Dublin City Council has approved a plan to make the city the first autism-friendly capital city in the world.
The council has partnered with AsIAm to help achieve the landmark.
A number of areas have been identified to make the capital city accessible for residents on the autism spectrum, such as enhancing public knowledge and understanding of autismto reduce stigma and misinformation, improving infrastructure to become more inclusive and accessible, celebrating the strengths of Dublin’s autistic community and promoting inclusive workplaces and pathways to meaningful employment.
Key actions include the recruitment of autism-friendly champions across business, voluntary and public sector organisations, the development of a citywide sensory map highlighting trained businesses, organisations and accessibility measures, the establishment of an autism-friendly committee in each of Dublin’s 11 local electoral areas, and increased opportunities for autistic people in the arts, education and employment.
Commenting on the plan, Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam said, “I welcome Dublin City Council’s adoption of the Dublin City Autism Friendly Action Plan 2026 to 2028. This is a practical, city-wide commitment to make Dublin more inclusive for autistic people and their families through better understanding, better design, and better everyday access to services and spaces.”
“It also strengthens our ambition to be recognised as the first autism-friendly capital city in the world,” he said.
“From training to sensory supports in public spaces and more accessible city events, this is about breaking down barriers and building a city where everyone has the same chance to live, learn, work and play.”
“As Lord Mayor, I look forward to chairing the steering group and working with AsIAm, council teams, communities and businesses to drive real delivery over the lifetime of this plan,” he said.
CEO of AsIAm, Adam Harris, said, “we are delighted to see Dublin City make a formal commitment to breaking down the often invisible but pervasive barriers which autistic people can face in day-to-day life in our city.”
“This plan is both ambitious and achievable and has been co-created with autistic people and families across Dublin, building on the significant success of local autism-friendly towns committees across the capital and initiatives such as the Sensoria Festival and the relaxed space at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade annually.”
“By implementing this plan, Dublin has an opportunity not only to make day-to-day life more accessible but to reduce stigma, combat misinformation and promote the visibility and participation of autistic people across all aspects of city life,” Harris said.