On May 10th, 11th and 12th, 2024 Autism-Europe held our hybrid Annual General Assembly (AGA) and Council of Administration (CA) in Dublin, Ireland, bringing together almost 70 European representatives. The meeting was an opportunity to take stock of the achievements of 2023 and the work ahead in 2024 as well as exchange and facilitate mutual learning between our members. It was also an opportunity to discover the venue of the Autism-Europe International Congress 2025.
We arrived in Dublin on May 10th where we went on a tour of the Royal Dublin Society (RDS), the venue for the 11-13 September 2025 Autism Europe International congress. This visit gave delegates a chance to assess the accessibility of the venue.
While at the RDS we received a welcome and attended a study session conducted by our Irish member AsIAm. We learn about their work to advocate for an inclusive society for Autistic people that is accessible, accepting and affirming. The policy team shared the work they conduct to support the Autistic community and their families to fully engage in Irish life and build the capacity of society to facilitate true inclusion. We notably heard about the key results of their Same Chance Report 2024 that explores the experiences of Autistic people and families in Irish society, from participating in social and family life to accessing day-to-day amenities and services.
We also heard from Ireland’s Minister for Disabilities Anne Rabbit regarding the Irish government’s Autism Innovation Strategy.
Taking stock of the achievements in 2023 and the work ahead in 2024
On Saturday, May 11 AE members met each other at the Mansion House in Dublin. The AGA adopted AE’s 2024 work programme and budget, as well as the report of activities from 2023, developed under the EU Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values Programme, and updates regarding our EU projects.
Discover AE’s full Report of Activities for 2023
More about AE’s European projects
AE presented its activities about our “Not invisible” campaign developed for the European Parliament Elections in 2024 and World Autism Awareness Day. Members also exchanged ideas for the campaign and how we can work together during the election season to reach out to MEP candidates and encourage them to endorse our pledge to support the Rights of autistic people.
Autism-Europe welcomes five new member associations and new Council of Administration members
This year, AE´s network continues growing as the AGA welcomed new members with AFG Autisme from France, De Nederlandse Vereniging voor Autisme (NVA) from the Netherlands (full members), Autismo Andalucia from Spain (affiliated member) and ANFFASS from Italy and Autism Unlimited from the UK (associated members) joining our organisation.
This year, elections were held and AE Council of Administration was also renewed by half.
Discover the list of AE Council of administration members
Spotlight about the situation in Ukraine
On Sunday, May 7, members learned about the situation of the Autistic community in Ukraine from our member Child with Future, who discussed their activities during the war, and provided insights into the present challenges faced by Autistic people and their families in Ukraine.
We heard from David Higgs MBE about his plan to do a documentary to highlight the difficulties faced by autistic Ukrainians during the war and to provide concrete relief to local organisations, and his call for support.