When your child receives an autism diagnosis the Irish support landscape can feel like a maze. This guide is a plain-language map of where to go, who to contact, and what you're entitled to. Bookmark it. Share it.
Step 1: Getting a Diagnosis
Public route: Ask your GP or public health nurse for a referral to your Children's Disability Network Team (CDNT). Waiting lists are often 18 months to 3 years — request your referral early and get written confirmation.
Private route: €800–€1,500. Not covered by Medical Card; some insurers reimburse partially. A private diagnosis is fully accepted by schools, NCSE and HSE services.
- ♥Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) register: psi.ie
- ♥AsIAm service directory: asiam.ie
- ♥Autism Ireland: autismireland.ie
Step 2: Educational Support
SENO — Special Educational Needs Organiser, your key NCSE contact. Find yours at ncse.ie.
SNA support — allocated based on care needs, not diagnosis. Speak to your school principal.
SET hours — Special Education Teaching hours allocated by NCSE.
School placements: mainstream with support; ASD class/unit attached to mainstream; special school for more significant needs.
If any of this resonates — you don't have to figure it out alone. Amanda offers free initial consultations.
Book a Free CallStep 3: Health and Therapy Services
- ♥Speech and Language Therapy — communication support, including AAC. Via CDNT or private.
- ♥Occupational Therapy — sensory, fine motor, daily living. CDNT, Enable Ireland, or private.
- ♥Therapeutic Play / Psychology — emotional regulation, anxiety, behaviour.
- ♥CAMHS — co-occurring mental health, via GP referral. Long waiting lists.
Key Irish Charities
AsIAm — asiam.ie | Helpline 01 854 7974
Autism Ireland — autismireland.ie | 01 679 3898
ADHD Ireland — adhdireland.ie | 01 874 8349
Inclusion Ireland — inclusionireland.ie
Enable Ireland — enableireland.ie
Barnardos — barnardos.ie | Freephone 1800 910 810
Financial and Practical Supports
- ♥Disability Allowance — autistic adults over 16, means-tested.
- ♥Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) — one of the most commonly missed entitlements for families of autistic children.
- ♥Medical Card — may qualify on illness grounds.
- ♥Carer's Benefit / Allowance — gov.ie/welfare
Citizens Information (citizensinformation.ie) is one of the most useful resources in Ireland.
Parent Support Groups
- ♥Autism Parents Ireland (Facebook)
- ♥AuDHD Ireland Parents (Facebook)
- ♥County-based autism parent groups
- ♥AsIAm's parent support network
You do not have to navigate this alone. Asking for help — for yourself as much as for your child — is the smartest thing you can do.