My Greystones: Adam Harris

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t can’t be easy, trying to make your own mark in this world when your brother is feted, famous, handsome, popular and enormously successful in their field…

Somehow though, Simon Harris managed to overcome such obstacles and make a name for himself, despite living in the shadow of his much-loved brother, Adam.

Something of a pin-up boy for those striving to change attitudes towards autism in Ireland, Adam’s work in this field has been tireless, joyful and enormously effective. As anyone who visited the recent Autism Experience exhibition here in Greystones will know.

A major force in the groundbreaking AsIAm organisation, Adam has proven a vital ball of energy in autism awareness in this country, as he works alongside the likes of Alice O’Donnell and Triple A Alliance Wicklow and new grassroots campaigners, such as Aisling Foran.

One of the teenage campaigners also feeling the benefit of that special Harris happiness is Ben Rowsome, who volunteered at the recent Autism Experience here in the town.

“I first saw Adam Harris when he gave a talk in my primary school in April 2013,” says Rowsome. “Later, I was honored to meet Adam properly for the first time when he carried out a workshop in my secondary school at my request in November 2015, and I’ve been working closely with Adam as part of AsIAm’s Youth Leadership Team ever since.

“Adam is certainly someone I to aspire to, he has given me a voice as regards my autism and I so enjoy working with him.”

For Alice O’Donnell, “Nothing is too much trouble for Adam, and he really takes time to chat to people. For many parents, families and young people with autism, he is a beacon of hope, and a ray of sunshine.”

Which all leads us to conclude that, yep, that Adam Harris is undeniably an all-round sweet, happy, funny, sweet-natured and big-hearted guy.

So, naturally, we here at GG HQ don’t trust him. One bit.

We’re watching you, Harris. Always. And forever.

You can find out more about AsIAm right here, Triple A Alliance Wicklow here, and that lesser brother here. You can also find out more about SuperValu’s autism-friendly nights here and the Special Needs Sunday Playgroup here.