Aspire - The Autism Spectrum Association of Ireland

Aspire - The Autism Spectrum Association of Ireland Aspire focuses on five key areas to achieve these goals:

1. To ensure that information and a network of support is available to anyone who needs it

3.

Aspire - The Autism Spectrum Association of Ireland is celebrating 30 Years of Autistic Empowerment. 💙
We work to improve the quality of life for autistic people in Ireland and provide ongoing support to the autism community. Aspire – Autism Spectrum Association of Ireland, was established 25 years ago to support members of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Community, most specifically those with

a formal diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome. Today, our goals are still aligned to that which we believed in 25 years ago, which are:

To provide information, support and assistance for people who have Asperger Syndrome or ASD in Ireland, in particular in the areas of diagnosis, education, training, remedial treatment, housing, employment and personal development;

To promote a support network for families, friends and carers of those living with Asperger Syndrome, and provide a general forum to discuss topics associated with ASD or Asperger Syndrome;

To advocate on behalf of people with ASD, and provide them with the tools to advocate for themselves; and

To provide a residential unit for those living with a diagnosis of ASD or Asperger Syndrome, providing independent living skills and the tools to live independently. To meet the needs of people living with Asperger Syndrome or ASD throughout their lives, from diagnosis, through education, social exploration, career development and independent living;

2. To promote an understanding of the unique qualities of people with Asperger Syndrome or ASD and their needs, to ensure support is provided in social, educational and employment environments;

4. To facilitate families of people with ASD or Asperger Syndrome in gaining the tools and resources needed for them to support their family member in achieving their goals; and

5. To participate in and encourage research into ASD or Asperger Syndrome as opportunities present themselves.

🎉 Aspire Ireland | Autism Spectrum Association of Ireland is joining SPADE Food Enterprise Hub CLG  to celebrate 3 years...
02/09/2026

🎉 Aspire Ireland | Autism Spectrum Association of Ireland is joining SPADE Food Enterprise Hub CLG to celebrate 3 years of their Shared Kitchen!

Come along on Saturday 19 September from 11am - 4pm for a free community day with a food market, live music, children’s activities, cooking demos, face painting, balloon modelling and more.

We will be there with our information stand plus sensory items and some of our new 3D-printed products available to buy. The Senco Sensory Room Van will also be there on the day.

📍 SPADE Food Enterprise Hub, Dublin 7
🎟️ FREE ENTRY | EVERYONE WELCOME

Come for the food and fun and make sure to stop by and say hello to us!

Adult life can expect a lot from you, often without giving you a chance to practise first.That’s one reason we chose dra...
29/08/2026

Adult life can expect a lot from you, often without giving you a chance to practise first.

That’s one reason we chose drama for My Life, My Script.

Role-play, improvisation and storytelling can create a structured space to practise communication, joining in and handling unexpected situations. No experience needed. No expectations to perform.

🎭 12 weeks for autistic young adults aged 18–25
📍 Dublin 7
🕢 Thursdays, 7:30–8:30pm
(from 3 September)
💶 €88

Registrations are open. Places are limited.

Read our new Why Drama? article and register through the link in bio.

https://aspireireland.ie/my-life-my-script-why-drama/

Got questions about My Life, My Script?Swipe through our FAQ for practical information about what happens in the session...
27/08/2026

Got questions about My Life, My Script?

Swipe through our FAQ for practical information about what happens in the sessions, sensory support, where the programme takes place, who is facilitating it, the Group Participation Card cost and registration.

Registrations are now open and places are limited.
Link in bio or -> https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/mGBRq3sPMX

If you already completed our Expression of Interest form, check your email for the registration link.

📅 Starts Thursday 3 September 2026
🕢 7:30–8:30pm
📍 SPADE Enterprise Centre, Dublin 7
💶 Subsidised fee: €88

My Life, My Script is delivered by Aspire Ireland with support from the Rosie & Jim Charity & Community Fund.

What an evening Aspire Ireland | Autism Spectrum Association of Ireland 💙🧡A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for...
20/08/2026

What an evening Aspire Ireland | Autism Spectrum Association of Ireland 💙🧡

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our first Speed Dating for Neurodivergent Adults event.

Putting yourself out there and meeting new people isn’t always easy, so we really appreciate everyone who came along and gave it a go.

We hope you enjoyed the evening, had some good conversations and perhaps made a connection or two along the way.

Thank you as well to JH Creations 🎀 Naomh Fionnbarra our community and everyone who helped make the evening possible!

⬇️ Tell us in the comments if you’d like to see another Aspire Speed Dating event 👀

What an evening Aspire Ireland | Autism Spectrum Association of Ireland  💙🧡A huge thank you to everyone who joined us fo...
20/08/2026

What an evening Aspire Ireland | Autism Spectrum Association of Ireland 💙🧡

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our first Speed Dating for Neurodivergent Adults event.

Putting yourself out there and meeting new people isn’t always easy, so we really appreciate everyone who came along and gave it a go.

We hope you enjoyed the evening, had some good conversations and perhaps made a connection or two along the way.

Thank you as well to JH Creations 🎀 Naomh Fionnbarra our community and everyone who helped make the evening possible!

⬇️ Tell us in the comments if you’d like to see another Aspire Speed Dating event 👀

Today is the first meeting of our Post-Diagnostic & Neurodivergent Support Circle 💛 Aspire Ireland | Autism Spectrum Ass...
11/08/2026

Today is the first meeting of our Post-Diagnostic & Neurodivergent Support Circle 💛 Aspire Ireland | Autism Spectrum Association of Ireland

This is a free online space for autistic and neurodivergent adults to connect, explore identity and wellbeing and feel understood.

📅 Second Tuesday of every month
⏰ 12pm–1pm
💻 Online
💛 Free to attend

No formal diagnosis is needed and there is no pressure to speak or have your camera on.

If you couldn’t register for today’s session, don’t worry. Our next circle will take place on Tuesday 8 September.

To express your interest in a future session, email [email protected]

05/08/2026

🚶🚶‍♀️Finding Our August Social Group Venue ←

For August only, our 18+ and 40+ Social Groups will take place at Aspire’s office in SPADE Enterprise Centre, instead of Third Space Café.

If you’re unsure how to find us, this short video will show you the route from Third Space to our office. It’s only a few minutes’ walk.

📍 Venue:
SPADE Enterprise Centre
North King Street
Smithfield
Dublin 7

Please remember:
• This change is for August only.
• The dates and times remain the same.
• Attendance is limited to 8 people per group, so please book your place in advance.

We apologise for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you. 💙

August Social Groups – Change of Venue For August only, our Social Groups will take place in the meeting room at the Asp...
28/07/2026

August Social Groups – Change of Venue

For August only, our Social Groups will take place in the meeting room at the Aspire office. The dates and times remain unchanged.

Venue:
Spade Enterprise Centre
North King Street
Smithfield, Dublin

Due to the size of the meeting room, attendance is limited to 8 people per group.

The space includes:

* Tea and coffee
* Access to toilets
* A temperature controlled room
* Kitchen facilities
* Space to meet and chat

For more information, please contact Steven at [email protected] or 089 465 2026

We apologise for any inconvenience. Our Social Groups will return to their usual venue from September. 🥰

It’s official! My Life, My Script +  Expressions of interest are now open for My Life, My Script, a 12-week drama progra...
20/07/2026

It’s official! My Life, My Script
+

Expressions of interest are now open for My Life, My Script, a 12-week drama programme for autistic young adults aged 18–25.

This is a supportive, sensory-aware programme where autistic young adults can use drama activities to build confidence, communication and steadier participation in group settings.

A subsidised fee of €80 applies. (Regular cost: €400)

The programme begins on 22 August.

Scan the QR code to register your interest.
You can also find the link in our bio or in the comments, depending on the platform you’re using.

Scan the QR code to register your interest. You can also find the link in our bio or in the comments, depending on the platform you’re using.

We will get in touch with more details over the coming weeks. 💙

10/07/2026

🥵 Autism & Heat Sensitivity

Many autistic people and some people with ADHD experience heat differently.

Research suggests this may be linked to differences in sensory processing, interoception and thermoregulation (how the body regulates temperature).

For some people, hot weather doesn’t just feel uncomfortable. It can make concentrating, working, studying and socialising much more difficult. Add brighter sunlight, busier spaces and more noise, and everyday activities can become overwhelming.

Not every autistic person experiences this in the same way, but if someone says they’re struggling with the heat, believe them. A little understanding and flexibility can make a big difference.

Have you experienced this? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Dublin

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