28/04/2026
We are thrilled to announce
Monday 27th April
Communities across Ireland were recognised at the AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns Awards 2026, which took place at Dublin City Hall on Friday night. Launched in 2018, the 2026 Awards mark a step change in scale of the initiative in part due to the support and partnership from PTSB, which has helped to extend the reach and impact of the programme.
Ireland’s movement towards more inclusive communities reached a new milestone this week as AsIAm celebrated the largest-ever expansion of its Autism Friendly Towns programme with 50 communities engaging in the structured framework for inclusion.
Terenure, Ballina (Co. Mayo), Enfield, Arklow and Blarney achieved Autism Friendly Town status, joining established leaders such as Waterford City, Killarney, Drumcondra and Maynooth in creating more inclusive spaces for Autistic people and their families.
The event was attended by Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam, who welcomed guests, social media personality and Autism advocate Eric Roberts, and Adam Harris, CEO & Founder of AsIAm, who highlighted the progress being made in creating Autism-friendly communities across the country.
Courtnee Kyle, Head of Sustainability at PTSB, said: "At PTSB, we are proud to support AsIAm’s Autism Friendly Towns awards and would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to this year's winners. Their commitment to creating inclusive environments, where Autistic people get the same chance, sets an important example for communities across Ireland.
AsIAm’s advocacy, education, and on-the-ground support continues to drive meaningful change that makes a real difference in the lives of Autistic people every day. PTSB is proud to stand alongside AsIAm in recognising organisations that share in the vision of a more inclusive Ireland.”
AsIAm CEO Adam Harris said “The Autism Friendly Towns Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the communities and organisations taking meaningful steps to create a more inclusive Ireland for Autistic people. We are delighted to celebrate this year’s winners, whose commitment to understanding, accessibility and acceptance is helping to make a real difference locally. We also greatly value the support of partners like PTSB, whose backing helps us shine a light on what true inclusion can look like in practice.
At AsIAm, we know that building Autism-friendly communities has a lasting impact on the everyday lives of Autistic people and their families. Our Same Chance research shows that over half of Autistic people report barriers to participating fully in community life. These awards not only celebrate progress,but also encourage others across Ireland to take positive steps towards greater inclusion.
The Autism Friendly Towns Awards are about something very simple - ensuring Autistic people have the same chance to participate in their communities as anyone else. That’s why the leadership shown by these towns matters. Their commitment to understanding, accessibility and acceptance is helping to turn the idea of inclusion into something real and practical - not just policy, but lived experience. These communities are showing what it looks like to build an Ireland where everyone truly has the same chance to belong.”
In addition to five Irish towns achieving full Autism Friendly status, several other communities were recognised for their outstanding contributions in specific areas:
Trim, Greystones, Waterford City, Dungarvan, Killarney, Listowel, Monaghan Town and Navan were recipients of the Inclusive Event Award for ensuring local events catered to autistic individuals.
Howth & Sutton, Ballina, Maynooth, Clondalkin, Dublin 20 and Westport were honoured as recipients of the Community Engagement Award, honouring their outstanding work in creating inclusive public spaces.
The Social Media Award was presented to Dublin 10.
The Sensory Accessibility Award was presented to Drumcondra for initiatives enhancing sensory-friendly experiences.
The Employment Award went to Arklow.
AsIAm’s Autism Friendly Towns Award provides a structured yet achievable framework for communities of all sizes to foster inclusion. Towns and cities earn and retain Autism Friendly status by demonstrating progress over a three-year cycle, guided by clear criteria. This includes establishing a voluntary Autism Friendly Town Committee, implementing a three-year action plan, engaging local employers to support autistic individuals through work experience or employment, training Autism Friendly Champions across key sectors, and ensuring businesses and organisations are assistance dog-friendly to enhance accessibility.
Started in 2018, The AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns Awards is an annual initiative recognising communities that commit to a framework of Autism inclusion, understanding, and acceptance.
(L-R) Award judge Charlene Tait, Adam Harris (AsIAm), Blarney committee representatives Aisling Foley, Mairead Murphy, Sinead Hunt and Karen Halpin, Eric Roberts and Courtnee Kyle (PTSB).
