The Society welcomes the announcement of the Autism Innovation Strategy, however we must stress the importance of enshrining the rights of Autistic people in Ireland with meaningful legislation.
The European Charter of Rights for Persons with Autism, co-authored by the Irish Society for Autism, states that people with Autism should share the same rights and privileges enjoyed by all of the European population, and that these rights should be enhanced, protected, and enforced by appropriate legislation in each EU Member State.
At a time when the basic needs of Autistic children and adults are not being met, we are challenging all Government Departments and State Bodies to come together and work towards a framework which will not only meet those needs, but protect them.