Autism charity, Irish Autism Action (IAA), is under scrutiny after it emerged that the organization has substantial assets of €10 million, leading to questions about its financial management and accountability. The revelation has sparked a debate among concerned members of the charity community, activists, and the public. The charity, which was established in 2001, aims to provide support, information and advocacy services to individuals on the autistic spectrum and their families, but the unexpected financial disclosure has raised questions about how the donated funds are being allocated and managed. In this article, we explore the details of the issue, the responses from the charity and the community, and the implications for the wider charity sector.
The Irish Society for Autism has appeared before an Oireachtas committee to justify its level of funding, stating that its assets of more than €10m are necessary for its future operations. The charity’s deputy executive director, Tara Matthews, explained that the funds were required to provide support for families and people with autism, given the speed with which money could be spent, and the sector’s increasing demands. Matthews noted that the charity offers training and information across many sectors, carries out research and advocates on behalf of autistic people and their families. The society is frequently contacted by state departments requesting assistance, but Matthews explained that there is a concerning lack of data and information available regarding the condition in Ireland.
The Joint Committee on Autism also heard from representatives of Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), who described how students with autism are being supported in study and exams. Such students are often given additional time, a separate room and personal assistants to aid with organisational skills. Students are also permitted to leave classes if they are feeling overwhelmed, and may wear ear defenders or seek out quiet areas on campus due to sensory overload. However, the vice-president of student education and experience at TUS, Dr Frances O’Connell, noted that funding can limit the institution’s ability to provide ongoing support.
Both the Irish Society for Autism and TUS touched on the need for a more comprehensive funding model. Matthews stated that money “disappears very quickly” and that the charity’s strategy emphasises the need for long-term support. O’Connell called for a three-to-five-year funding model and greater autonomy for universities when it comes to meeting the needs of autistic students. Matthews also called for a new autism strategy to be implemented, identifying the specific needs of all people, including carers and families, and with an emphasis on data collection.
Some reports and strategies have been written over the years with regards to autism, but Matthews noted that none have had a substantial impact on the lives of autistic people due to the lack of a legal framework to drive significant change. A Taskforce on Autism was established in 2001, and the Irish Society for Autism took part in the project, but it had limited long-term impact. The society hopes that a new strategy will succeed where previous efforts have fallen short.
As autism continues to be a topic of widespread interest around the world, Ireland is one of many countries seeking to provide support and assistance to those with the condition. The role of charities and institutions such as the Irish Society for Autism and TUS is to provide a bridge between the resources available and the people and families who need them. By explaining their practices and demands to the Oireachtas, both groups have highlighted the importance of continued support for those affected by autism. By seeking a more comprehensive funding model and emphasising the importance of data collection and collaboration, they are working towards concrete change in the field.
