymru (Wales), Autism Northern Ireland and Scottish Autism.
The principle aims of the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership are:
- Sharing of training, information and skills from one country to another.
- Joint campaigning on relevant National, European and world-wide issues.
- Joint research opportunities
- Sharing of issues and mutual support
- Shared governance on all decisions, activities and policies agreed within the Celtic
- Nations Autism Partnership. This is a partnership of equals.
Nationals working together for Autism.
Peole with Autism and Recreation
Cultural, recreational, leisure and sporting rights are an integral part of human rights and, like other rights, are universal, indivisible and interdependent.
The full promotion of and respect for those rights is essential for the maintenance of human dignity and positive social interaction between individuals and communities in a diverse and multicultural world.
-Dr. Samira Al Saad
Samira Al Saad is the founder of the Kuwait Centre for Autism and the Gulf Autism Union established in 2002 bringing GCC autism professionals and institutions together. Autism awareness is growing in this area and to assist in the process Dr. Samira regularly gives lectures at the Education College.
Read more about her inspiring story here!
The Right to Participate
And so, do people with autism have the right to participate, as far as possible, in the development and management of services provided for their well-being?
Yes, absolutely yes.
-Theo Peeters
Theo Peeters is a Belgian neurolinguist who specialises in autism spectrum disorders. He is one of the world’s leading authorities in the field and his many books, training activities and stimulating talks around the world have shown him to be among the most knowledgeable and compassionate authorities on autism anywhere. He especially emphasises the importance of understanding the “culture of autism,” of empathising fully with individuals on the spectrum. He is the founder of the Opleidingscentrum Autisme (Centre for Training on Autism or OCA) in Antwerp, Belgium.
Theo is just one of our keynote speakers at the Autism Conference the will be held the 3rd and the 4th of April, 2013. Learn more about him and the other speakers here!
Autism and Personal Space
Perhaps the central characteristic of autism is a qualitative impairment in reciprocal interaction. Social interaction skills can be learned, but socializing can lead to exhaustion, as success is achieved by intellectual analysis rather than intuition.
Having too many people in close proximity and being required to socialize beyond a limited capacity for socialization invariably leads to agitation and a desperate need to recover emotionally through solitude. Thus accommodation for someone with autism needs to include sufficient personal space and opportunities for periods within the day of privacy.
The need to have sufficient personal space also applies to the area around the building, with freedom to walk in a safe area.
-Tony Attwood
Tony Attwood is an English psychologist author of several books on Asperger’s Syndrome. His book, Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals, provides information on diagnosis, problems of social relations, sensory issues, motor control and other typical issues which face people with Asperger’s and their support networks. Attwood also has a clinical practice at his diagnostic and treatment clinic for children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome, in Brisbane, begun in 1992.
We can all become change makers
The UN Charter of Rights is a crucial commitment from governments around the world to promote equal rights for people with disabilities. The UN has shown the way – but now we need a change in the way we view people with autism so that we can best implement the Charter throughout the world.
-Thorkil Sonne
Thorkil Sonne, is the founder of Specialisterne (The Specialists), a Danish social innovator company using the characteristics of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as competitive advantages in the business market. Thorkil changes the way society perceives autism by transforming it from a handicap to a competitive advantage. His Specialist People Foundation employs autistic people, who have a ten times lower fault rate in software testing and other tasks. Thorkil now plans to go beyond Denmark, empowering people with ASD globally.
Autism and the Neurotypical World
It is suggested that a focus on some of the strengths of people with autism may help to overcome some of the fear of disability in the general public, stir their interest and reassure them that people with autism can and should enjoy community services and facilities. Only then can we truly build bridges between the cultures of autism and the neurotypical world most of us live in.
My brother has achieved so much with the limited support he was offered. With reasonable transportation options and support, his freedom of movement would have been so much more significant and fulfilling.
Our dream is that the generations that have followed him will have the full range of support that he did not have access to. This is a human right that is must be available to all individuals with an ASD!
-Margaret Whelan
Executive Director Geneva Centre for Autism, Toronto, Canada
Season’s Greetings and Happy New Year!
We have had a busy year and are looking forward to our 50th Anniversary in 2013!
Before we pack up for the holidays we want to remind you to help us celebrate our 50th Anniversary providing services for people with autism by joining us for our International Autism Conference being held in the Convention Centre Dublin on World Autism Day, the 3rd and 4th April 2013.
The central theme of the conference will be “The Next Generation” focusing on enhanced legislation, increased awareness, autism-specific education, early diagnosis and intervention and the target audience includes parents of people with Autism, professionals who work in the field of Autism, educators, teachers, and policy makers.
The conference will bring together some of the world’s top professionals who, over a two day period, will deliver exciting plenary sessions, stimulating workshops and social exchanges.
If you have already registered, thank you for your support! We look forward to seeing you in April!
Autism Patients and Their Personal Lives.
For people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) the right to be involved in all decisions affecting their future is the most important component in transitioning from dependency to independency. For the whole of his (her) life any person with an ASD must be the single most important contributor in the many decisions and choices in managing their daily life. It is not always possible for this group of people to be able to envisage the full consequences of their wishes which inform and influence their expressed opinions.
For the majority of these persons they will need our help in the management of their time, both free and structured. This will almost always remain necessary for socializing with others during early development and also for their functioning as adults.
-Tadeusz Galkowski
Tadeusz Galkowski is a member of the National Society for Autism, Warsaw School of Sciences and Humanities, Poland
The Nature of Specialist Education in Autism
Specialist education for those with autism is not only often confined to education as ‘therapy’ but is also thought of as segregated education. There is too much emphasis on the location of education and insufficient emphasis on its nature. Specialist education can take place in any setting. What is needed are:
- Knowledgeable and well-resourced staff: Staff need a range of skills and approaches, based on sound evidence-based principles, of what is likely to be helpful for individuals on the autism spectrum.
- Time for assessment: The staff also need time and resources to get to know each individual and to assess their best learning style and how the autism is expressed in this particular individual.
-Prof Rita Jordan
Rita Jordan – Bsc. QTS. MSc. MA. PhD. C.Psychol. AFBPsS. OBE. Emeritus Professor in Autism Studies: Autism Centre for Education & Research, The School of Education, The University of Birmingham, UK – is one of our plenary speakers at the Autism Conference in April 2013. Learn more about her and the other speakers here.
Autism and Sexuality
The rights of people with ASD to sexuality and interpersonal relationships are as important, if not more important, than any other basic human rights. Unfortunately their needs in this area often go unmet. Parents must assure that their children with ASD receive the basic information that they need in this area, even though it might be uncomfortable at times.
In addition, professionals must step up and get involved by informing themselves and assuring that their training programs are providing adequate experience and information for those in their field charged with the responsibility of helping their clients to learn about their rights to sexuality and close interpersonal relationships and exercising them.
-Prof Gary Mesibov
Gary Mesibov, PhD is a Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For almost 20, years, he served as the Director of Division TEACCH, the internationally recognized program pioneering approaches to service, treatment, training, research, and the education of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Mesibov has written books, journal articles, editorials, and research papers focusing on all aspects of autism and developmental disabilities.
Knowing and understading autism
Autism should be included in the curriculum of all involved in the care for acute psychiatric distress: general practitioners, police and social workers, doctors and nurses in emergency wards and all involved in psychiatric care from infancy to old age!
Knowing and understanding autism may prevent unnecessary vicious spirals of anxiety – aggression – restriction – panic etc!
-Rutger Jan van der Gaag
Rutger Jan van der Gaag (1950) is a professor of clinical child and adolescent psychiatry associated with UMCN St Radboud in Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Autism Conference – CPD Credits Awarded!
The Irish Society for Autism is delighted to announce that the Next Generation International Conference April 2013 has been approved for CPD credits for members of The Psychological Society of Ireland.
The Irish Society for Autism celebrates their 50th Anniversary providing services for people with Autism. To mark this occasion and to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day, an International Autism Conference is being held in the Convention Centre Dublin, on the 3rd & 4th April 2013.
To register now – click here
Registration for the full two-day conference includes plenary sessions, a choice of workshops and participant pack as well as lunch and refreshments on both days and attendance at a social event on the first evening of the conference.
If you have already registered, thank you for your support!
We look forward to seeing you in April.
Gary Lavigna and the Charter of Rights
For those people who have the challenges typically associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), one of those challenges is often their behaviour. This gives them the need for and the right to the least restrictive support capable of meeting their needs and the needs of their family and those around them. Unfortunately, because of their challenging behaviour, they often experience abusivephysical treatment or neglect.
In the “Charter of Rights for People with Autism”, I describe how challenging behaviour can be addressed effectively, using PBS, without abusive physical treatment.
-Dr. Gary W. Levigna
Gary LaVigna is Co-founder and Clinical Director of the Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis in Los Angeles, California. He spends much of his time consulting with organizations on establishing nonaversive behavior support plans for individuals exhibiting severe and challenging behavior and presenting seminars on the topic throughout the world.
The Autism Perspective by Prof Michael Fitzgerald
Persons with Autism have the right to have their mental health and care needs provided by people who are educated to understand the special mind-set of persons with Autism.
It is critical that these mental health professionals understand the different perspective of people with Autism and the world that persons with Autism exist in. If these mental health professionals are not aware of these differences they will misunderstand persons with Autism and cause great distress to them.
Treatments have to be given from an Autism specific perspective.
-Prof Michael Fitzgerald
Prof Michael Fitzgerald will be one of our special speakers at the Autism Conference 2013. Find more information about him and the rest of the speakers here!
The Choice of Medications for Autism by Paul Shattock
Individuals labeled as “autistic” are very different from each other. The differences between them are much greater than they are within the so called “neuro-typical” population. One man’s meat is very definitely another man’s poison.
A particular medication can be very helpful and well tolerated by one person but unhelpful and very harmful for another. Some people with autism benefit dramatically from drugs known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) that are commonly used for treating depression (provided the dose is correct).
For others, especially those with more sever problems, the results can be disastrous.
-Paul Shattock
Paul Shattock will be one of our special speakers at the Autism Conference 2013. Find information about him and the rest of the speakers here!
The Right to Live Your Life by Hilde de Clercq
“The unfairness of life overwhelmed me. It was not fair to have such a child, but it was even moreunfair to be that child“ -Charles Hart
It is about time that we all start to understand that we are all born with the right to join ‘the club’ that every human being is born to ‘belong’. It is about time that the difference between being ‘autonomous” and “dependent” gets neutralized….
Inclusion is about “interdependency, interconnection and belonging”… and moreover: it should not stop when school is finished! Being born with a disability should not mean that the rights that all other members of the community have, all of a sudden get diminished or cease to exist.
People with a disability should have the right to determine as much as possible how they want to live their own lives! Only in his way the individualized ‘quality of life’ is guaranteed.
-Hilde De Clercq
Hilde De Clercq will be one of our special speakers at the next Autism Conference, April 2013. Register online now!
Diagnosing Autism by Dr. Tom Berney
Diagnosis is not uniform; it is a messy but necessary process of affirmation for in the individual and a confirmation for those around him. It is a powerful tool, which comes with side-effects and is open to misuse. However, while it must be approached with care, it should also be readily available. It also needs to move beyond simply dividing the world into those who have autism and those who do not.
We need to list the developmental disabilities, such as attention deficit, executive dysfunction or incoordination, that, together with the social impairment, may be mild in themselves but can combine to produce a hermit, trapped in his home. In the end this broad, descriptive assessment is an essential step to ‘seeing ourselves as others see us,’ the self-knowledge needed to understand relationships with others – and therefore a right, essential to development – but only if the recipient (or their representatives) can control the process.
-Dr. Tom Berney
Reflections by Dr. Pat Matthews
This year 2012, the World Autism Organisation decided to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day by inviting 19 people, parents, professionals and people with Autism to revisit the Charter of Rights and to share their wisdom and experience with us, it is a treasure trove of thoughts and ideas that reflect on the rights, dignity and respect that are due to our most vulnerable people.
These reflections on the European Charter of Rights demand action demand the development of Autism specific legislation. It challenges all of us to examine our consciences. It demands that people with Autism be treated as people – citizens of the world who are entitled to participate in the development of Society in accordance with their individual capacity and dignity and human beings.
-Dr. Pat Matthews
Thank You, Keith!
A massive Thank You to Keith Callaghan from Wicklow who took part in the 2012 Dublin City Marathon on behalf of the Irish Society for Autism. He made great time and raised a fantastic amount of money.
Again, many thanks Keith!
Christmas Cards are available now!
What better present to give these holidays to your loved ones AND also contribute to the Irish Society for Autism’s continuous efforts to help people with autism?
You can choose from either a Traditional Pack with lovely Christmas images or the Christmas Characters Pack with cute animated images of Santa, Rudolph and Frosty, perfect for the kids!
Please contact us at (01) 874 4684 or at fundraising@autism.ie to order your packs now while supplies last!
Early Bird Registration still open for Autism Conference!
Early bird registration for the Irish Society for Autism’s International Conference is now open and will close on November 30th 2012.
The Irish Society for Autism is celebrating their 50th Anniversary providing services for people with Autism. To mark this occasion and to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day, an International Autism Conference is being held in the Convention Centre Dublin, on the 3rd & 4th April 2013.
More than 500 delegates are expected to travel from all over Europe and USA. The target audience includes parents of people with Autism, professionals who work in the field of Autism, educators, teachers, and policy makers.
The conference will bring together some of the world’s top professionals who, over a two day period, will deliver exciting plenary sessions, stimulating workshops and social exchanges. The keynote address will be delivered by internationally renowned Professor of Animal Sciences Dr. Temple Grandin. Other speakers include Prof. Michael Fitzgerald, a Henry Marsh Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, Paul Shattock, OBE, President of the World Autism Organisation, Professor Rita Jordan, Autism Centre for Education & Research, University of Birmingham, UK, Theo Peeters, founder of the Opleidingscentrum Autisme (Centre for Training in Autism) in Belgium, Hilde de Clerq, author and member of the International Associate Editors of ‘Good Autism Practice’ and Ros Blackburn, an adult with Autism and international lecturer on care and education.
The central theme of the conference will be “The Next Generation” focusing on enhanced legislation, increased awareness, autism-specific education, early diagnosis and intervention.
Early Bird Registration is now open. Register NOW
Registration for the full two-day conference includes plenary sessions, a choice of workshops and participant pack as well as lunch and refreshments on both days and attendance at a social event on the first evening of the conference.
Conference Speaker In Focus: Prof Michael Fitzgerald is Henry Marsh Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Trinity College, Dublin. He was the first Professor of Child Psychiatry in Ireland and has diagnosed over 2000 persons with ASD since 1973. Michael was involved in writing 18 books including Co-Editing the Handbook of ADHD published by Wiley. He has written a number of books on creativity including The Genesis of Artistic Creativity. He has extensive clinical experience with persons with ADHD children and adults.
About the Irish Society for Autism
The Irish Society for Autism the longest autism-specific service provider in Ireland. The society was formed with the goal of creating awareness of Autism and convincing the authorities that early diagnosis and specialised education would greatly enhance the quality of life for people with Autism. The Irish Society for Autism, when established in 1963, was the second autism organisation in the world. Since then the Irish Society for Autism has been providing information on Autism for thousands of people with Autism, parents, families, educators, students and health care workers. It has also been successful in creating residential services for Adults with Autism in Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Wexford and creating the European Charter of Rights for People with Autism. The Irish Society for Autism is a founder member of Autism Europe and the World Autism Organisation. The Executive Director, Dr. Pat Matthews, was the first President of the World Autism Organisation.
Rose Campaign- Thank You!
A huge thank you to all those who supported our Rose Campaign 2012. From everyone who bought a rose to our volunteer sellers, we really appreciate the help and support.
All money raised will go towards supporting our work and to providing services to people living with Autism.
Thank You!
A Big Thank You to Philip Doak
July 2012 – A big Thank You to Philip Doak from Dublin who took part in the Zurich Ironman 2012 on behalf of the Irish Society for Autism.
What a great achievement. He raised the absolutely fantastic amount of €1,180.00. Again huge massive thanks Phil!
Aisling Morrison getting into the Rose Campaign spirit!
The Irish Society for Autism’s Rose Campaign 2012 is taking place until the 14th of October. During this week our volunteers are selling roses throughout the county to raise funds for the society.
Our Rose Campaign provides us with the opportunity to not only raise vital funds for the society but also to promote our organisation through raising the profile and awareness of children and adults with Autism.
Please, buy a rose or donate online now!
To find out more about this Campaign contact us on (01) 874 4684 or email fundraising@autism.ie.
Our Annual Rose Campaign is taking place now!
During this week our volunteers are selling roses outside Supermarkets, in Shopping Centres and on the Streets Nationwide.
Our Rose Campaign provides us with the opportunity to not only raise vital funds for the society but also to promote our organisation through raising the profile and awareness of children and adults with Autism.
Please, buy a rose or donate online now!
To find out more about this Campaign contact us on (01) 874 4684 or email fundraising@autism.ie.
Download and share our conference poster!
We are just 6 months away from our big annual Conference in Dublin! The Irish Society for Autism has been promoting the awareness and services for autism for 50 years now and we would love it if you could help us promote this important event by downloading the poster and sharing it with your friends.
The theme for this year is “The Next Generation” and our keynote speaker is Dr Temple Grandin, a person with high-functioning autism, noted for her work in autism advocacy. She was listed in the Time 100 list of the 100 most influential people in the world in the “Heroes” category in 2010.
Be sure to check out our other speakers and different workshops we will be having and, please, spread the word!
Download the PDF file here.
Thank you, Shannon!
A big Thank You to Shannon McGuinness from Dundalk, Co. Louth who so bravely decided to take on a charity skydive on behalf of the Irish Society for Autism. This was part of Shannon’s transition year charity work project. She raised the fantastic amount of €675.00.
Again many thanks Shannon!
The Irish Society for Autism’s Annual Rose Campaign takes place this year from 8th – 14th October.
During this week our volunteers will be selling roses outside Supermarkets, in Shopping Centres and on the Streets Nationwide.
Our Rose Campaign provides us with the opportunity to not only raise vital funds for the society but also to promote our organisation through raising the profile and awareness of children and adults with Autism.
To find out more about this Campaign contact us on (01) 874 4684 or email fundraising@autism.ie.
Registration Now Closed
Registration Closed for the International Autism Conference Dublin Ireland, 3rd & 4th April 2013.
The Irish Society for Autism is celebrating their 50th Anniversary. To mark this great occasion, and to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day, an International Autism Conference is being held in the Convention Centre Dublin
The central theme of the conference will be “The Next Generation” focusing on enhanced legislation, increased awareness, autism specific education, early diagnosis and intervention.
The conference will bring together some of the world’s top professionals who, over a two day period, will deliver exciting plenary sessions, stimulating workshops and social exchanges.
Keynote speaker
Internationally renowned Professor of Animal Sciences Dr. Temple Grandin.
Ros Blackburn, an adult with autism and international lecturer on care and education
Hilde de Clerq, author and member of the International Associate Editors of ‘Good Autism Practice.’
Prof. Michael Fitzgerald, a Henry Marsh Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin. Prof. Fitzgerald was the first Professor of Child Psychiatry in Ireland and has diagnosed over 2000 persons with autism since 1973.
Professor Rita Jordan, Autism Centre for Education & Research, University of Birmingham, UK
Theo Peeters, founder of the Opleidingscentrum Autisme (Centre for Training in Autism) in Belgium
Paul Shattock, OBE, President of the World Autism Organisation
A New Vision for Autism: Autism.ie
We are delighted to announce our new brand. Our new brand reflects on the significance of our 50th Anniversary in 2013.
The Irish Society for Autism has been repositioned as Autism.ie to accommodate the digital age in which we now all live. The unique blue rose, which represents the past, present, and future of our organisation has been brought to the forefront, in order to emphasise our message of hope, and to recognise the individuality of people with Autism.
This new, and modern treatment of our logo does not simply disregard what went beforehand. It celebrates our history by acknowledging our past.
As our Anniversary approaches, we look forward to the Autism Conference in April, and to the next 50 years providing services for people with Autism.
Flora Women’s Mini Marathon 2012 – Thank You
The sun was blazing in Dublin for the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon 2012. Women (and some brave men) came out in their thousands to represent different charities in the biggest all-women’s event of it’s kind in the world.
The Irish Society for Autism would like to say a big THANK YOU to all those who took part on our behalf, the funds raised will help the society promote awareness and to continue to develop a specialised service for people with Autism.
Well Done Girls!
Becky & Sandie Cassin
World Autism Awareness Day 2012
The fifth annual World Autism Awareness Day took place on 2nd April 2012. To mark this special occasion the Irish Society for Autism launched “Reflections and Personal Experience on the Charter of Rights for People with Autism” in European Union House on Dawson Street.
The book was compiled and edited by Dr. Pat Matthews and Tara Matthews MSc. of the Irish Society for Autism. A paperback edition is available in all good book shops and on the publishers website http://www.originalwriting.ie/ priced at €15. All proceeds from the sale of the publication will go directly to the Irish Society for Autism and the World Autism Organisation.
The Society also announced the International Conference which will take place in Dublin 2013 to celebrate the Irish Society’s 50 years providing services to people with Autism and their families.
Run-a-Muck Challenge
The Run-A-Muck Challenge took place on Saturday 3rd March 2012 in Clonkeeran House, Co. Kildare. It’s an off-road run challenge, 5km, 10km, Solo, Pairs Relay or Teams of 3 or more.
We would like to say a special THANKS to all who took part in this fun event and raised funds for The Irish Society for Autism – Dunfirth Farm. A great day was had by all. Thanks also to everyone who so kindly supported the event.
The Valentine’s Hair & Fashion Show
A fantastic night was had by all at The Valentine’s Hair & Fashion Show with all proceeds going to The Irish Society for Autism – Dunfirth Farm.
We would like to say a special thanks to The Salon, The Hamlet Court Hotel, Sandy, Yvonne, Jen and all the models who gave up their spare time to strut their stuff for charity. The models, dancers and musicians were terrific.
Thanks again to everyone involved and everyone who so kindly supported the event.
Mini Marathon 2012
Calling all Ladies!
Get your running shoes on for the Irish Society for Autism and take part in this year’s Mini Marathon.
Entries will begin on the 22nd February 2012.
You can enter online at www.womensminimarathon.ie
or
Complete the application form in the Evening Herald.
Register early to avoid disappointment.
To find out more contact Gemma on 01 874 4684!
Fundraising Fast
A Big Thank You to Clare Kenneally for raising a fantastic €408.32 for the Society by taking part in a Fundraising Fast.
Pat Matthews conferred with honorary doctorate from Trinity
Pat Matthews conferred with honorary doctorate from Trinity.
Pat Matthews, Executive Director of The Irish Society of Autism and Past President of the World Autism Organisation, was confered with a Doctor in Laws (LL.D) at Trinity College Dublin on Friday 10th December 2010. During a lifetime of commitment to people with Autism he has changed the ways in which people with Autism are regarded and treated in society. He has campaigned most forcefully nationally and internationally for the rights of people with autism and has pioneered a deeper understanding of Autism and his work has established an ethos of respect and regard for people with this disability.
Rose returns for Fundraising Drive
International Rose of Tralee Clare Kambamettu was back where it all began yesterday to lend her support to “Rose Week 2010″, the national fundraising drive for the Irish Society for Autism.
Parent Support Meeting
AUTISM PARENT SUPPORT MEETING
The Methodist Church
Lower Abbey Street
Dublin 1
Wednesday 21st March 2012
11.00am – 1.00pm
Should you have any questions, would like to be added to our mailing list to be informed of all meetings or for further details and directions please contact the office on 01 874 4684 or email
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Meeting Co-ordinator - Denis Sexton
A Night at the Dogs
Find the fun in fundraising and join The Irish Society for Autism as we go to Shelbourne Park for
“A night at the dogs”.
Tickets cost just €20.00 which includes admission, drink voucher and finger food.
This event takes place on Thursday 27th August 2009.
For more information or to book your tickets to this great event please contact Gemma on 01 874 4684 or fundraising@autism.ie
Seminar with Dr. Temple Grandin, 28th March 2009
AUTISM AWARENESS
to
Commemorate World Autism Awareness Day 2009
“Dr. Temple Grandin”
“My Experiences with Autism, from Early Childhood to a Successful Career”
Saturday 28th March 2009
Trinity Centre, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, 8.
9.00 – 9.30 a.m. Registration
9.30 – 10.00 a.m. Introduction
Professor Michael Fitzgerald
10.00 – 11.15 a.m. “My Experiences with Autism, from Early Childhood to a
Successful Career”
Dr. Temple Grandin
11.15 – 11.30 a.m. Refreshments
11.30 – 12.30 p.m. “My Experiences with Autism, from Early Childhood to a
Successful Career” (contd)
Dr. Temple Grandin
12.30 p.m. Close
Cost: €30.00 per person
For further information on booking please contact The Irish Society for Autism, Unity Buildings, 16, Lower O’Connell Street, D.1.
Phone: 01-8744684 / Fax: 01-8744224 / Email:
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PLEASE NOTE: NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED
Irish Society Wins National AIB Millennium Award
The Irish Society for Autism has won the National AIB Better Ireland Millennium Award. The Society received the award of £125,000 in recognition of its development of services of excellence for people with Autism in Ireland. The Society has been in forefront of developing residential and vocational services on a national basis. The Society originally developed Dunfirth Farm near Enfield, Co. Meath as a residential service based on the organic farm model. More recently the Society has been developing services in Claregalway, and Galway city and new development at Athboy, Co. Meath, Kilmore, Co. Wexford, and Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath are currently coming on stream.
The Society has developed Dunfirth Farm near Enfield in 1983 as a model of excellence for people with Autism. Dunfirth Farm now provides for up to thirty seven young people with Autism, who live and work in a spacious rural environment. The Society provides a non-aversive environment designed to allow the person with Autism to grow and develop as much as possible. Dunfirth provides a range of activities including organic vegetable growing, poultry, woodwork, bakery and pottery production.
This year the Society is developing two similar services based on the Dunfirth model. Moygrehan House at Athboy, Co. Meath will provide for up to six young people with Autism.
A further four people will be provided with a service at Cluain Farm, Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath. The Society is currently planning to develop further accommodation at Cluain Farm which will provide for up to 12 extra places over the next two or three years.
The services developed in collaboration with the regional Health Boards are designed to provide a high quality of life to people with Autism. The philosophy of the Society is based on a non-aversive approach, where the person with Autism is allowed to grow and develop to his potential despite the restricting nature of his Autism.
The award was presented to the Society on Saturday night (15th January, 2000) at a special televised show live from the Point Theatre presented by Mr. Gay Byrne.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Society, Mr. Pat Matthews, Executive Director, said that the award was a significant recognition of the Society as a national organisation which could provide high quality services to people with Autism.
“The award was an endorsement of the Society’s efforts over the last thirty or more years in advocating and campaigning on behalf of all people with Autism and their families”, he said.
Autism is a devastating condition which results in impaired communication and social skills. The person with Autism needs special help and assistance to overcome these barriers. On behalf of the Society, Mr. Matthews thanked everybody who has worked tirelessly over the years to gain improvement for people with Autism.
Woods sets up Task Force on Education
Education and Science Minister, Dr Michael Woods today announced the appointment of a Task Force to examine models of education provision for children with Autism. The Task Force, which will begin its work early in September, will report within three months. It will be chaired by Ms Sheelagh Drudy, Professor of Education at University College, Dublin.
"I am anxious to ensure that we make proper educational provision for children with Autism and that we make real progress in mainstreaming autistic children", said the Minister. He added that the report of the Task Force will be an important input into his decisions on how to improve the educational responses to the needs of these children. The Task Force will be assisted in its work by leading experts from Ireland, United States and Europe.
Dr Woods pointed out that the Government has already significantly improved the educational provision for children with special needs. For the first time children with special needs are entitled to an automatic response to those needs. "I am already allocating significant resources for educational provision for children with Autism and special classes are being established with a pupil teacher ratio of 6 to 1. However, I want to see how best to move forward for children with Autism and for this reason am establishing the Task Force to inform the development of policy in this area" he said.
The Task Force includes national and international experts. The Minister said he was setting the tight timescale because he is anxious to respond to the report as early as possible.
Details of the Terms of Reference are attached.
21 August, 2000.
Terms of Reference of Task Force on Autism
Having regard to the responsibility of the State to make adequate educational provision for all children with special needs, including children with autism.
Having regard to the distinct educational needs of certain children with autism.
Having regard to the State’s commitment to ensuring that the special educational needs of children with autism are properly addressed within the educational system.
Having regard to the range of special education provision and support services already made available to children with autism in special schools, special classes attached to ordinary schools; and in integrated settings, and
Having regard to the desirability of ensuring that the services made available to children with autism reflect best international practice.
The Task Force on Autism will:
Review the current range of educational provision and the support services available to children with autism in Ireland.
Assess the adequacy of current educational provision and support services, having regard to the range of special needs which can arise and the need to address such needs either in integrated settings or by way of special dedicated provision.
Make such recommendations as are considered appropriate for the development or adjustment of existing policy approaches, educational provision and support services, in order to ensure the delivery of an appropriate, effective and efficient education service to children with autism.
Make such further recommendations as the Task Force considers appropriate in relation to the above matters.