A Night with the Ghosts- Spike Island- 10th November

Our Night with the Ghosts, is a night where we will spend a one night  on Spike Island, away from our families and loved ones . This is to reflect the current lives of many of our autism community members and past members who may well have been were incarcerated on Spike Island just for being different (for being themselves) and deported to foreign lands.  Some indeed may never have left the island and are buried there. It also captures the sense and feeling of isolation that many autistic people and their families currently feel living in the shade and shadow of life.
It’s a story of isolation and highlighting barriers to life. Each year AsIAm take a snap shot with a survey of the community which in many ways reflects the views and opinions of the Autism community. Our Attitudes to Autism survey clearly shows the gap that still exists in society …………%
90% do not think the Irish public understand enough about Autism
91% believe that being Autistic is a barrier to being accepted by and making friends with others
39% do not feel safe and protected in their community
38% believe that they have experienced discrimination in the last 12 months on the grounds of being autistic
86% do not believe they have the same chance in Irish society
83% Feel they have to mask or change who they are to receive the same chance to participate in day – to – day activities.
61% do not believe that the education system is inclusive to Autistic people ( based on  their experience)
75% do not believe that the health system is inclusive to Autistic people ( based on  their experience)
78% do not believe that the social protection system is inclusive to Autistic people ( based on  their experience)
In many ways our Night with the Ghosts will be a poignant reminder that while on the Island – we will be in touching distance of mainland! We can see it, but unable to be part of it.
This is an essential fundraiser to support the work of AsIAm as they strive to We are leaders of a movement to, transform society so that it works for autistic people and their families.
We are autistic led. We represent, connect, co-ordinate, and unify the autism community in Ireland. We work to empower autistic people to reach their full potential. We build partnerships for change. We support society to be fully accepting of and accessible to every autistic person.