Celebrating 35 years of building inclusion

Thanks to your support, we are celebrating our 35th anniversary this month! This year marks over three decades of advocacy, campaigning and support services for the 35,000 autistic people and their families across Northern Ireland. 
 

Our highlights

Read about our journey and how much we have achieved throughout the years together.

First Autism NI logo

1990

Autism NI became a registered Charity under Parents and Professionals and Autism (PAPA)

1992

Autism NI employed the first staff member in an autism focused job in Northern Ireland

A woman and a young boy stand in front of a plaque on the wall to open a new office for Autism NI.

1993

Autism NI opened their first office.

The Charity also carried out the first autism training to professionals in Northern Ireland.

1994

Autism NI’s first Support Group was formed.

1994

Autism NI conducted the first autism research in Northern Ireland with Ulster University.

A group stand behind a table holding Keyhole Training Resource bags from Autism NI.

1999

Autism NI developed the Early Keyhole Intervention Project which is still used in our Early Intervention services today.

2003

Autism NI developed the Rainbow Resource Kit which is used as a practical early years home resource.

A large crowd of people are walking up a hill at Stormont Estate.

2010

Autism NI support groups and families from across Northern Ireland came together to hold a rally at Stormont for autism legislation.

2011

The All Party Group on Autism was formed to influence government policy on autism. Autism NI played a major role in achieving the Autism (NI) Act 2011.

A group of girls from Autism NI's 'Girls and Autism Project' stand in a row with Pugsy the Bear from Children in Need and spray paint teacher. They are standing on front of a large canvas which they had been spray painting.

2017

Autism NI introduced the Girls and Autism Project (GAP).

A group of young people from Autism NI's 'Mental Health and Autism Project' stand in a row holding certificates of achievement at horse stables.

2020

Autism NI facilitated a pilot Mental Health and Autism Project (MAP), and has now been provided as one of our key services.

Autism NI Kerry Boyd, Pam Cameron MLA and Arlene Cassidy stand in a row on the steps of the Parliament Buildings at Stormont, holding a piece of paper that reads 'Autism Amendment Act (NI) 2022'

2022

The Autism (Amendment) Act was passed in 2022 at the NI Assembly with unanimous cross-party support and Autism NI was at the forefront of this critical piece of legislation.

2023

Autism NI enhanced their autistic adult services by introducing the role of the Autistic Adults Support Officer in NI.