Elaine Mullally, Independent candidate in the General Election for Laois, has completed a series of eight listening meetings across Laois, meeting parents, carers and constituents.
A powerful and emotional pattern emerged during these discussions: children on the autism spectrum are being devastatingly let down by the state. The outcry from parents has been clear—autism services and assessments are in crisis.
“It’s appalling that children in Laois are waiting more than five years just for an initial autism assessment,” Mullally stated.
“Many parents have no choice but to go private, draining their savings just to secure a diagnosis, only to face yet another grueling wait for vital services like speech and language therapy. This isn’t just an oversight—it’s a national disgrace.”
One of the most shocking revelations from the meetings was that post-diagnosis, families are frequently stuck in endless consultations with professionals, but nothing changes for the child.
“There’s meeting after meeting, but no intervention work begins. Parents told me they feel like they’re caught in an endless cycle of bureaucracy, while their children continue to suffer,” Mullally said.
Parents were visibly distressed, with many moved to tears while sharing their stories. “One mother told me that by the time her child was finally assessed, he had missed critical developmental milestones that early intervention could have supported,” she recounted. “Her heartbreak became mine.”
As a mother of two herself, Mullally felt these frustrations deeply, describing the situation as “heartbreaking and infuriating.” She emphasised that these stories represent not just individual cases but a widespread systemic failure in Ireland’s healthcare and education systems.
“As a mother, I can’t stand by and allow this to continue,” she added. “These listening tours have made it crystal clear that families in Laois, and across Ireland, are desperate for change. The level of neglect in autism services is nothing short of shameful, and I am more determined than ever to fight for the children being left behind.”
Looking ahead to the election, Mullally has pledged, if elected as the first female TD from Laois, she will relentlessly pursue accountability from the Minister for Health and the Minister for Children.
“This crisis in autism services cannot be tolerated any longer. If elected, I will hold those responsible to account for the inexcusable waiting lists and the ongoing failure to provide essential intervention support. It’s not just a matter of policy—it’s a moral obligation.”
With an election on the horizon, Mullally issued a powerful call to action: “We need urgent change. I’m asking every voter in Laois who cares about children and their future to stand with us. Together, we can demand the services these families deserve, and ensure no child is left behind.”
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