THE IRISH SOCIETY FOR AUTISM
(ISA)

DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANIZATION

Patrono: Mary McAleese, Presidente de Irlanda

After its foundation in 1963 the I.S.A.C. realised that the initial enthusiasm of professionalism and statutory bodies very quickly subsided and then failed to provide the specialised services required by children with Autism. The long campaign began, a campaign of education and creating awareness insisting on the need for early diagnosis, early intervention and above all appropriate education.

While this campaign was in motion the Society in partnership with the Regional Health Authority, (the Eastern Health Board) set about developing services for young adults with Autism who unfortunately were at the time in totally unsuitable psychiatric hospitals. The Gheel Autism Group was formed and now provides day residential facilities in the community care model for persons with Autism in the Dublin Area.

In 1981 the I.S.A.C. still very concerned about the level and quality of services considered the alternative approach.

For some time the Society had been aware of developments in the UK and France, where community based rural projects had been established and had proven very successful. In April 1981, nine members of the Society, including parents, staff and two children with Autism visited La Bourgette farm near Aix en Provence in the South of France, and also Somerset Court, Longford Court and Anglesea Lodge in the U.K. We were encouraged by the tremendous achievements observed in those places. A national television appeal on behalf of children with Autism on a popular children’s programme “Youngline” raised the magnificent sum of £72,000. This enabled the Society bid successfully for Dunfirth House and Farm, near Johnstownbridge in North County Kildare, approximately 25 miles from Dublin. The purchase was completed in July 1982, at the cost of approximately £170,000. The farm had a residence and substantial out-buildings, together with approximately 70 acres of land and formed the basis of the first development in Ireland of an integrated rural based community for persons with Autism.

The basic philosophy at the Farm is a recognition of the individuality of persons with Autism, their capacity to benefit from education, training and care, and their entitlement to participate in the development of society in accordance with their individual capacity and dignity as human beings.

To this end, the Dunfirth community is committed to creating a home-like environment where management and staff are aware of the individual needs of people with Autism and the wishes of the parents.

Staff and parents work tirelessly to achieve mutual respect and confidence in each other, so that the residents with Autism can prosper and develop in a stress free and pleasant ambience.

As one recent visitor to Dunfirth commented “Dunfirth is a green oasis where people with Autism live, work, laugh and sleep with love and respect.