World Autism Month: April 2025

Autism Acceptance Month starts with World Autism Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and continues throughout April. 

The theme for World Autism Acceptance Month in 2025 is 'Celebrate Differences'. It encourages us to see that each person is unique and their differences are a normal part of life.

World Autism Awareness Month is an opportunity for everyone to come together and raise awareness, foster acceptance, and create a society where autistic people are supported, understood, and empowered. Whether you’re at home, at school, or at work, your involvement can make a real difference. It’s about how you show up - whether you’re supporting your autistic colleagues, students, or family members, your actions can help create an inclusive and accepting world.

This year, help us change attitudes towards autism. Your support can help create a world that works for autistic people and their families.

We're delighted to present a range of sensory and assistive resources available for use in branch libraries citywide. 

This resource collection has been developed to offer support to children and adults with additional sensory needs, making libraries more accessible and welcoming for them. Engaging autistic children in sensory activities is beneficial in several ways, as it can help with: stimulating the brain, creating neural pathways, and improving sensory processing systems. It also improves social skills such as communication and co-operation.

Explore our libraries with a virtual tour

We're delighted to share our new 3D virtual videos showcasing select libraries with sensory services and facilities.

Social Stories

A social story is a short story that breaks down social situations, and provides information, guidance, and instruction for specific activities. These stories/scripts can be reviewed regularly and used as a way to teach Autistic children about social situations. Social stories can be personalized for each child and should include pictures when needed. Social stories can be used to teach concepts such as going to a birthday party, taking turns with friends, and participating in extracurricular sports. 

Communication Boards

We're the first public library service in the country to offer communication boards. This is just one of a range of library measures supporting the broader Dublin City Council plan to make Dublin an autism-friendly city. 

Library in the Community and Sensoria Festival

Dublin City Council Sensoria is set to return to Merrion Square Park this April for two full days of fun, laughter and learning through a thoughtfully curated, neurodivergent friendly programme suitable for all ages. 

The Library in the Community bus will be there highlighting the sensory toy catalogue and other assistive services.  

This free, ticketed event will take place over three sessions each day, with each running for two hours.