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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Ellen Glynn & Cathal Ryan

Gavan Reilly praised for highlighting barriers facing children on World Autism Awareness Day

Gavan Reilly has taken to social media to thank listeners for the kind words they shared in response to his radio segment that discussed the barriers children diagnosed with autism face.

The Newstalk radio host was showered in praise for the radio piece that looked at the challenges faced by children with autism and their parents. Reilly was presenting the segment on World Autism Awareness Day, which falls annually on April 2.

During the segment, the radio and TV presenter discussed the issues within the public system for those navigating an autism diagnosis, describing it as "a bit of a shambles".

READ MORE - Adam Harris: 'We all have a part to play in turning Autism awareness to action this World Autism Day'

He also described how some parents are left with "no option but to go down the private route".

Furthermore, Reilly also discussed the importance of early intervention and the issue of waiting lists.

He also acknowledged that "there are some parts of the State system which are really wonderful."

Newstalk listeners flocked to social media to share their praise for the piece.

Sharing a post on his Twitter account responding to the positive feedback, Gavan wrote: "A bit overwhelmed at all the kind words about the piece on radio this morning about World Autism Awareness Day and what you may experience if you’re the parent of an autistic child. You should be aware."

In the comments, listeners continued to applaud Gavan for his handling of the subject in the comments below, thanking him for raising awareness.

One listener posted: "Thank you so so much for articulating this so beautifully & also describing the barriers facing many parents who are trying their absolute best to help their children"

Another commented: "Awareness-raising, if it’s to be meaningful, involves speaking truth to power - you model that brilliantly here Gavan."

One more posted: "Thank you. I hope this message goes far and wide and helps to make some needed changes."

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