Kilarney showcases successful autism-friendly initiative
Killarney's Autism Friendly Committee has launched a new video series, showcasing the local businesses and organisations taking steps to make their community more inclusive. Sínann Fetherston finds out more.
In 2025, AsIAm - Ireland's Autism Charity - and PTSB launched an Autism Friendly Towns initiative that encourages cities, towns and villages across the country to become more inclusive to Autistic people and their families.
The initiative is project-led by volunteers, all working to deliver training and support to local businesses, schools and organisations that wish to become accommodating to the Autistic community.
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Happily, Autism Friendly Killarney has enjoyed a great year of wins, with a committee that includes two Autistic adults as well as parents of Autistic children.
"I think we've only had one person leave the committee in two years," Jessica O'Connor, Chair of Autism Friendly Killarney, says of the group. "Everyone is fired up for it."
"It's a really collaborative, active group," she adds. "We're on the WhatsApp all the time and meeting for coffee outside of our own working hours. We're making sure that we can keep this going and hit all the goals set by AsIAm.
"It's so enjoyable to see things come together and come to life."
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As it turns out, Jessica had previously undergone training with AsIAm through her day job, back in 2020, and has been thrilled to have the opportunity to share the skillset with other businesses in the area - 50 businesses, in fact.
"That's only touching the surface," she insists. "We still have so much more to do. We're in the new year now, so we're going to roll out more training, and we're hoping that the website and the video series will bring it back to life again."
The recently released video series is a celebration of the initiative, showcasing four community champions and offering personal insights from a young boy with Autism and a parent of a child with Autism.
The videos prove that small changes - such as having dedicated Autism friendly hours, offering sensory cubbies, choosing neutral interior design, and supplying sensory boxes - can make a huge difference to neurodiverse people.
Moving forward, Jessica hopes to move away from Autism awareness initiatives and instead work towards Autism acceptance, with a particular focus on actionable steps that will make a difference to Neurodivergent communities.
"The way people can adapt is different depending on each business," she explains, noting that the local dentist has offered appointments at quieter times, such as first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening, while the local hotel has created sensory cubbies that are open to the public and guests alike.
"Sometimes, it's just about giving someone an extra bit of time," she notes.
One of the committee's greatest achievements in 2025 was adapting large festivals, such as the Rally of the Lakes and the annual Christmas Parade, to welcome Autistic families. From creating a dedicated space to offering a quiet hour, adaptations could be made for those who needed them.
"It was just magical," beams Jessica. "Honestly, to see the kids that were there, normally, they couldn't go because they couldn't be down in the middle of a crowd, you know? These things should be open to everybody."
As well as supporting those with Autism, the committee has made an effort to support parents and family members who may often be overlooked, particularly when it comes to large public events.
"That's what keeps us going," says Jessica, who remembers a mother of two Autistic children approaching her with tears in her eyes, thanking the committee for thinking of her.
"If we can make things easier and more comfortable for people to come out and engage in activities, whether that's through parades or festivals, or just going to your dentist or doctor."
Autism Friendly Killarney is a central hub of information for Autistic people, their families and visitors to the town. Visit Autism Friendly Killarney for more info.
