About Us

Gheel Autism Services was founded in Dublin city in 1971 by a small group of parents of autistic people. 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 champions and supports autistic people in the greater Dublin, Kildare and North Wicklow region. We provide supports with the goal of maximising independence and enhancing quality of life. All of our supports are tailored to embrace the neurodiversity model, and collaboration with autistic people is a must! Staff receive regular autism-specific person centered training and they are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to enable each individual they support to have positive and meaningful life experiences.