Gheel Autism Services was founded in Dublin city in 1971 by a small group of parents of people with autism. 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. The Irish 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.
Gheel provide services for people with autism in the greater Dublin and North Kildare region. We provide day, residential, supported living and outreach services for individuals with autism with the goal of maximising independence and enhancing quality of life. All of our programmes are tailored to recognise the neurodiversity of people with autism. Staff receive regular autism-specific person centred training and they are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to enable each individual they support to have positive and meaningful life experiences.
