Sensory Centre
A welcoming, neuro-affIrmative environment for children
Welcome to Neurodiversity Ireland’s Sensory Centre – an inclusive, child-led, neuro-affirmative space! In keeping with the mission of Neurodiversity Ireland, The Sensory Centre aims to provide a welcoming environment for children with a wide range of strengths and needs.
At the Sensory Centre, our activities, games and experiences are designed specifically for neurodivergent minds to encourage exploration, confidence and self-discovery. With a nurturing atmosphere, a safe, child-centred environment, personalised activities and experienced staff, we are committed to providing a unique and rewarding experience for every child. We want to build our children’s confidence so that they can make genuine connections and participate in life as fully as possible!
Register your interest in Neurodiversity Ireland’s Sensory Centre here
Occupational Therapist-LED PEER PLAY Groups
These groups are child-led group-based sessions led by an Occupational Therapist. They are guided by Occupational Therapy universal principles and the understanding of neurodivergent children, their play, interactions and participation needs.
These sessions have an underlying therapeutic approach, which understands and provides for sensory processing differences and is adapted to diverse social and learning needs, creating an environment which is accessible to neurodivergent children.
Through a combination of play-based activities, sensory integration approach, and specialised exercises when called for, our team will work closely with children’s specific needs. Sessions will focus on enhancing social connections and play-based opportunities for emotional regulation.
In our group sessions, children have the opportunity to interact with peers who share similar experiences and challenges. This fosters a sense of belonging and provides a supportive community where they can build friendships, develop social connections and learn from one another. This promotes children’s self esteem and ensures well-being, happiness and confidence.
The team working with your child will include an occupational therapist, occupational therapy students, nursing students, additional needs assistants and/or teachers. The primary goal of the groups is for the kids to have fun and make some friends!
Different Play Stations:
Occupational therapy can help children to feel safe and confident, through support for:
Sensory regulation
Gross & fine motor development
Balance
Emotional regulation
Afternoon Club
The Afternoon Club offers a variety of activities that cater to the diverse needs and interests of neurodivergent children. These activities include:
1. Sensory Play
Engaging sensory activities are incorporated to stimulate and develop sensory regulation and exploration, such as tactile play, visual exploration, and auditory experiences.
2. Arts and Crafts
Creative expression through art projects allows children to explore their imagination and support fine motor development via fun activities like painting, drawing, and sculpting.
3. Group Games
Fun and interactive group games encourage communication and social connection. These games are adapted to accommodate different abilities and preferences.
4. Free Play
Different play stations include: Inflatable bouncing stations, Ballpit, Balance stations, Messy play stations, Arts and crafts, Zen Den and more!
The primary goal of the groups is for the kids to have fun and make some friends! Encouraging a mixture of movement and static 1:1 and group activities, underpinned by the theory of Occupational Therapy support for Sensory regulation, Gross and fine motor development, Balance, Hand-eye co-ordination, Communication, Social connections and Emotional regulation, we provide the child-led, safe, fun and free environment where your child can thrive as their authentic self!
Stay connected via social media to get the most up to date information on our services!
Photo Gallery
