Communities across Ireland are preparing to take part in the Same Chance Walk for Autism on Sunday, April 12, including a major walk at Kylemore Abbey. The walk encourages communities to step out in solidarity with Autistic people and their families while raising funds for AsIAm’s advocacy, services, and community support programmes.
The walk comes as AsIAm launches its Same Chance Report 2026, which highlights growing concern about misinformation surrounding Autism in Ireland.
A teenager from Co. Galway was among those who recently met with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Government Buildings to mark the launch of the report.
Amy Logan (15 ), from Galway, was part of a meet-and-greet with the Taoiseach alongside members of AsIAm’s Autistic Youth Advisory Panel and leadership team.
Amy was also present last month at the launch of AsIAm’s new Community Support Hub in Galway, part of a growing network of regional hubs designed to provide local information, advocacy and support for Autistic people and their families.
Led by AsIAm CEO Adam Harris, the group meeting the Taoiseach discussed the challenges facing Ireland’s Autistic community and the importance of delivering on the Government’s commitment to legislate for a National Autism Strategy.
The Same Chance Report 2026 is based on the experiences of more than 1,600 Autistic people and families across Ireland and highlights ongoing barriers faced across education, healthcare, employment and community life.
The report highlights growing concern about misinformation surrounding Autism, particularly as misleading information continues to circulate online and internationally.
Recent global debates, including renewed claims about the causes of Autism and unproven “cures” promoted on social media, have added to confusion and stigma faced by Autistic people and their families.
The research found that almost seven in ten Autistic people and families believe misinformation about Autism has increased in the past year, while 91 per cent say the Government is not doing enough to tackle it.
Key findings from the Same Chance Report 2026
96 per cent support legislating for a National Autism Strategy in Ireland.
68 per cent believe misinformation about Autism has increased in the past year.
73 per cent say waiting lists are the biggest barrier to accessing disability supports.
93 per cent report additional financial costs associated with being Autistic or raising an Autistic child.
81 per cent say communities lack safe and inclusive social spaces for Autistic people.
72 per cent say they do not have the support needed to live independently.
