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Improving the
quality of life for
autistic people
in Ireland

WHO WE ARE
WHAT WE DO
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You can learn more about EU funding by visiting their official website: www.eufunds.ie

Who we are

Aspire Ireland (Aspire – The Autism Spectrum Association of Ireland) is a national autism support organisation and registered charity providing services and support to autistic individuals and the wider autism community in Ireland.

Aspire has 30 years of experience providing holistic support to autistic people and autistic people across the full spectrum, across life stages, identities, and support needs.

Our work is grounded in inclusion, autonomy, respect, and strengths-based practice.

Aspire is committed to evolving with the autistic community, informed by current understanding, lived experience, and best practice.

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About Us

Since 1995, Aspire Ireland has been a cornerstone of the neurodivergent community, providing over 30 years of holistic support to autistic individuals and their families. As The Autism Spectrum Association of Ireland, we bridge the gap between diagnosis and independence, offering a lifetime of empowerment through person centred care.

Our 30 year legacy is built on a family-inclusive model. We manage a Residential Service for autistic adults, focused on real-world outcomes. Our person-centered model helps individuals gain vital independent living skills and promotes active community engagement.

Our award-winning social enterprise, Aspire Designs, is tackling the 80%+ unemployment rate in the autism community by provide meaningful work experience to autistic graphic designers and other artists, vocational training, and professional career progression.

Our team delivers bespoke design services, including accessible guides, greeting cards and visual resources.

Loneliness and social isolation are major challenges for the autistic community. We facilitate autism social groups for both adults and youths.

Aspire is a trusted provider of Autism and ADHD Awareness Training for workplaces, schools, colleges, and community services.

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” I found a way to connect with my son on a whole new level”
Adam Jenkins

Testimonials

My daughter joined the group to have an opportunity to unmask and be among other neurodivergent young people in a social and safe environment.
Teen MeetupsTeen's mother
The group has given my son confidence and a sense of belonging that he really struggles to find, we are so grateful.
Teen MeetupsTeen's dad
I like that the group gives me a chance at making friends, when I'm with other neurodivergent I feel more comfortable and I feel like I belong there.
Social Group MeetupParticipant
The immediate acceptance and inclusion in this group is vital to his mental health and overall wellbeing.
Social GroupParticipant's family
I found a way to connect with my son on a whole new level.
Adam JenkinsService User
Thank you for the wonderful work you do. I am so happy that I have such a supportive and inspiring organisation to direct my clients towards, and I truly appreciate the resources and community you provide.
Saoirse and the rest of the teamSMC Psychology
Thank you so much for all your time and advice today. You really put me at ease. 
MumTeen Meetups
To have a creative social outlet for my child has been brilliant. He is not sporty, and this limits his options in terms of extra-curricular activities. The class was a godsend! It gives him an opportunity to be creative in a safe and social setting.
Parent
He doesn’t go to any other activities outside of school so it was amazing to have this option which was so perfect for his needs. He made friends and had fun. We couldn’t be more grateful.
I feel I have built my relationship with my niece as it has given us time together going and coming from the drama class. I feel good knowing there is a space like this available for her where she can have fun, socialise but also grow and develop. We have tried so many activities and this is the first one where she leaves with a smile and I feel relieved that she has somewhere to grow.
It is wonderful to see him heading into his class every week without hesitation and to see how happy he is coming out of the class. This sounds like a simple thing but for a young person who is reluctant to do anything, this is huge and it is very reassuring to me as his parent.

What We Do

We run social groups and support programmes for both adults and youths (you don't have to be diagnosed)
We provide Autism and ADHD Awareness training and support to workplaces, schools, colleges, and community services.
We provide visual resources, easy read guides and information to assist autistic individuals and their families.

Autism and ADHD Assessments

How we can help

Education

Social Enterprise

Collaborations

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dublin northwest partnership
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Inside EU logo
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Get involved

help

We need your donations to continue to make a difference, whatever you can afford to donate is greatly appreciated by Aspire.
Donate

support

We believe that people with Asperger Syndrome or ASD have an invaluable insight and should be central to decisions regarding what supports are required and how our message is communicated.
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events

Check out our upcoming events.
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Donate

We at Aspire rely on you and your donations to help us support autistic individuals, their families and the community. Your donations contribute to the running of programmes, training and workshops.

Corporate donations have a momentous impact in helping provide the financial sustainability of Aspire. These donations help us to provide services to our community and to the people who need it most.

We need your donations to continue to make a difference, whatever you can afford to donate is greatly appreciated by Aspire.

You can donate to Aspire in a number of ways:

  • Postal Order, Bank Draft or Cheque: Send a Postal Order, Bank Draft or Cheque to: 30 Ballinteer Park, Ballinteer Dublin 16
  • Fundraise: Create an online fundraising Page on our behalf through iDonate

Our Team

At Aspire, we are fortunate to have a tight, dedicated team working around the clock to support autistic individuals and the wider autism community. Our team includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical members, bringing lived experience, professional expertise and strong commitment to everything we do.

Our employees are at the heart of our organisation. While we are not perfect, we are always striving to learn, grow and strengthen both ourselves and the organisation, so we can continue to raise standards and deliver high-quality supports and services.

Meet The Team

Guidance

We provide information and support across a wide range of topics related to autism. We also extend this support to ADHD (AuDHD) and neurodivergence more broadly, recognising that many experiences and characteristics overlap. 

Topics include autism, assessments, education, independent living, allowances and supports.

We invite you to explore the advice and guidance available across our website and to follow us on our social channels for ongoing updates.

Begin Your Journey Here