Neurodiversity Navan recognised at AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns Awards
Neurodiversity Navan has been officially recognised at the AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns Awards 2025, held at the Mansion House, Dublin on Saturday 22nd February.
The awards celebrate communities across Ireland that have demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering autism inclusion, understanding, and acceptance.
This year’s awards mark a significant milestone in Ireland’s journey toward greater inclusivity, with Neurodiversity Navan, who won in the Community Education category and also received a recognition award for New Community Group, joining a growing number of locations that have taken practical steps to make their spaces, businesses, and services more accessible for autistic individuals and their families.
The event was attended by Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, and AsIAm CEO & Founder, Adam Harris, who praised the achievements of the participating communities.
Adam Harris, CEO & Founder of AsIAm, said "An autism-friendly community is one that sees, understands, and values autistic people. We are proud to recognise Neurodiversity Navan for their commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment and for the steps it has taken to ensure that autistic individuals and their families can participate fully in everyday life. These efforts set an example for other towns and cities across Ireland, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.
Eva Burke of Neurodiversity Navan, said:;We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition. Over the past 12 months, our community has worked together to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for autistic individuals. From increasing awareness and education to improving accessibility in public spaces and businesses, this achievement reflects the collective effort of so many people in Navan. We want to thank all of the wonderful Champions who have joined us on this journey to date, and look forward to continuing our work and building on this momentum.
The AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns Programme provides a structured framework for communities to promote autism inclusion. To earn and retain Autism Friendly status, towns and cities must demonstrate progress over a three-year cycle, which includes:
- Implementing a three-year action plan
- Engaging local employers to support autistic individuals through work experience or employment
- Training Autism Friendly Champions across key sectors
Started in 2018, the AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns Awards is an annual initiative recognising communities that commit to a framework of autism inclusion, understanding, and acceptance.