Autaid CLG

AutAid Company Limited by Guarantee is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting family carers of individuals with severe autism and additional needs. The company operates from a registered address in County Mayo and aims to provide practical relief and respite for exhausted carers through its Breathing Space initiative. This service offers up to six hours of expert care, ensuring that loved ones are actively engaged in a stimulating environment while carers take time to rest or attend to personal matters.

The organisation plans to roll out its Breathing Space service across Ireland, with staffed infrastructure expected to begin by Winter 2026. AutAid intends to establish day-centre respite services in four locations by Spring 2028, with further expansion planned for subsequent years. These centres will feature sensory rooms and therapeutic art workshops designed to foster personal growth and creativity for participants.

AutAid provides means-tested support to ensure quality care is accessible to all families, regardless of their financial standing. The team comprises a blend of volunteers and professional staff trained to understand the specific needs of autistic individuals. The company seeks to lay the foundations for wider family support programmes across Ireland, recognising the emotional strain and fatigue often experienced by carers.