Championing Autistic People

We serve the autistic communities of Greater Dublin and North Kildare, as well as their families and support networks. We do this through our autistic adult led day services, transition programmes, community outreach and living options.

WELCOME TO

GHEEL AUTISM SERVICES

Gheel Autism Services was founded in Dublin city in 1971 by a small group of parents of autistic people. The name Gheel originates from the region of Geel in Belgium, where since the 7th century people with disabilities were supported to live in the community and not in institutions. Saint Dympna, in the 7th century, fled to Geel from Ireland and is credited with initiating this type of community living support model. The first service managed by Gheel was on the grounds of a building named St Dympna's.

In Gheel, we do not see autism as something that is broken and needs to be fixed or treated. We see autism as a different way of being and something that should be understood and embraced.

OUR APPROACH

OUR MISSION

We will:

~ Support and embrace difference ~

~ Design individual person centered services ~

~Facilitate family and community involvement ~

~ Engage with health care providers to inform practice ~

~ Promote evidence based practice and training ~

~ Respect privacy and dignity of each person ~

~ Provide choice not boundaries ~

~ Practice low arousal philosophy ~

~ Give people a life, not a service ~

OUR VALUES

Our values are dignity, respect, empowerment, diversity and integrity. We at Gheel, endeavour to live and work by these values in our interaction with the people accessing services and with each other.

OUR VISION:

Inclusive communities where autistic people are valued and have meaningful opportunities to design their own future in Ireland

Work With Us!

Gheel Autism Services work within a low arousal philosophy and our values form an integral part of who we are and what we do. We employ approximately 250 people in various capacities and locations in Dublin and North Kildare and are regularly on the lookout for like-minded individuals to join our team.