Young Meath magician impresses Taoiseach at launch of AsIAm report
A talented young magician from Co. Meath was among those who met with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Government Buildings to mark the launch of AsIAm’s Same Chance Report 2026, which highlights growing concern about misinformation surrounding Autism in Ireland.
17 year old Cillian O’Connor, an autistic magician from Mornington who previously appeared on Britain’s Got Talent and achieved a Guinness World Record for magic, was part of a special meet-and-greet with the Taoiseach alongside members of AsIAm’s Youth Advisory Panel. During the visit, Cillian even performed a magic trick for the Taoiseach and those gathered, leaving the group visibly impressed.
Led by AsIAm CEO Adam Harris, the group discussed firsthand the challenges facing Ireland’s Autistic community and the importance of delivering on the Government’s commitment to legislate for a National Autism Strategy. The meeting took place following the launch of new research by AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity, which found that almost seven in ten Autistic people and families (68 per cent) believe misinformation about Autism has increased in the past year.
The findings are contained in the Same Chance Report 2026, based on the experiences of more than 1,600 Autistic people and families across Ireland, and highlight the ongoing barriers many Autistic people face across education, healthcare, employment and community life.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin met with ambassadors from AsIAm’s Autistic Youth Advisory Panel and leadership team at Government Buildings, where they discussed firsthand the challenges facing Ireland’s Autistic community and the importance of delivering on the Government’s commitment to legislate for a National Autism Strategy.
The report highlights growing concern about misinformation surrounding Autism, particularly as misleading information continues to circulate online and internationally. Recent global debates, including renewed claims about the causes of Autism and unproven “cures” promoted on social media, have added to confusion and stigma faced by Autistic people and their families.
The research also found that 91 per cent of respondents do not believe the Government is doing enough to tackle misinformation about Autism.
Alongside these concerns, the research points to significant structural barriers across Irish society, including long waiting lists for disability supports, financial pressures and a lack of inclusive community spaces.
Key Findings from the Same Chance Report 2026
• 96 per cent support legislating for a National Autism Strategy in Ireland
• 68 per cent believe misinformation about Autism has increased in the past year
• 73 per cent say waiting lists are the biggest barrier to accessing disability supports
• 93 per cent report additional financial costs associated with being Autistic or raising an Autistic child
• 29 per cent of children represented in the report have experienced a reduced timetable since December 2024
• 52 per cent did not feel their child’s school place met their needs
• 81 per cent say communities lack safe and inclusive social spaces for Autistic people
• 72 per cent say they do not have the supports needed to live independently
Speaking at the launch, Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, said:
“The rise in misinformation about Autism is deeply concerning. We see everything from conspiracy theories about vaccines to influencers promoting unproven ‘cures’ on social media. Unfounded hunches and baseless commentary that isn’t supported by data is extremely harmful as it fuels stigma, undermines trust in research and distracts from the real issues facing Autistic people, such as access to services, education and supports.
World Autism Month should be about listening to Autistic people and focusing on evidence-based policies that improve lives.”
To mark World Autism Month, communities across Ireland are invited to take part in the Same Chance Walk for Autism, taking place on 12th April 2026.