“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism. No two are the same.”
This quote from Dr. Stephen Stone captures the spirit of our recent interview with Stephen Murray, Engagement Officer and Mentor at Aspire Ireland. Speaking on Phoenix FM’s Disability Matters with John Comiskey, Stephen provided invaluable insight into autism, neurodiversity, and the work Aspire Ireland does to support autistic individuals in Ireland.
Stephen began by unpacking what autism is and how it manifests differently in each person. Autism, or Developmental Disorder, is a neurological difference that affects how a person processes information, experiences sensory stimuli, and navigates social situations. “It’s like someone’s brain is wired slightly differently,” Stephen explains. This can result in sensory issues (like discomfort with heat, loud noise, or clothing tags), difficulties in social interactions, or even intense focus on certain topics.
“People are starting to move away from the idea of ‘the spectrum’,” he shared. “It’s not a line from ‘more autistic’ to ‘less autistic’. It’s more like a spider graph – people have different traits to different degrees.”
Challenges Beyond the Diagnosis
Stephen noted that while awareness of autism has improved in Ireland, real barriers remain, especially around access to diagnosis and employment. Adult diagnostic waitlists can stretch for years, and private assessments cost upwards of €1,200.
Even more troubling is the stark employment reality: “63% of autistic people in Ireland achieve third-level education, but 86% are under- or unemployed for their entire lives.”
This, Stephen says, is not due to lack of ability, but a lack of understanding. Employers often assume autistic employees require excessive accommodations or can’t function in professional settings. Aspire’s awareness training helps shift this perspective, offering practical guidance that improves workplace inclusion for everyone – not just neurodivergent employees.
The Aspire Story: Peer Support and Enterprise
Aspire Ireland was founded in 1995 by two parents: “At the time, there were no existing support services for autistic adults, and their son had just turned 18 and aged out of the supports available to children.”
From a kitchen helpline, it has grown into a national charity offering advice lines, residential care, social groups, and a social enterprise – Aspire Designs.
Aspire Designs is a graphic design company that reinvests its profits into meaningful employment opportunities for autistic adults. From designing greeting cards to managing market stalls and supporting administration, autistic adults gain confidence, experience, and purpose.
“We’re trying to tackle unemployment in the autism community by giving people real, supportive work environments,” Stephen says.
Aspire also runs social groups for teens and adults, such as walking meetups and monthly coffee meetups in Third Space, Smithfield. These are peer-led, inclusive spaces where autistic individuals can socialise without masking or anxiety.
Stephen himself is autistic and has ADHD and dyspraxia. His personal experience enriches his work. “We don’t use the term ‘peer-led’ much,” he notes, “but that’s exactly what it is.”
Advice to Parents
Stephen urges parents to listen to their children and to adjust how they ask questions: “A child might not say something hurts, but might say it feels ‘funny’. It’s all about the language.” He stresses not to force sensory discomforts, and to seek seamless clothing or other accommodations as needed.
And for newly diagnosed families? “Be patient. This isn’t a light-switch moment. It takes time to accept and adapt, and there are no stupid questions. Reach out. We’re here.”
Stay Connected
You can learn more about Aspire Ireland at: www.aspireireland.ie
Email: info@aspireireland.ie or contact Stephen directly at stephen@aspireireland.ie
Helpline (Tue-Sat): 089 465 2026
You can also visit Aspire Designs at the St Anne’s Park Market in Raheny, Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM, where the team sells greeting cards and sensory-friendly items.
Follow Aspire on social media to keep up with their latest events, resources, and online shop launch.
Disability Matters airs weekly on Phoenix 92.5FM, amplifying voices from across the disability community in Ireland.