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.
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
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.
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.
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.
2017
Autism NI introduced the Girls and Autism Project (GAP).
2020
Autism NI facilitated a pilot Mental Health and Autism Project (MAP), and has now been provided as one of our key services.
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.