This 2016 campaign was to launch Ireland’s first Autism Registry. By gathering information on developmental history, mental health and behaviours, this database will inform decision-making in relation to the planning of education, social and health services for children with autism. Essentially, it will map out their needs which will in turn inform services. Participation and collaboration are critical for the success of the registry. With this in mind, our task was to work with the team from NUI Galway and Trinity College Dublin, devise key messages and run a PR campaign to reach relevant stakeholders including parents. As part of the campaign, we also worked with the team on a social media strategy.

Coverage for this two-month campaign included a package on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, features in the Irish Times, the Irish Examiner and the Irish Daily Mail and a range of regional print, broadcast and online media. We also arranged a public launch event attended by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone.