Taoiseach: Autism strategy about quick delivery and accountability

With tasks given to a specific department or agency, "there is nowhere to hide" when it comes to delivering on what is promised, Simon Harris said.

The strategy aims to address bespoke challenges and barriers for autistic people and to improve understanding and accommodation of autism in society and across the public system.

"I know that in this country, we have made progress in a lot of areas when it comes to inclusion and participation but I am also really conscious that there is an awful lot more work that needs to be done," said Mr Harris.

The key areas the strategy seeks to address include autism-affirming society, equality of access to public services, accessible and inclusive communities, and building capacity.

This commitment was made recognising the fact that autistic people in our society face a variety of challenges, and that there are gaps which we need to address in existing services and supports, along with misconceptions and gaps in terms of understanding autism.

"But the strategy also recognises that the perspective, talents, and contributions of autistic people across society add immeasurably to the quality, the richness and the diversity of Irish life."

The strategy was launched by Minister for Equality Roderic O'Gorman and Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte who had announced her intention to establish a national strategy on autism on World Autism Awareness Day in 2021.

The purpose of the strategy is to provide building blocks for a more inclusive society where autistic people have equity of opportunity to participate in cultural, social and economical life, said Ms Rabbitte, adding:

Bridging these gaps is essential in order to ensure that the autistic people in our families and communities have the opportunity to contribute their perspectives and talents fully, creating a richer society for all of us.

In creating the strategy, two large public consultations were held which received input from autistic people, parents, family members, professionals and organisations supporting autistic people.

From this, gaps were identified in health services and supports, access to education and employment, access to alternative communication methods and a lack of understanding reflected in the approaches of some professionals.

In addition to programmes that have already been funded, Ms Rabbitte said a dedicated Autism Innovation Fund is to be developed which will provide funding for innovative projects supporting autistic people around the country.

The strategy has been developed to complement and enhance wider action on disability, in particular, the forthcoming National Disability Strategy.

"Right now, intensive work is under way within my department to deliver the new National Disability Strategy, and that will be a really important step in terms of our implementation, in terms of our progressive realisation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities," said Mr O'Gorman.