Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Dochas Midwest Autism Support ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.dochasautism.ie/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Pages - [Home](https://www.dochasautism.ie/) - Supporting Families And Individuals WithProviding accessible services, resources, and support to improve wellbeingand empower recovery for those who need it most. Donate Learn More Our Mission Providing Support for all with Autism We are an organisation that represents the needs of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Mid-West region. The charity supports children, - [Our Leadership​](https://www.dochasautism.ie/who-we-are/our-leadership/) - A Word from our ChairpersonOn behalf of myself and my fellow Directors I want to assure all of those who help Dóchas Midwest Autism Support that the Board of Directors place huge importance on the good governance of the organisation. We are fully compliant with all of the rules and regulations governing the charitable sector and - [Áthas Screenprint Studio](https://www.dochasautism.ie/athas-print-studio/) - Áthas Screenprint Studio is a creative social enterprise launched with Dóchas Midwest Autism Support aimed at generating meaningful employment for the neurodivergent community in creative and print industries.Áthas also seeks to broaden access to creativity among the neurodiverse community through the delivery of arts participatory activities to internal social club members and external community groups - [Community Fundraising​](https://www.dochasautism.ie/how-you-can-help/community-fundraising/) - Whether you’re hosting an event in your home, school, local community or workplace, there are so many ways you could support us. And you don’t have to be a seasoned fundraiser. Organising a charity event is a great way to bring your friends, family, colleagues and your community together to have fun and be a - [Makers Room Café](https://www.dochasautism.ie/the-makers-room-cafe/) - Breakfast Lunch Sweet Treats & Beverages - [Dóchas Charity Shop](https://www.dochasautism.ie/dochas-charity-shop/) - Dóchas Midwest Autism Support has a charity shop at 14 Parnell Street, Limerick. The shop is run by our Shop Manager and a team of wonderful, dedicated and hard-working staff and volunteers who we could not do without. Our shop is a vital important part of our income generation and we rely on it for sustainable - [Contact Us](https://www.dochasautism.ie/contact-us/) - Address:14 Parnell Street, Limerick City, V94 D378Phone:(061) 405 923Email Address:info@dochasautism.ie Contact Form Name(Required) First Last Email(Required) Enter Email Confirm Email Comments(Required)Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away. Submit - [How you Can Help](https://www.dochasautism.ie/how-you-can-help/) - Community Fundraising Corporate Partnerships Donate Volunteer Work for Us - [Privacy Policy](https://www.dochasautism.ie/privacy-policy/) - PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF STATEMENT This Statement explains how personal data relating to you will be handled by Dóchas Midwest Autism Support (“we” or “us“) and sets out how and why your personal data will be collected and processed by Dóchas Midwest Autism Support and/or on its behalf by its third party service providers. For - [Cookie Policy](https://www.dochasautism.ie/cookie-policy/) - About this cookie policy This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are and how we use them, the types of cookies we use i.e, the information we collect using cookies and how that information is used, and how to control the cookie preferences. For further information on how we use, store, and keep your personal data - [News](https://www.dochasautism.ie/news/) - [Fundraising](https://www.dochasautism.ie/fundraising/) - [Work for Us](https://www.dochasautism.ie/how-you-can-help/work-for-us/) - Information about open positions at Dochas Autism will be posted shortly. - [Volunteer](https://www.dochasautism.ie/how-you-can-help/volunteer/) - THANK YOU so much for your interest in volunteering with Dóchas Midwest Autism Support. There are so many ways you, your school, or your company can volunteer with Dóchas Midwest Autism Support to help us raise much-needed funds. We need help throughout the year with fundraising events, with our Charity Shop, office work at our Centre in Parnell - [Donate](https://www.dochasautism.ie/how-you-can-help/donate/) - Dóchas Midwest Autism Support provides a wide range of services that enhance the lives of autistic children and young adults and their families. We rely on the generosity of people like you and really do appreciate any amount that you can afford to donate – thank you so much! - [Corporate Partnerships](https://www.dochasautism.ie/how-you-can-help/corporate-partnerships/) - We are actively looking to partner with organisations that run a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, and would be delighted to work with your organisation. With your support we can make a real difference to the lives of children, young adults and families throughout the Mid-West. With additional funds we can continue to support and - [Advice & Guidance​](https://www.dochasautism.ie/advice-guidance/) - Help & Resources State Supports Health Carer’s Allowance Half-Rate Carer’s Allowance Carer’s Benefit Carer’s Support Grant Domicillary Care Allowance Disability Allowance Department of Health (DH) Health Service Executive (HSE) Tusla – Child and Family Agency Meitheal Education Autistic Organisations Dept of Education & Skills (DES) Dept of Education & Skills – Find a School National - [Social Interaction Clubs​](https://www.dochasautism.ie/what-we-do/social-interaction-clubs/) - Our social interaction groups provide weekly activity programmes for children and young people. Our staff and volunteers work with our social group members to encourage social interaction, communication, sensory integration and life skills.The clubs offer participants the opportunity to join a structured group which meets their individual needs, and provide a safe environment for them to socialise in.Social activities give the children - [Dochas Gym](https://www.dochasautism.ie/dochas-gym/) - Dochas GYM is now open at our building on Parnell Street . This is a fully equipped gym, 1:1 ASD specific PT sessions are available age 14 years and upwards Pre-booking is required. - [Social Enterprises](https://www.dochasautism.ie/what-we-do/social-enterprises/) - Our Social Enterprises Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More - [Family Support](https://www.dochasautism.ie/what-we-do/family-support/) - Advocacy, Advice and Information From recent experiences , we have noted the need to develop a new service here at Dóchas. Some families who are new to the Autism Journey orare finding a diagnosis particularly difficult are contacting us and feeling very overwhelmed. We began discussions with a parent who has been through the journey - [Counselling Services](https://www.dochasautism.ie/what-we-do/counselling-services/) - The HSE also provides Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC). This service is for people with mild to moderate psychological difficulties. It is a short-term counselling service that provides up to 8 counselling sessions with a professionally qualified and accredited Counsellor/Therapist. It is a service for medical card holders, who are 18 years of age or - [Autism Training](https://www.dochasautism.ie/what-we-do/autism-training/) - Autism training details are coming soon...! - [Adult Supports​](https://www.dochasautism.ie/what-we-do/adult-supports/) - Employment and Training Programme At Dochas we believe, that anyone regardless of a diagnosis who wants to work and have a career can do so. Our programme is designed to guide both the individuals and employers in order to reach their goals, by supporting them , helping access opportunities and build their own natural supports. - [What We Do](https://www.dochasautism.ie/what-we-do/) - Acceptance and awareness Adult Supports Autism Training Counselling Services Family Support Social Enterprises Social Interaction Clubs - [Our Staff​](https://www.dochasautism.ie/who-we-are/our-staff/) - [Events](https://www.dochasautism.ie/events/) - [Accessibility statement](https://www.dochasautism.ie/accessibility-statement/) - Accessibility Statement for https://www.dochasautism.ie Dóchas Autism Midwest is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards. Conformance status The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines - [Acceptance and awareness](https://www.dochasautism.ie/what-we-do/acceptance-and-awareness/) - Autism Awareness Defines the recognition of autism. It relates to knowing that autism exists. Awareness includes and aims to: Increase understanding of autism through education and visibility. Encourage diagnosis and access to autism services and resources. Break down some myths and stigma. Awareness of autism and autistic individuals starts conversations, finds support and pushes to build more - [Adult Form](https://www.dochasautism.ie/who-we-are/membership/adult-form/) - [Child Form](https://www.dochasautism.ie/who-we-are/membership/child-form/) - [Transparency & Compliance​](https://www.dochasautism.ie/who-we-are/transparency-compliance/) - Documents Access our governance documents, such as: Dochas Governance Document Charities Regulator (to view our accounts and other info) Dochas Child Safeguarding Statement Child Protection & Welfare Procedure Statement from Chairperson Dóchas Midwest Autism Support is a standalone, independent, voluntary organisation with its own Board of Directors and governance policies. is a child centred organisation and - [Our Mission](https://www.dochasautism.ie/who-we-are/our-mission/) - Dóchas Midwest Autism Support was established by parents in 1997 in response to the need for an organisation to represent the needs of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Mid-West region. The charity supports children, young adults and their families. Our Mission is striving to improve outcomes for those impacted by Autism in - [Membership](https://www.dochasautism.ie/who-we-are/membership/) - Our members are the heart and soul of Dóchas and they are comprised of the parents and families of those with autism, the professionals from wide variety of backgrounds and our volunteers. If you would like to become a member of Dóchas, please fill in our membership form, below. Or you are interested in volunteering, - [Our Facilities​](https://www.dochasautism.ie/who-we-are/our-facilities/) - Our centre has many different rooms designed to support social interaction skills for children and young people with ASD. We are lucky to have a facility which is approx. 15000 sq ft. - [Who We Are](https://www.dochasautism.ie/who-we-are/) - Our Leadership Our Staff Our Facilities Membership Our Mission Transparency & Compliance - [Shop](https://www.dochasautism.ie/shop/) ## board members - [Gareth Devlin](https://www.dochasautism.ie/board_member/gareth-devlin/) - In 2016, Gareth joined the Dóchas Midwest Autism Board. Gareth is a parent to three young boys, two of whom are on the Autism Spectrum. He serves as the Charity’s Treasurer. He joined Dóchas soon after his middle son Jamie received his ASD diagnosis. Gareth works for Dell Technologies and is the EMEA Director of - [Dr Michelle O’Donoghue](https://www.dochasautism.ie/board_member/dr-michelle-odonoghue/) - Michelle joined the Board of Dóchas in 2025. Michelle is a Speech and Language Therapist and a Lecturer at the University of Limerick. She holds a PhD in Allied Health. Her thesis developed peer-based supports for autistic people, their families, and educators. Michelle is a co-founder of the Autism@UL Special Interest Group (SIG). Autism@UL SIG - [Orla Canty](https://www.dochasautism.ie/board_member/orla-canty/) - Orla Canty is the most recent addition to the Board of Dóchas having joined in the Summer of 2020. Orla has two young boys on the Autism Spectrum, each with distinct needs. She has a first-hand appreciation of the challenges facing families with young people on the spectrum. She values the service Dóchas provides in - [Denis Doherty](https://www.dochasautism.ie/board_member/denis-doherty/) - Denis joined the board of Dóchas Midwest Autism Support in 2006. He has three children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum. He became involved when his middle son was diagnosed with ASD and secondary ADHD. Denis has been involved in the fire protection industry for nearly 30 years. He is the joint owner - [Sheila Lowney](https://www.dochasautism.ie/board_member/sheila-lowney/) - Sheila is one of the founding members of Dóchas Midwest Autism Support (‘Dóchas – Hope for people with Autism’ as it was originally called). Her youngest child, Órna, was diagnosed with Autism at a time when there was little awareness of the condition. Sheila, her husband P.J., and likeminded parents founded the organisation in 1997 ## events - [Dochas Gym Weekend Hours](https://www.dochasautism.ie/events/dochas-gym-weekend-hours/) - DÓCHAS GYM WEEKEND HOURS We will be open Friday and Saturday from 12 PM to 5 PM to coach Autistic adults and teens GROUP AND ONE TO ONE SESSIONS Cardio Training Strength Training Movement Development Inclusive Training One to one Sessions - [Pathways to Employment Programme](https://www.dochasautism.ie/events/pathways-to-employment-programme/) - Employment Workshop 4 Week Programme Feb 11th, 18th, 25th & March 4th 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Building Skills for the Workplace Emotional Regulation Workshop March 11th 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Managing Your Emotions Transitionin Between Tasks (Workplace Focused) March 18th 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Strategies for Smooth Work Transitions - [Transition to Secondary School - 27th May](https://www.dochasautism.ie/events/transition-to-secondary-school-27th-may/) - Transition to secondary school - how to prepare and support my child IN PERSON PARENT workshop Running Wednesday 27th of May 10.30am to 12.00pm Contact Natalie at: Natalie.oshea@dochasautism.ie Phone (061) 405923 ## facilities - [Training Room](https://www.dochasautism.ie/facilities/parents-room/) - A newly refurbished comfortable area to attend or facilitate training opportunities, group sessions, and more. Located on the second floor near the Makers Room Cafe. - [Lego Room](https://www.dochasautism.ie/facilities/lego-room/) - Another favourite and well used room on our premises. This room has just been revamped with additional storage and all types of Lego. The room is designed to encourage children’s creative sides where it’s possible to build all sorts of amazing structures. - [Multi-Purpose Room](https://www.dochasautism.ie/facilities/multi-purpose-room/) - Foosball, Airhockey, Pool Table, Basketball hoops or Soccer goals, this room has it all as well as a multitude of soft toys, games and puzzles. When not in use for our social clubs and parent and toddler groups, this room can be used for training courses, parent information sessions or town hall meetings with our - [Multi-sensory Room](https://www.dochasautism.ie/facilities/multi-sensory-room/) - Our Mary Sims Multisensory room was officially opened in 2019, it has many features that all our children love, particularly those with sensory seeking needs. In particular they love to play in this room which has a ball pool, swing, climbing wall, trampoline, pop up tunnels and a body roller. - [Sensory Room](https://www.dochasautism.ie/facilities/sensory-room/) - Our sensory room is your child’s safe space to relax and de-stress. Children with autism can suffer from sensory overload during the day and need a calm place to recharge. Others may have sensory processing issues and need a safe way to meet their sensory needs. Here you’ll find everything you need to create the - [Music Room](https://www.dochasautism.ie/facilities/music-room/) - Fully equipped with full drum set, guitars, percussion instruments and much more. This room hosts our music therapy sessions and is a firm favourite with the children who give it a go. - [Gaming Room](https://www.dochasautism.ie/facilities/gaming-room/) - With 2 large TV screens, this room has been decorated by our younger members, it is colourfully painted with the children’s hero’s from much loved video games. Children are encouraged to sit on one of the gaming chairs or bean bags and challenge a friend to a game or join forces to complete a task ## fundraising - [2026 Don Reddan Charity Golf Classic](https://www.dochasautism.ie/fundraising/2026-don-reddan-charity-golf-classic/) - Limerick Central Rotary Club and Limerick Golf Club Ballyclough hosted the 2026 Don Reddan Charity Golf Classic in support of Dóchas – Midwest Autism Support and The Butterfly Club. The 4th annual fundraising event brought golf enthusiasts and supporters together and the event was generously sponsored by LYONS of Limerick and Don Reddan Insurances. - [Astro Soccer Tournament in UL](https://www.dochasautism.ie/fundraising/astro-soccer-tournament-in-ul/) - A huge thank you to Michael Bergin, his family, and all the supporters who helped raise an incredible €2,665 for their Astro Soccer Tournament. The tournament took place on Good Friday (3rd April 2026) at the University of Limerick, bringing together fantastic teams for a brilliant day of football, community spirit, and fun. Your generosity ## news - [Loss of Community Employment placements](https://www.dochasautism.ie/news/loss-of-community-employment-placements/) - We are currently dealing with the loss of Community Employment placements across our services at Dóchas Midwest Autism Support. The impact has been significant. Autistic individuals who had been thriving in structured, supported roles have experienced sudden disruption. For many, these placements were not just work — they were stability, routine, and a pathway forward. - [The Hatch @ Dochas Autism - Takeaway](https://www.dochasautism.ie/news/the-hatch-dochas-autism-takeaway/) - The Hatch @ dochas autism is now open for all your takeaway coffee needs. Pop by for a coffee we're open Tuesday - Friday 9am - 2:30pm. And on Saturdays 9am-4:30pm Looking forward to seeing you there! - [Core HSE funding for Limerick autism charity largely unchanged since 2019](https://www.dochasautism.ie/news/core-hse-funding-for-limerick-autism-charity-largely-unchanged-since-2019/) - HSE funding rose from €50,236 in 2019 to €56,561 in 2026, with additional once-off grants supporting extra services. Core funding for Limerick-based autism support charity Dochas-Midwest Autism Support has remained largely unchanged since 2019, HSE figures show. Annual allocations increased from just over €50,000 in 2019 to €56,561 in 2026, with higher totals in some ## staff - [Audrey Byrnes](https://www.dochasautism.ie/staff/audrey-byrnes/) - Audrey Byrnes, Parent Support recently appointed Training & Career Development Coordinator. Audrey’s career began in finance. After taking time out for her family, she retrained and earned a professional development qualification in Advocacy from University College Cork and a QQI Diploma in Advice and Advocacy. Her passion for autism inclusion drives education and advocacy for - [Lara Grufferty](https://www.dochasautism.ie/staff/lara-grufferty/) - Lara Grufferty is the Arts Development Officer with Dóchas Midwest Autism Support. A graduate of Limerick School of Art and Design, she holds a BA in Fine Art – Print Contemporary Practice and a Postgraduate Diploma in Enterprise for Creative Industries, and is a former recipient of the Limerick Printmakers 12‑month residency. Since joining Dóchas in 2022, Lara has helped shape - [Catherine Hartigan](https://www.dochasautism.ie/staff/catherine-hartigan/) - Catherine Hartigan comes to Dóchas Midwest Autism Support with extensive operational and managerial experience in the catering and hospitality industry; based in Limerick City with clients both nationally and internationally. She also has experience working in the area of community facilitation with the Parent’s Support Programme and the Community Mothers Programme. Catherine is the manager - [Jane O’Loughlin](https://www.dochasautism.ie/staff/jane-oloughlin/) - Jane is the Social Clubs Coordinator with Dochas Midwest Autism Support. She brings over 18 years of experience in the telecommunications Customer Service industry, where she supported clients across Ireland and worked extensively in complaints management, executive correspondence, and privacy quality assurance. Throughout her career, Jane has been passionate about supporting colleagues and building positive, collaborative teams. - [John McDonald](https://www.dochasautism.ie/staff/john-mcdonald/) - John’s career began coaching rowing along with Strength and conditioning for rowers in St Michael’s rowing club in 2018. Once covid hit he moved into a different field where he worked in the addiction area. After one year working there an opportunity to work on Dochas came available and he swiftly moved into his current - [Anne O'Connor](https://www.dochasautism.ie/staff/anne-oconnor/) - Anne is the Manager of the Charity Shop for Dóchas Midwest Autism Support which supports people with Autism. Anne is a founder member of Dóchas Midwest Autism Support. Anne has been a catalyst for the delivery of services to people with Autism through her previous roles in the organisation. Anne has a son with Autism. - [Alan Meaney](https://www.dochasautism.ie/staff/alan-meaney/) - My name is Alan Meaney. I am the training and life skills officer . This is to support adults into training workshops and create an individual profile that will best suit the persons strengths . I started our clubs with a group of 6 in 2010 and now currently have 22 social groups with 240 ## Products - [Monthly donation](https://www.dochasautism.ie/product/recurring-donation/) - A monthly amount, for 12 months. - [Once-off Donation](https://www.dochasautism.ie/product/donation/) - A once-off donation. ## Product categories - [Donations](https://www.dochasautism.ie/product-category/donations/)