Autism Spectrum Information, Advice and Meeting Point Ltd, Trading as AsIAm

Lobbying Organisation Autism Spectrum Information, Advice and Meeting Point Ltd, Trading as AsIAm

Date published 21 Jan, 2026

Relevant Matter Legislation

Public Policy Area Children and Youth Affairs

Period 1 Sep, 2025 to 31 Dec, 2025

Specific Details Engagement with Department of Children, Equality and Disability on proposed changes to the Assessment of Needs Process through amendment to the Disability Act 2005

Intended results Ensuring improved access to assessment and support for Autistic people Ensuring the Department's proposed changes do not negatively impact on the rights of Autistic people to access autism assessment and diagnosis

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Adam Harris

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Phone call (1)

Spoke to Minister Emer Higgins TD

Meeting (1)

Met with Minister Emer Higgins TD

Virtual Meeting (1)

Attended a meeting of stakeholders, convened by the Department, on the proposals. This meeting was addressed by Minister Foley and Minister Higgins, with senior officials participating

Informal communication (2-5)

Engaged with Senator Anne Rabbitte on the issue

Email (2-5)

Engaged with Minister Higgins Special Advisor following meeting

Email (6-10)

Emailed Minister Higgins office to arrange meeting

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Emer Higgins Minister of State (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)

Treasa Kelly Special Advisor (Department of Social Protection)

Norma Foley Minister (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)

Colm Ó Conaill Assistant Secretary (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth)