The publication of the AsIAm “Same Chance” report 2023 presented a stark picture of life for many autistic people in Ireland. The report, based on a survey of over 1600 autistic people and family, tells a story of resilience, talent, and pride. It also tells a story of 97 societal barriers to participation in community activities, accessing public services and making friends to name but a few. 90% of those surveyed believe the Irish public do not understand Autism. 91% believe that being autistic is a barrier to making friends. 86% believe that they do not have the same chance in Irish society AsIAm.IE Ireland’s National Autism Charity Same Chance Report 2023).Lusk Autism Friendly Towns is working with local businesses, clubs, and voluntary groups towards becoming an AsIAm Autism-Friendly Town. We were delighted in April to welcome on board this journey towards becoming an Autism-Friendly Town, Rush and Lusk Educate Together Parents Guardians and Teachers Association (PGTA), Skinny Batch Bakery, and Butterflies Creche who have committed to becoming Autism Champions for Lusk. RaLET PGTA have outlined to all parents and guardians of children in the school some of the measures that they will be introducing including participating in autism training, developing social stories for events, and creating sensory activities specific to their events. Staff at Butterflies Creche have already undergone autism training and have created a wonderful social story for children who will be joining them for the first time. Our most recent participant, Skinny Batch Bakery, has been in touch with us to find outwhat they can do to become an autism-friendly café. They are also working directly with AsIAm to spread awareness of autism and to help raise funds for the charity. Finally we would like to say a big thank you to Rush and Lusk Educate Together staff for inviting us to present information about Autism to their senior pupils as part of a wide variety of activities that were organised at the school to mark World Autism Day in April. All of these fantastic initiatives will help towards ensuring that Autistic children will grow up having the same chance as their peers. If you would like to become an Autism Champion for Lusk please get in touch with us at inclusionlusk@gmail.com and we would be delighted to get you started on your journey.