Neurodiversity Ireland

Celebrating unique thinking

Welcome to Neurodiversity Ireland. We are building a national community where different brains and unique thinkers are welcomed.

Our mission

neurodiversity Ireland is committed to

Educating the Community

Supporting Neurodivergent Children

Advocating for an equitable future

Read about us on

#LetMeBeMe

Our latest posts

neurodiversityireland

Ireland's National Neurodiversity Charity. Promoting Neurodiversity and inclusion of neurodivergent kids and young people across Ireland🌈 RCN20206465

Ireland’s inaugural Neurodiversity Summit brings

Ireland’s inaugural Neurodiversity Summit brings experienced speakers together - practitioners, educators, researchers and advocates - who shape neuroaffirmative practices & values, both in Ireland and internationally.
Over two days, these experts will share knowledge on current topics including inclusive society and education, universal design for all aspects of life, neuroaffirmative therapeutic approaches and family support. The programme brings together a wealth of expertise and lived experience, offering practical and useful insights for anyone working with or caring for neurodivergent children.
Join us in person or online for an opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect, on how to best support neurodivergent communities.
Tickets are available now, with access to all session recordings included. In person places are limited, so reserve early to avoid disappointment; online unrestricted.
See the linktree in our bio for more info and to book your place.
#NeurodiversitySummit #NDISummit2025 #inclusiveclassrooms #inclusionmatters #neurodiversity

Join us for Ireland’s inaugural Neurodiversity S

Join us for Ireland’s inaugural Neurodiversity Summit on May 16–17, 2025, at Trinity College Dublin’s Dargan Theatre. This two-day event brings together global experts to explore neuroaffirmative practices aimed at supporting and empowering neurodivergent children, families, and communities.
Why Attend?
• Expert Insights: Learn from renowned speakers, including Meg Ferrell, Davida Hartman, and Marge Blanc, on topics like neuroaffirmative values, understanding PDA, and Gestalt Language Processing.
• Flexible Participation: Choose between in-person attendance or join us online from anywhere in the world.
• Comprehensive Access: All tickets include access to session recordings, ensuring you don’t miss any valuable content.
Ticket Options:
• In-Person: €160 for both days or €90 for a single day.
• Online: €120 for both days or €75 for a single day.
Secure your spot today and be part of a movement that celebrates diverse minds and promotes inclusive practices.
For more details and to book your tickets, visit the linktree in our bio.
#NeurodiversityIreland #NDISummit2025

🌟 Join us at Ireland’s first Neurodiversity S

🌟 Join us at Ireland’s first Neurodiversity Summit in person or online. Join us in learning, growing, and advocating for a more neuroaffirmative world 🌟
Link to tickets and more info in bio
#neurodiversity #NeurodiversitySummit #neuroaffirmativevalues #inclusionmatters #inclusivepractice #inclusiveclassrooms #supportingparents #supportingteachers #éducationforall

We are heartbroken by the final report on how ‘G

We are heartbroken by the final report on how ‘Grace’ was treated.
While the report confirms her harrowing neglect, we are alarmed that the treatment of all of the other children placed in the same foster home will not be investigated. Vulnerable children must never be forgotten and justice must never be incomplete.
As a charity supporting neurodivergent children, we urge the Government to reconsider this investigation.
Tonight we think of all the children who are or should be in State “care” - let this NEVER happen again.
#GraceReport #JusticeForGrace
#JusticeForAllChildren
#NeurodivergentVoices #SafeguardingChildren #DisabilityRights

🌟 Tickets now Available 🌟 We’re delighted

🌟 Tickets now Available 🌟
We’re delighted to host the first Neurodiversity Ireland Summit at Trinity College Dublin on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 May 2025!
This two-day event will bring together global thought leaders to share insights on neuroaffirmative values and practices. The summit will deepen understanding of neurodiversity and highlight the supports neurodivergent children need to thrive.
This summit is for neurodivergent people, parents, teachers, practitioners, caregivers, guardians - anyone interested in learning about neurodiversity and how to support neurodivergent individuals through neuroaffirming approaches.
🎟️ Tickets are available in the link in our bio 🌟
#neurodiversityirelandsummit
#neurodiversityireland
#neuroaffirmativevalues
#neurodiversity
#neurodivergent #summit
#gatheringofminds #languagematters

From the searing heat of the Sahara to the final s

From the searing heat of the Sahara to the final stretch, we’re cheering you on, Jay @coach_jaykane, every step of the way. Taking on the world’s toughest race — the Marathon des Sables — in support of Neurodiversity Ireland is nothing short of heroic. We’re so grateful to you. Your grit, heart, and purpose — you’re an inspiration 🌟

We are delighted to be part of Dublin City Council

We are delighted to be part of Dublin City Council Sensoria 2025! A festival for neurodivergent people and their families, it is two days of fun & learning through a thoughtfully curated, neurodivergent supportive programme that’s suitable for all ages.
Join us this April 26th & 27th for everything from exciting Main Stage Shows to Arts & Crafts, Workshops and lots more. For more information on this FREE event, see link in bio!
#dublincitycouncil #dublincityevents #whatsonindublin #freeevents #DCCSensoria #neurodiversity

There are at least 250 children with no school pla

There are at least 250 children with no school place for September.
Last night their parents slept outside Leinster House in an attempt to be seen and heard by Dáil Éireann.
These children have additional and multiple needs, these children are autistic.
April is World Autism Month. We cannot celebrate whilst these families have to fight, instead we acknowledge their suffering and we ask for suitable school places for all children.

Yesterday we posted about World Autism Day. April

Yesterday we posted about World Autism Day. April is Autism Month. But, there is no autism without a human. When we talk about autism we are talking about autistic people. So we ask you today, this month and always, to be kind. Your kindness can change lives.

*World Autism Day 2025* Today, we reflect upon th

*World Autism Day 2025*
Today, we reflect upon the multiple and varied challenges that very often come with neurodivergence. We celebrate different thinkers and uniqueness, but we also see the struggle and the heartbreak, caused by unkindness.
Today and everyday, we ask for your kindness.
We ask you to start taking part - ask yourself, do I really understand how other people feel, or how my fellow humans experience this world?
Do not stare, judge or pity.
Ask yourself, can you change how you think, so that you better understand fellow humans?
Understanding and being understood changes all of our lives for better.
✨🌈
#autismepilepsy #autismSPD #autismadhd #autismdyspraxia #autismdyslexia #autismGDD #autismhyperlexia #autismbipolar #autismpda #autismalp#autismglp

Dairine Kennedy, co-founder of Neurodiversity Irel

Dairine Kennedy, co-founder of Neurodiversity Ireland, joins the Irish Business Builders Podcast to share her experience growing up dyslexic and the importance of creating environments that support neurodivergent people.
Dairine talks about the power of community in supporting neurodivergent children and their parents, and why meaningful change is needed in our education system to ensure every child is understood and supported.
Dairine also speaks about the support Neurodiversity Ireland is providing to teachers to help them better support neurodivergent students in the classroom, and drawing from her own experience the real impact this can have on a child’s life.
🔗 Listen to the full episode through the link in our story👆🏼

We are deeply disappointed by the harmful narrativ

We are deeply disappointed by the harmful narrative of The Age of Diagnosis by Dr Suzanne O’Sullivan and are concerned by the ongoing comments she makes on her press tour. Read our full statement in the slides.

Nessa Hill, Co-founder of Neurodiversity Ireland,

Nessa Hill, Co-founder of Neurodiversity Ireland, joined Meg Ferrell from @learnplaythrive on the 100th episode of Two Sides of the Spectrum podcast.
Nessa shares how and why Neurodiversity Ireland began, borne from a need to create the community-based support for children that is so lacking in Ireland and to break the stigma that is still felt by neurodivergent children & their families.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about action, advocacy and support that respects all brain types!
#NeurodiversityIreland #NeurodivergentVoices #InclusionMatters
#TwoSidesOfTheSpectrumpodcast #Neurodiversity
#learnplaythrive

🌈 Every week, we welcome over 170 children into

🌈 Every week, we welcome over 170 children into our sensory centre - a space where they can be their authentic selves.
Support in our centre is always child led. Through occupational therapy group play, sensory exploration, and focused interest groups like STEAM and Minecraft, we offer a space where children can play in their own way, connect with peers, and feel supported.
We’re privileged to be part of the children’s week - to support them through play, discovery, and connection.
These children make our centre what it is: fun, creative, safe, and joyful - a space where they can thrive and be themselves. 🤗
#SensoryCentre #OccupationalTherapy #ChildLedLearning #NeurodiversityAffirming #STEAMforKids #MinecraftClub #InclusiveSpaces #170Strong #growingtogether

Webinar with Joan McDonald, Posautive on neuroaffi

Webinar with Joan McDonald, Posautive on neuroaffirmative values and inclusive classrooms.
Wed 26 March, 7pm
Join us for a free online webinar with Joan McDonald on neuroaffirmative values and inclusive classrooms.
This session will introduce the Autism Level Up! guide and aims to offer practical advice on how to best support neurodivergent children both at home and in classrooms, with emphasis on understanding monotropism and on how we can adapt energy levels as needed for different tasks!
Joan’s presentation will be followed by a brief question and answer session. This session will be recorded.
About the Speaker: Joan McDonald, Posautive, a science teacher, has a long and varied career working with individuals with diverse learning needs. She became one of the first SENOs in Ireland, providing support to students in rural schools. Her own autistic identification came after meeting a diverse group of autistic adults during her Master’s studies. Currently, she focuses on using student interests to support autistic learners and works with various organisations to create and deliver courses that help autistic people understand and advocate for themselves.
Booking link in bio 👆🏼

Save the date 📅 14/04/2025 7pm 🕖 Neurodive

Save the date 📅 14/04/2025 7pm 🕖
Neurodiversity Ireland is excited to host a webinar on energy regulation with the creators of Autism Level Up! Amy Laurent and Jac Fede. This webinar will dive deep into Autism Level Up!, a resource that helps not only autistic children but with energy regulation for all children - adults too. You will learn practical tools and strategies to support your child, yourself, and children in your classroom with an emphasis on authenticity, equity and partnership. This approach moves away from labelling emotions and dividing into emotions that are good or bad and Zones of Regulation towards learning about our energy levels and how to regulate. We all need tools to regulate!

Accelerating Action for Neurodivergent Women and G

Accelerating Action for Neurodivergent Women and Girls
Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the power of neurodivergent women and girls everywhere. Our charity was founded by women, led by women, and inspired by our neurodivergent daughters - because we knew change was needed, and we accelerated action to make it happen.
For too long, the conversation around neurodivergence - especially autism - has been shaped by outdated stereotypes, often overlooking the experiences of women and girls. Every neurodivergent mind is unique, and every neurodivergent experience is different. Yet many women and girls still go unsupported, misunderstood, or undiagnosed.
Today, we stand for a world where every neurodivergent girl grows up knowing she is seen, valued, and supported to be her true, authentic self. On International Women’s Day, we recognise and celebrate all neurodivergent minds - and we continue our mission to drive the change to ensure neurodivergent children receive the support to which they are entitled.
#IWD2025
#AccelerateAction
#neurodivergentwomen
#neurodivergentgirls
#AuthenticSelves
#lemebeme

Today is #CareDay25 - a day to support and uplift

Today is #CareDay25 - a day to support and uplift young people in Ireland with care experience.
At Neurodiversity Ireland, we recognise that every young person’s journey is different. Many neurodivergent young people navigate the care system, made up of family members - grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others - who step in to provide love and stability. Their dedication makes a lasting impact.
But today is also a reminder of the urgent need for specialised and wraparound supports for children who need them most. Too many children enter the care system not because their families lack love, but because they lack the right support from the start.
By listening to the voices of care-experienced young people, we can spark understanding, shift attitudes, and create ripples of change that lead to better support for all families, “*transform the care system into a care community*” @epicempoweringpeopleincare
📢 Join the conversation.
Share a message of support using #CareDay25 and help amplify the voices of care-experienced young people.
Because every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.

Happy Valentine’s Day! What we’d LOVE today (

Happy Valentine’s Day!
What we’d LOVE today (and every day) is an education system that encourages our strengths, supports our challenges, and stops trying to “fix” us. We are not broken.
When we leave school, we don’t want to shape our identities, our futures around what we struggle with. We want to grow into who we are - rooted in our strengths, passions, and the things that make us thrive.
It’s time for schools to focus on what we can do, not just what we find challenging. And for the government to better resource schools to do this. This is what we really need. As an organisation, we are here to support and help.
#NeurodiversityIreland #StrengthsBasedEducation #inclusionmatters

🏜️ Running the World’s Toughest Footrace fo

🏜️ Running the World’s Toughest Footrace for Neurodiversity Ireland 💜
We are in awe of Jay Kane as he takes on the legendary Marathon des Sables - a brutal 250km race across the Moroccan Sahara—to raise funds for Neurodiversity Ireland. 🌈🫶
Over six grueling days, Jay will push his limits, carrying all his own supplies, racing through searing 50°C heat in what is widely known as the toughest footrace on the planet.
This is a test of endurance, resilience, and sheer determination, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the challenge he’s taking on to support neurodivergent children and their families.
🎥 Watch the video to hear Jay’s journey and why he’s pushing himself to the absolute limit.
🔗 Click the link in bio to donate—let’s get behind him and support his mission!
#MarathonDesSables #WorldsToughestRace
#JaysMission#NeurodiversityIreland#EnduranceForAPurpose #UltraMarathon #neurodiversity#runningtosupport

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