All About:

Autism Pathways Ireland

We're family members of autistic adults and young people in Ireland, we're volunteers and we're changing lives with direct action.

We focus on what truly matters: supporting autistic individuals to overcome challenges, build independence, and achieve meaningful results. We’re not caught up in debates over the latest politically correct terminology or buzzwords. Instead, we rely on the lived experiences of autistic people, parents, and family members to guide our work.

Our goal is simple—empowering autistic individuals with the skills they need to thrive in today’s world without the red tape and bureaucracy of many organisations - we pride ourselves on direct action to achieve fast and long lasting results that help the current generation and future ones.

Our Purposes:

To provide free and accessible resources to autistic adults and young people to help them achieve greater independence through the use of technology.

To promote inclusivity and self-sustainability in the autistic community, empowering individuals to take full advantage of available resources and opportunities.

To provide educational materials, workshops, and services related to technology, personal development, and independence for autistic individuals.

To advocate for neurodiversity and ethical approaches to technology adoption within the tech industry.

To raise awareness of autism and its impact on individuals and their families through outreach programs and events.

To offer free and innovative support to autistic individuals, focusing on their specific needs and promoting long-term self-sufficiency.

To promote leadership opportunities for successful autistic adults within the organisation.

To support the development of policies and programs that are genuinely representative of and beneficial to the diverse community of autistic individuals.

Paving the way to a better future.

Autism Pathways Ireland

is empowered to:

Raise funds - Engage in fundraising activities, including soliciting donations, grants, and other financial contributions, to support the charity’s objectives.

Enter into Partnerships - Collaborate with other organisations, governmental bodies, and stakeholders to enhance the delivery of services and advocacy for autistic individuals.

Employ Personnel - Hire staff, including professionals, support workers, and volunteers, to carry out the charity’s activities effectively.

Operate Services & Programmes - Establish and manage programs, workshops, and events that provide education, support, and resources to autistic individuals and their families.

Advocate for Neurodiversity - Promote the inclusion and representation of neurodivergent individuals in various sectors, particularly in technology and leadership roles.

Manage Assets - Acquire, hold, and manage property, both real and personal, necessary for the charity’s operations.

Comply with Legal Obligations - Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations, including those related to data protection, health and safety, and employment.

Employ Personnel - Hire staff, including professionals, support workers, and volunteers, to carry out the charity’s activities effectively.

Engage in Public Awareness Campaigns - Conduct campaigns to raise awareness about autism, neurodiversity, and the charity’s mission.

Develop Educational Materials - Create and distribute resources that inform and educate the public about autism and related topics.

Engage in Ethical Technology Practices - Promote and implement ethical approaches to technology adoption, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals.

Promote Leadership Opportunities - Encourage and facilitate leadership roles for autistic individuals within the organisation, fostering a diverse and inclusive leadership team.

Implement Safeguarding Measures - Establish policies and procedures to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly those with autism, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Engage in Research - Conduct or support research related to autism, neurodiversity, and related fields to inform best practices and policy development.

Engage in Policy Advocacy - Advocate for policies that support the rights and inclusion of autistic individuals in society.

Provide Support Services - Offer counselling, mentorship, and other support services to autistic individuals and their families.

Develop and Maintain a Digital Presence - Create and manage online platforms to disseminate information, engage with the community, and provide resources.

Autism Pathways... preparing autistic people to take their place in an exciting new digital era for Ireland.

Autism Pathways was born out of a pressing need for immediate, actionable solutions to the lack of opportunities for autistic adults and young people transitioning from full-time education to adulthood.

While many charities offered valuable research and long-term promises, we saw an urgent need to act now—for our own family members and others like them who required support and opportunities in the present.

We decided to take a different approach: one rooted in teaching

real-world, applicable skills

that are not only sought after by employers but also ideal for freelancing, self-employment, and entrepreneurship.

Our Trustees oversee the organisation’s strategic direction and ensure it operates in accordance with its stated purposes. Our Head of Trustees is John Murray.

We have a team of experienced volunteers responsible for day-to-day operations. The leadership team, including the Head of Trustees, is responsible for decision-making and ensuring the organisation remains aligned with its mission.

We're committed to a leadership structure that includes a mix of autistic, neurodivergent, and neurotypical professionals. This diverse team reflects our commitment to lived experience, inclusivity, and understanding.

The Board of Trustees and leadership roles within Autism Pathways Ireland reflect our commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility. We empower autistic adults by providing leadership opportunities within the organisation.

Successful autistic adults are promoted to leadership positions, allowing them to take an active role in shaping the direction of the charity. This approach emphasises the value of lived experience, creating a workforce where individuals with first-hand knowledge of autism can contribute their insights.

Autism Pathways Ireland fosters an inclusive environment by bringing together a team of autistic, otherwise neurodivergent, and neurotypical professionals. This diverse team ensures that our work is informed by a wide range of perspectives and experiences, promoting equality, understanding, and shared responsibility.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held in January each year to review our activities, finances, and strategic direction.
Trustees meet regularly to discuss the organisation's work, financial standing, and future plans. Decisions are made with transparency and accountability.
The Board of Trustees are responsible for overseeing our finances. We maintain transparent financial records and submit regular reports, as required by law.
The Trustees regularly hold financial audits to ensure proper management of funds and to find ways we can get the most value from every cent.
We prepare and publish an annual report outlining our activities, impact, and financial status.
We invite anybody with ideas and suggestions to come forward at any time throughout the year via our Free Members Community. We are here to serve, so we listen.

We're All Personally Invested In The Cause

As parents, family members, and advocates, we’ve experienced the challenges first hand. Some of us spent years in jobs we didn’t enjoy, while others were fortunate to follow our passions and find success. We knew that pursuing work aligned with one’s interests and strengths leads to a happier, more fulfilling life—and that this was a path we wanted to make possible for autistic individuals.

For autistic individuals who may prefer working independently or in small, familiar environments, these real world skills open doors to meaningful careers and financial independence.

Empowering Passions in a Digital World

Many autistic individuals have deep fixations or passions that, in the past, might not have been viable career options. But in today’s digital age, the internet and the ongoing digital revolution have made it possible to turn these passions into careers.

Take one of our first participants as an example:

Stephen had an obsession with golf but didn’t play, didn’t live near a golf course, and had no qualifications for traditional golf-related jobs. Through our programme, he wrote a book on golf (with the help of AI and our supportive network), created an audiobook, and built a business around selling these products. Using his customer list, he became an affiliate marketer for golf-related items and now earns an independent income pursuing his passion.

This story is just one of many where our approach has helped autistic individuals harness their unique traits—like hyper-focus, attention to detail, and a love for technology—to build meaningful careers.

In an almost 'fairytale ending' to this story, having earned his first money online, Stephen decided he wanted to use some of the money to help those less fortunate than himself and since early 2023 he has donated more than 20 Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices to non verbal autistic children in Ireland.

These machines are by Tobii Dynavox, the leading supplier of such equipment, cost more than €1,200 and are top of the range, cutting edge technology that have produced astonishingly good results.

AAC Devices are so effective that AsIAm, a long time registered charity here in Ireland that most readers will have heard of, have been given over €1m by the Government to 'pilot' them to 500 users in 2025.

We already know for sure that they work because we have supplied more than 1000 over the past 6 years (before we formed Autism Pathways even) to non verbal autistic children all over the island of Ireland and done so by selling raffle tickets.

Our Mission

At Autism Pathways, our mission is to equip autistic individuals with skills perfectly suited to today’s digital economy.

Provide support for freelancing, self-employment, and entrepreneurship.
Foster independence, confidence, and financial security.
Show the world that neurodiverse individuals can excel in their chosen fields, contributing meaningfully to their communities.
Show the world that neurodiverse individuals can excel in their chosen fields, contributing meaningfully to their communities.

Here's what we do:

1. Digital Independence Programme (DIP):

Our flagship initiative equips autistic adults and young people with digital skills like web design, coding, and marketing, empowering them to gain independence, financial stability, and confidence. Participants not only transform their own lives but also contribute by offering services like free website design to local businesses and nonprofits.

2. Autism Pathways Directory:

Ireland’s first and only free autism services directory, connecting families, professionals, and organisations with trusted resources. It also serves as a digital marketplace for autistic individuals to showcase and sell their digital creations, fostering entrepreneurship and independence.

3. Free Membership Community:

A safe and inclusive online space where autistic individuals, families, and allies connect, share, and grow. Our community provides a platform for collaboration, mutual support, and access to exclusive programs and resources.

4. Workshops and Resources:

We offer tailored workshops, mentorship opportunities, and free resources to help individuals and families navigate challenges, achieve goals, and build meaningful lives.

We've already had many success stories...

21-Year-Old Website Designer

A young autistic individual who now independently designs websites, breaking free from government support and achieving financial independence.

IT Professionals

Two programme participants have secured full-time roles in the tech industry, demonstrating the potential of real-world skills to open doors.

The Creative Entrepreneur

Leveraging digital tools and mentorship, participants have turned creative passions into thriving small businesses..

Our Vision for the Future

We see a future where autistic individuals are empowered to follow their passions and create careers that align with their strengths.

Whether it’s designing websites, writing books, or launching businesses, the possibilities are endless in today’s digital world.

By supporting autistic individuals, we’re not just helping them; we’re also creating a stronger, more inclusive society that benefits everyone—from local communities in Ireland to the broader European community.

Join Us on This Journey

If you share our belief that every autistic person deserves the opportunity to thrive, we invite you to join us. Whether you’re an autistic individual, a parent, or an ally, there’s a place for you at Autism Pathways.

Together, we’re creating a brighter, more inclusive future—one skill, one success story, and one connection at a time.

To learn more about our programmes or anything else we do, to get involved or just to read our forum, make new friends or build a support network......