Across Ireland, cities, towns and villages are working to become communities where Autistic people and their families feel more understood, more supported and more included.

Through AsIAm's Autism Friendly Towns Programme, proudly supported by PTSB, communities are taking practical steps to create more welcoming and accessible environments. From local businesses and employers to libraries, public services and community groups, people are coming together to ensure that inclusion is woven into everyday life.

As part of a new video series led by PTSB Community ambassador Eric Roberts, we visited Maynooth, Co. Kildare to see how simple changes can help create opportunities and remove barriers for Autistic people.

At the heart of Maynooth's Autism Friendly Town journey is a simple but powerful belief: communities have the ability to adapt and become more inclusive.

As one participant puts it, "Our kids can't change for society, but society can change for our kids and our adults."

Across the town, that mindset is helping to drive meaningful change.

One local employer, Paul Burnell from Zambrero shared how working with AsIAm helped them redesign their recruitment process to make it more accessible for Autistic candidates. While a traditional recruitment process may work for many people, it can often present barriers for some Autistic adults.

By reviewing and adapting that process, they were able to create new employment opportunities and open the door to talent that may otherwise have been overlooked.

It's a powerful example of how inclusion isn't always about making major changes. Often, it's about taking the time to understand barriers and finding practical ways to remove them.

That same approach can be seen across other community settings in Maynooth.

Businesses and organisations are introducing supports that help people feel more comfortable and confident when accessing services. Visual guides, for example, allow customers to familiarise themselves with a space before they visit, helping to reduce uncertainty and create a more welcoming experience.

We visited the PTSB branch in Maynooth to hear about some of the practical steps being taken to create a more welcoming and accessible environment for customers.

For Autistic people, knowing that accommodations and supports are available can make a significant difference.

As one PTSB customer explained, simply knowing there is a quiet space available when needed helps create a greater sense of comfort and inclusion.

The impact of these changes extends beyond services and workplaces. It can also be seen in the everyday community spaces that people use and enjoy.

For local resident Roisin, the library has long been a place where she feels comfortable, supported and able to pursue her love of reading and writing. It's a reminder that truly inclusive communities are built through a combination of opportunity, understanding and belonging.

The Autism Friendly Towns Programme encourages communities to consider how they can become more accessible and welcoming for everyone. In Maynooth, employers, businesses and community organisations are showing how practical changes can have a lasting impact.

At PTSB, we're proud to support AsIAm's Autism Friendly Towns Programme and the communities leading the way in creating a more inclusive Ireland. As the first bank in Ireland to have Autism Friendly Branches, we're committed to helping make inclusion part of everyday life in communities nationwide.

Learn More

Find out more about PTSB's support of the Autism Friendly Towns Programme.

Join the Programme

Interested in helping to create a more inclusive community?

Visit AsIAm to learn more about joining the Autism Friendly Towns Programme and the steps your town can take to become Autism Friendly.