Irish Seaside Village Becomes Country’s First “Autism Friendly Town.”

With millions of its residents falling somewhere on the autism spectrum, the United States might want to take a cue from Clonakilty, a seaside resort town on the southern tip of Ireland.

It’s a major tourist destination, and since about 1 in 65 people in Ireland live with autism, officials decided to make the town more accommodating to those with sensory and other issues. More than 200 organizations, including schools, sports clubs, shops and cafes, went through an accreditation process offered by AsIAm, a charity that advocates for the autistic community, to become the country’s first official “Autism Friendly Town.”

autism friendly sign
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Clonakilty developed a three-year Autism Friendly town plan, the first of its kind, and participating businesses and organizations now have signs on their doors letting residents know they are “Autism Friendly Champions.”

clonakilty residents
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They received the designation after implementing four specific changes: putting up maps and visual guides of their facilities, establishing “relaxation zones” for people who are easily overwhelmed, establishing periods of “quiet time” for visitors with sensory issues, and ensuring service dogs will always be accommodated. In addition, the town’s website also has downloadable materials for families and groups visiting the area.

autism service dog
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Staff members, workers and residents throughout the community also went through training to learn how about the autism community’s special needs. The founder of AsIAm, Adam Harris, says the new town plan shows that people with autism will never be made to feel isolated or stigmatized.

adam harris
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The small changes which the organizations in the town have committed to will make a tangible difference in the life of autistic people locally but will also have a much wider impact — challenging businesses, organizations, and communities across Ireland to think what they can do to become more autism-friendly.

Taking the town through the accreditation process has helped bring autism spectrum disorder out into the wider world, Adam says, and he hopes Clonakilty serves as a model for other towns and cities throughout the country.

But how about taking it a step further and make this a world-wide initiative? Share to spread this thoughtful idea today.


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