Let’s Talk About the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act

If your child has a disability, autism, or support needs, you might already be thinking about how they’ll be included in decisions as they grow older. And once they turn 18, it can feel like everything changes overnight. The good news? The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 in Ireland is here to help – and it’s all about supporting people to make their own choices.

The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 officially came into effect in April 2023, and it’s a big deal. It recognises that needing help doesn’t mean someone can’t make decisions. In fact, the whole point of the Act is to make sure people get the support they need to be part of decision-making – not pushed out of it.

Let’s say your adult child needs help understanding information, or they need extra time to process what’s being said. That doesn’t mean someone should step in and decide for them. This law says: Let’s start with support first. That might mean breaking down information into smaller chunks, using visuals, or even giving them more time. But the key idea is this: everyone is presumed to be able to make decisions unless it’s shown otherwise.

There are different levels of support too, depending on what someone needs. Sometimes it’s just about having a trusted person to help talk through options – like a Decision-Making Assistant. Other times, decisions are made together – this is called Co-Decision Making. And if someone really can’t make certain decisions even with support, a court may appoint a Decision-Making Representative – but only as a last resort.

This law applies to all sorts of everyday things: money, healthcare, education, housing – things we all make decisions about in life. And it’s not just about ticking boxes or filling out forms. It’s about something bigger: respect. Respecting the right of every person – including those with disabilities – to have a say in their own life.

So if you're a parent of a child, a teenager or young adult, this is the moment to start having those conversations. Even if your child needs help, they still deserve to be included in choices that affect them. This law gives us a reminder – and a responsibility – to find ways to make that happen.