On Friday 24 April 2026, INSIDE EU — the Institute for Studies in Social Inclusion Diversity and Engagement — hosted the final conference of the Houses4Autism Erasmus+ project at The Woodquay Venue in Dublin.  The event brought together EU consortium partners, policymakers, researchers, educators, autistic adults, and their families to celebrate three years of collaborative, EU-funded work focused on supporting independent living for autistic adults.

Central to the day was the showcase of the project's virtual reality (VR) training tool; an immersive, purpose-built environment designed to help autistic adults develop everyday living skills in a safe, low-anxiety setting.

Opening & Key Speakers

The conference was formally opened by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, who described the project as innovation at its best, with Deputy Rory Hearne TD speaking on the critical link between autism and homelessness risk; 

Jemma Lee of Leargas, Ireland's national Erasmus+ agency, reflected on the project's significance within the wider adult education landscape.

Key Research Findings

INSIDE EU's original international research, gathered across consortium partner countries, revealed a striking and persistent gap between the educational attainment and independent living outcomes of autistic adults:

•      55-82% of autistic adults hold third-level qualifications

•      Yet only 14-45% of autistic adults live independently

•      Just 5% live alone; 65% continue to live with family

•      100% of respondents called for improved autism training for professionals

What Comes Next

Following the conference, INSIDE EU is focused on translating the project's findings into sustained impact; engaging with policymakers, informing national and EU-level debates on autism, independent living, and disability inclusion.

As a neurodivergent-led non-profit, INSIDE EU is also expanding its delivery offer; launching Department of Education-approved CPD summer courses for primary school teachers this year, alongside continued development of multi-sector inclusion training grounded in the Houses4Autism research.

INSIDE EU looks forward to continuing to work with partners, policymakers, and practitioners who share a commitment to inclusion. To learn more, access the educational toolkit, or explore collaboration opportunities, visit here.