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 community spaces to sports clubs, volunteers and public services, 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 Terenure, Co. Dublin to see what happens when an entire community takes ownership of creating a more inclusive environment.

Terenure's Autism Friendly Town journey is built around a simple idea: inclusion is everyone’s responsibility.

As an accredited Autism Friendly Town, Terenure demonstrates how local businesses, organisations, volunteers and community spaces can work together towards a shared goal. Rather than relying on one initiative or organisation, inclusion is embedded throughout the community, creating an environment where Autistic people and their families feel welcome, understood and supported.

Throughout the series, Terenure showcases the positive impact of a community-wide commitment to inclusion. As Eric explores the town, he meets some of the people helping to bring that commitment to life. Their stories show that creating a more inclusive community isn't about one significant intervention. It's about understanding the needs of others and making practical changes that help people feel comfortable, supported and included.

One example can be seen at Terenure Rugby Club, where inclusion is helping to ensure that more children and families can participate in community life. Sports clubs often play an important role in creating a sense of belonging, and initiatives like these demonstrate how community organisations can make a meaningful difference through awareness, understanding and support.

Eric also visits local shoe shop Cripps Footwear, where Autism inclusion is embedded into the customer experience. The shop provides information on what customers can expect before they visit, highlights quieter times to shop and offers a quiet area in-store. These thoughtful adjustments help create a more accessible and welcoming environment for Autistic people and their families. Staff have also seen the business benefits of taking this approach, helping them reach a wider range of customers and better serve the needs of their local community. Their experience demonstrates that small changes can make a meaningful difference for customers while also helping businesses become more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

These examples may seem small in isolation, but together they help create a culture of inclusion across the town. They demonstrate that when businesses, community groups and local organisations work together, accessibility and understanding become part of everyday life rather than something separate.

What stood out most during our visit was the collective commitment to inclusion. Across Terenure, businesses, organisations, volunteers and community groups are working together to create an environment where Autistic people and their families feel welcome, understood and supported. It's a powerful example of how small actions, taken across an entire community, can help create lasting change.

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.