Enfield’s Autism Friendly Town Committee is awarded Autism Friendly Town status at AsIAm Autism Friendly Town Awards 2026.(L-R) Award judge Catherine Tait, Adam Harris (AsIAm), Enfield committee representatives Aishling Smith, Ciara Harvey and Cory Kieran, Eric Roberts and Courtnee Kyle (PTSB).

Enfield earns Autism Friendly status as Navan and Trim also recognised

Sally Harding

Published: Tue 28 Apr 2026, 11:21 AM

Last updated: Tue 28 Apr 2026, 11:22 AM

Two Meath towns were among those recognised at this year’s AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns Awards 2026, which celebrated communities across Ireland working to become more inclusive for autistic people.

Enfield was awarded full Autism Friendly Town status at the ceremony, held at Dublin City Hall on Friday night, marking a significant milestone for the local community.

Meanwhile, Navan and Trim were both recognised with Inclusive Event Awards for their efforts to ensure local events cater to autistic individuals.

The awards, organised by AsIAm, highlight communities that are taking practical steps to improve accessibility, understanding and inclusion.

Trim’s Autism Friendly Town Committee receives AsIAm Inclusive Event Award at AsIAm Autism Friendly Town Awards 2026.(L-R) Award judges Kevin Hanly and Ciara Jones, Adam Harris (AsIAm), Trim committee representatives Kerry O’Neill, Melissa Barwell and Eimer Wright, Eric Roberts and Courtnee Kyle (PTSB). Photo by MARK MAXWELL

Enfield was among five towns nationwide — alongside Terenure, Ballina, Arklow and Blarney — to achieve Autism Friendly Town status this year, joining established locations such as Waterford City, Killarney and Maynooth.

The programme has seen significant growth, with 50 communities now participating in the initiative, which provides a structured framework for building more inclusive environments for autistic people and their families.

Founder and CEO of AsIAm, Adam Harris, said the awards recognise the real progress being made at community level.

“The Autism Friendly Towns Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the communities taking meaningful steps to create a more inclusive Ireland for autistic people,” he said.

Navan’s Autism Friendly Town Committee receives AsIAm Inclusive Event Award at AsIAm Autism Friendly Town Awards 2026.(L-R) Award judges Ciara Jones and Kevin Hanly, Adam Harris (AsIAm), Navan committee representatives Eva Burke, Jenny Clerkin and Ross Keely, Eric Roberts and Courtnee Kyle (PTSB). Photo by MARK MAXWELL

He added that creating autism-friendly communities can have a lasting impact, noting that many autistic people still face barriers to participating fully in everyday community life.

The initiative requires towns to meet a number of criteria over a three-year period, including the establishment of local committees, training programmes, and efforts to improve access to employment and public spaces.

Also attending the event was Dublin’s Lord Mayor Ray McAdam, who welcomed guests to the ceremony.

The Autism Friendly Towns programme, launched in 2018, continues to expand nationwide, with organisers encouraging more communities to take part and build on the progress already made.