In pictures: Ambassador Eric Roberts launching AsIAm’s Same Chance Walk for Autism

Ireland’s autism charity AsIAm today launched the 2026 Same Chance Walk for Autism, taking place on Sunday, April 12, as part of World Autism Month. 

Presenter Eric Roberts is the official ambassador for the walk. A former Special Needs Assistant (SNA), he regularly uses his platform to promote greater understanding of autism.

“Being an Ambassador for the Same Chance Walk means a huge amount to me,” Eric Roberts said. “My nephew Oisín is Autistic, and seeing the world through his eyes has completely shaped my understanding of inclusion and acceptance.

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“Through my work as an SNA and through my social platforms, I’ve seen how important it is to create a society where Autistic people feel understood and supported. The Same Chance Walk is about bringing people together and making sure everyone gets the same chance in life, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of this campaign.”

This year’s Same Chance Walk for Autism aims to raise over €200,000 to support AsIAm’s work providing advocacy, services and supports for Autistic people and their families across Ireland. On Sunday, 12 April, flagship walks will take place at Belmont Demesne, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, and Kylemore Abbey, Co. Galway, with people of all ages and abilities invited to take part with friends and family in support of Autism inclusion.

For those unable to attend the flagship walks, AsIAm is encouraging people to organise community walks in their county, town or village throughout the month of April with friends, schools, workplaces or local clubs, helping to make the campaign a truly nationwide movement.

Attendees at the walks in Wicklow and Galway can enjoy family-friendly activities and refreshments, with the AsIAm team on hand to meet supporters and share more about the charity’s work. By taking part, participants will help raise vital funds while also supporting greater awareness and understanding of Autism across Irish society.

 Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, said: “April marks World Autism Month – an important opportunity for Autistic people to highlight the pervasive, invisible barriers which prevent our community from having the same chance to live, learn, work and play in villages, towns and cities across Ireland. 

“The Same Chance Walk is our annual invitation to individuals and families to take part in a visible show of support for Autism acceptance, whilst raising much-needed funds in support of the work of AsIAm. It is estimated that at least 1 in 20 people in Ireland may be Autistic and yet our community faces endless barriers to accessing basic supports in school, the community and the world of work. 

“Our organisation is providing a wide range of free supports to Autistic people across Ireland, and yet just to stand still we must raise 50c in every euro we spend, with demand far exceeding our capacity. At the same time, we see rising misinformation around Autism leading to increased stigma, isolation and loneliness within the community. That is why we are so honoured to have Eric Roberts and PTSB working with us to amplify our message of Autism acceptance in April, and across the year. By joining the same chance walk, you will literally take steps to help us change these realities for our community. ” 

Proudly supported by PTSB, communities across Ireland are being invited to step out in support of autistic people and their families.

“As a bank committed to having a positive and meaningful impact in communities across the country, PTSB is proud to support AsIAm and the Same Chance Walk for Autism. The campaign reflects values we strongly believe in – diversity, inclusion, and community," Courtnee Kyle, Head of Sustainability at PTSB, said. "PTSB’s Reflecting Ireland Research shows that only 2 in 5 people in Ireland feel they live in an inclusive community, and so we encourage people across the country to get involved this April and help support this important cause.”