Minister agrees to back first ever Irish Autism Awareness Day – Sheahan

Fine Gael Senator for Kerry, Tom Sheahan has welcomed the agreement by the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Kathleen Lynch, to back the first ever Irish Autism Awareness Day, which will link in with International Autism Awareness Day on 2nd April. Government buildings, OPW buildings and Local Authority buildings will be invited to go blue in support.

“Irish Autism Action tell us that one in one hundred people suffer with Autism, at some level on the spectrum.

“For some time I have been campaigning within Government to back initiatives which will promote awareness of Autism in Ireland and I very much welcome the news that Minister Lynch is to back the first ever Irish Autism Awareness Day, which will take place on 2nd April, in conjunction with International Autism Awareness Day.

“There is no doubt that Irish society needs to be better educated regarding Autism. One of the most important functions of the Irish Autism Action is to raise awareness and that is what the 2nd April will now be all about.

“Irish Autism Action provides a range of services for people with Autism and their families including early detection and diagnosis; education support; advocacy; counselling and home based support. They also play a key role in providing advice for families upon receiving diagnosis.

“I am confident that the Irish people will get behind Irish Autism Awareness Day as they have with Daffodil Day and other major campaigns.

“Most people know someone affected by Autism. It is vital that we educate the Irish public and raise awareness of Autism to remove the stigma and to work towards providing better services.”