Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

One in 65 people in Ireland is on the autism spectrum. This figure includes men, women and children and each one of them is deserving of their rights as Irish citizens. Each one of us has a moral and a civil duty to ensure that they get them. If autism is not part of our lives we will most certainly have heard of it. We will most certainly know a person or a family dealing with autism. Many people do not understand the barriers faced by people with autism.

The dictionary definition of autism is a lifelong non-progressive, neurological condition. Just like our perception of autism, the dictionary falls way short of accurately defining autism. This is because autism is impossible to define. It is not possible to sum up autism in one sentence. We know that there is not just one form of autism, there are many sub-types and most are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because autism is such a wide and varied condition, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people on the spectrum learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with autism may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support. In some cases, people on the autism spectrum live entirely independently. The most accurate description for autism that I have read comes from Dr. Stephen Shore, an autistic professor of special education. He describes in very basic terms how, "If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." Unlike most other defined conditions the term autism is not one-size-fits-all.

In 2017, the former Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly, recognised the unique and diverse needs of autistic people and he introduced the Autism Spectrum Disorder Bill to the Seanad. It received unanimous support but, unfortunately, circumstances prevented the Bill from reaching the Dáil. The Regional Group, of which I am a member, has now revived this Bill. We are united in our determination that legislation will be passed for and on behalf of the people with autism and their families. We are committed to advocating on behalf of those who do not have the platform to advocate for themselves.

Many people associate autism with children or young people but there are large numbers of adults with autism who face a daily challenge to fit into everyday life. The true number of adults on the autism spectrum is unknown. Many have simply fallen through the cracks and have never been diagnosed. Obtaining a formal diagnosis in an adult is a minefield of obstacles and many are assessed as having mental health issues and never actually receive a correct diagnosis. Alternatively, those who can have to turn to the private system for accurate analysis and assessment. The educational system offers some support to children and young people with autism. Autistic adults in the workplace do not have same comfort. This lack of support weighs heavily on adults with autism, who are particularly vulnerable to unemployment, exploitation, and falling into poverty. This contributes to the fact that eight out of ten such adults will develop a mental health problem. Finding employment can be a challenge for autistic adults and holding onto a job can be even more so. As many as 80% of those on the autistic spectrum are either underemployed or do not have a job. According to a study conducted by AsIAm and Irishjobs.ie, as many as 77% of autistic people surveyed believed that they would face barriers getting the job they wanted or in starting their own business.

The pandemic has been particularly difficult time for people with autism. The lack of normal routines and structures added to ongoing pandemic uncertainty and this proved very difficult for autistic people to cope with. On the other hand, there was blessed relief from social stress. Welcome changes noted by adults with autism were the increase in solidarity with all people, and the reduced sensory and social overload.

While this was being experienced by everyone, it gave autistic people a rare feeling of equality. None of us lives in an ideal world. We can all help to make the world better for others. For those on the autism spectrum we can grant them rights, namely, the right to proper services and supports to enable them to live their lives to the best, the right to be fully accepted as citizens and the right to a social and inclusive life. We need a national autistic strategy that properly meets the needs of one in every 65 people. This time it must be delivered by enacting this Bill.

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