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Autism documentary hits home with viewers and receives widespread praise

Published 08:30 14 Mar 2017 GMT

Updated 08:32 14 Mar 2017 GMT

Niamh Maher

Autism documentary hits home with viewers and receives widespread praise

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'Powerful and insightful'.

The RTE documentary 'Autism and Me' has struck a chord with the Irish public. In the program, which was broadcast last night, we met a number of people on the spectrum including 11-year-old Hughie Malone. A familiar face to some, Hughie, who has Aspergers Syndrome, became a household name after his refreshingliny honest appearance on The Late Late Show recently.

Hughie spoke passionately about society's need to label people, which he feels causes us to miss out.

22-year-old Autism advocate, Adam Harris, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, also took part. Adam has set up AsIAm, an organisation that supports people with autism and educates the public about the condition.

Adam spoke about the need for change in educational and employment settings for people with autism. The people of Ireland took to twitter last night to show their support and gratitude for an important documentary.

"Some people don't know their easy lives... I wouldn't be so ungrateful" Heartbreaking, sobering stuff. Brilliant documentary #AutismAndMe
— Eoghan McDermott (@eoghanmcdermo) March 13, 2017

Just because someone doesn't speak doesn't mean a person doesn't have anything to say - quite the opposite! #autismandme
— Adam Harris (@AdamPHarris) March 13, 2017

That was a truly wonderful documentary #AutismAndMe - congrats to all involved.
— Miriam O'Callaghan (@MiriamOCal) March 13, 2017

Fiachra is the most amazing, intelligent & poetic teenager, he needs to be supported more so his voice can be heard! #AutismAndMe
— Michelle Gildea (@gildea_michelle) March 13, 2017

Fantastic programme.But let's not miss the point.We are failing our children on a daily basis due to lack of real services #AutismAndMe
— Sinéad Brennan (@SineadBrennan1) March 13, 2017

'Autism and Me' is available to watch now on the RTE player.

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