About Neurodiversity Ireland
Welcome to Ireland’s national charity supporting neurodivergent children and families. Originally a community group of neurodivergent parents of neurodivergent children, our vision for more inclusive towns and villages across Ireland quickly ignited a nationwide movement. We knew that we could create the type of supports that our children want and need, in the heart of their community. Our charity’s focus is firmly upon supporting neurodivergent children and their families, through Ireland’s first Sensory Centre, where we provide fun, play-based OT-guided afterschool and summer camps and by providing educational resources for parents and educators. Our message is: everyone belongs.
Our vision
Our vision is an Ireland where Neurodivergent children and their families have the freedom to live the life they choose, at the centre of their community.
Establish Sandymount as our flagship neuroaffirmative community, driving education about, understanding and inclusion of neurodivergent individuals and encourage the development of other neurodiversity-friendly communities throughout Ireland, using our blueprint.
Break stimga by educating our community and society on how everyone can play a part in making Ireland more inclusive. Ask yourself, do you understand? Are you open to learning about neurodiversity and are you fully inclusive?
Support neurodivergent children and their families, by working with local communities, schools, sports clubs and other organisations and agencies, to become more inclusive of all brain types. Everyone belongs!
Establish the Neurodiversity Ireland Sensory centre providing an eclectic range of supports including much needed speech and language & AAC assistance, sensory processing support and occupational therapy for neurodivergent children and support for parents and carers.
Meet the team
Dairine Kennedy
Director
Nessa Hill
Chair/Director
Emma Weld-Moore
Director
Grace McRandal
Director of Operations
Jack Cairns
Clinical Practice Manager & Occupational Therapist
Meghan O’Rourke
Clinical Practice Manager & Occupational Therapist
Tamara Lambert
Sensory Centre Manager
CJay Smith
Assistive Technology & Communications Specialist
Rethink Ireland Report
Neurodivergent children encounter challenges in many aspects of life, due to their support needs and a lack of societal understanding of neurodiversity. They are frequently marginalised, separated within schools or excluded from social activities. The prevailing medical model of disability has contributed to the stigma surrounding neurodivergent children, with a harmful focus on what needs to be “fixed” so that they might “fit into” society.
At Neurodiversity Ireland, we believe that changing society’s view of our children will shape their futures. Rethink have allowed us to act decisively, bringing a new approach to children’s disability services. We have reimagined the supports that our children need, turning exclusion into inclusion. Rethink allowed us to deliver!
We are delighted to share our report from our project backed by the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund and Rethink Ireland. With this backing, we have been able to achieve far more than we ever could have done alone.
Join our mission. Donate, volunteer, advocate. Get started today.
Want to get involved? Email us anytime:
info@neurodiversityireland.com