AsIAm, Ireland's National Autism Charity, has been working to support our community through the COVID-19 public health emergency. Over the past number of weeks we have generated support materials and a webinar to help autistic people and family members through the uncertainty, anxiety and lack of routine we are all presently experiencing.
We are conscious that as the situation evolves the needs of our community will increase and new challenges will emerge. We have been contacted by autistic adults and families who have lots of "what if" questions around continuation of services, what to do if someone becomes sick and managing the situation at home. Over the coming weeks we want to:
Produce further supports to assist our community online
Help support our community across the country
Highlight to relevant authorities particular issues facing our community and any accommodations or supports which will be required
To do this, we need your help! We want to hear about your experiences of social distancing, public health restrictions and the many changes we are facing each day. We also want to know what you think we can do to help further and what concerns or questions you have as this public health emergency persists.
We are incredibly conscious that this is a difficult and stressful time for everyone. We know some of the questions in our survey may be upsetting to even think about. If you are feeling distressed please consider contacting one of the below helplines or services.
HSE YourMentalHealth.ie Information Line: Call 1800 111 888 (Operates 24/7 and free to call)
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (Operates 24/7) /Email jo@samaritans.ie (responses within 24 hours)
Pieta House: Text HELP to 51444 (Operates 24/7)/ Call 1800 247 247 (Operates 24/7 and free to call)
If you have specific questions about COVID-19 you can contact the HSE using the following details (please note this is not an emergency line):
HSE Live (Phone): Call 1850 24 1850
Finally if you have specific concerns around COVID-19 and autism which you wish to discuss you can contact our team below (please note this is an information, advocacy and signposting service operated during office hours by email and is not a helpline or mental health support):
AsIAm Community Support Team: info@asiam.ie
Privacy Policy Statement
AsIAm respects your privacy rights and complies with our obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Personally identifiable information is stored on our server and is not publicly accessible. Further, personally identifiable information is only accessed by AsIAm personnel on a “need to know” basis.
To prevent unauthorised access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.
The aim of this survey is to gain an insight and understanding into the current situation regarding mental health and accessibility to services within Ireland's autism community. This data will feed into a report which we will publish in due course.
To read Survey Monkey's private policy statement click
here.
For further information on our private policy statement please click
here