A Co Monaghan man has highlighted the importance of making communities more inclusive for people with autism.
Conor O'Neill from Monaghan is the chairperson of the Monaghan Autism Friendly Committee and also co-founded an autism social group for adults.
The local advocate said it's very powerful to have an autistic person like himself who is at the helm of an autism friendly committee as it lets people know that autistic people can go out and lead.
Conor alongside his committee members are on a mission to provide safe spaces for young people to fully engage and be part of the local community.
The local man said it's important to ensure that all neuro divergent and autistic people are given the same opportunities as other people across Co Monaghan, adding that you can only bridge a gap by inclusion not exclusion.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Conor believes everyone can play their part when it comes to making communities more inclusive.
As a way of bridging the gap, the committee have organised a number of autism friendly social gatherings which will take place over the coming weeks across Co Monaghan:
Upcoming events are planned for An Nead coffee shop in Monaghan Town on Tuesday the 14th of July between 5pm and 7pm and Crafty coffee shop in Castleblayney on Monday the 27th of July from 5pm to 7pm.
Booking is essential.
