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Proudly promoting Neurodiversity and inclusion of neurodivergent kids and young people across Ireland 🌈 CHY20206465

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For too long, the conversation around neurodivergence - especially autism - has been shaped by outdated stereotypes, often overlooking the experiences of women and girls.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

A Call to Action for Our Newly Elected Leaders Th

A Call to Action for Our Newly Elected Leaders
The elections are over, the government is formed and the responsibility begins. As the Ministries responsible for Disability, Children and Education take shape, we urge our elected Ministers to focus on the absolute importance of the brief: put children first.
Now is a time to act. Our children, us, are relying on you to deliver meaningful change.
We ask you to prioritise these critical actions:
1. Guarantee effective access to the Optional Protocol of the UNCRPD, with the provision of necessary supports for people with disabilities.
2. Enact the remaining provisions of the EPSEN Act 2004, urgently update the legislation - focus on making our school system properly inclusive.
3. Update the Disability Act 2005 to include a statutory right to support. Listen to the disabled communities about what support they need & want.
4. Remove all forms of ABA and behaviourism from disability supports and education settings.
5. Ensure meaningful representation. People with disabilities must have a seat - and a deciding vote - on every panel, committee, or body making decisions that impact their lives.
The job starts now. We are ready and waiting to support and help. #nothingaboutuswithoutus
#gov.ie #departmentofeducationireland
#specialeducationireland

🌈☘️St. Patrick’s Day Parade! 🌟 We are

🌈☘️St. Patrick’s Day Parade! 🌟
We are proud to be supporting @dublincitycouncil in creating the Relaxed Parade Space at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
The Relaxed space is sensory supportive for neurodivergent individuals and their families to enjoy the St Patrick’s Day parade 💚
📍 Location: Bank of Ireland, College Green
🕙 Open: 10am–4pm (Arrive by 11:30am to avoid crowds!)
🎉 What’s Included?
✨ Extra space
✨ Sensory areas
✨ Entertainment
✨ Accessible facilities
✨ And more!
🎟 Access is by wristband only.
Apply now! Deadline is Thursday, February 13, at 5pm, with wristbands allocated by lottery on 17 February.
👉 Link in bio to apply!
St. Patrick’s Day fun and welcoming for everyone! 💚
#NeurodiversityIreland #StPatricksFestival #Inclusion #SensoryFriendly #DublinCityCouncil #StPatricksDay
@dublincitycouncil leads in applying universal design, ensuring accessibility and inclusion for all.

🌟 Exciting Collaboration! 🌟 Neurodiversity

🌟 Exciting Collaboration! 🌟
Neurodiversity Ireland and ClapHandies are coming together to host a seven-week programme of weekly play sessions for neurodivergent toddlers aged 2.5 to 3.5 years starting 23 January.
Held at Neurodiversity Ireland’s sensory centre in Blackrock, these sessions invite families with neurodivergent children to take part in the inclusive ClapHandies PlayLab @claphandies, providing a welcoming space for connection, exploration, and play.
💡 Important Note: At Neurodiversity Ireland, we understand the challenges families face in accessing professional assessments. No diagnostic reports or confirmation of neurodivergency are required to join.
📧 To book your spot, email: office@ClapHandies.com
We look forward to welcoming you!

🌟 Complimentary Webinar: Neurodiversity & Neuro

🌟 Complimentary Webinar: Neurodiversity & Neuro-affirmative Values 🌟
🗓️ Date: 05.02.2025
⏰ Time: 10am - 12pm
Join our in-demand webinar from our panel of experts exploring:
💡 What it means to be neurodivergent in 2025
💡 The neurodiversity paradigm and movement
💡 Neuro-affirmative values and practices
💡 Steps towards creating inclusive systems & environments, for all brain types
This is a must-attend event for:
✔️ Educators & health professionals
✔️ Organisations & charities
✔️ Anyone wishing to learn more about inclusion
At Neurodiversity Ireland, we celebrate diverse minds and advocate for universal design, ensuring all brain types can participate in society.
📩 This is an invite-only event.
To request your link, email: education@neurodiversityireland.com
Will you help to create a society that celebrates and supports neurodivergent minds?
#Neurodiversity #Inclusion #Webinar #NeurodiversityIreland

🎉 Huge congratulations to @plutotheagency for w

🎉 Huge congratulations to @plutotheagency for winning GOLD at the IMPACT Awards for their video, Will You?, created in collaboration with @neurodiversityireland. 🌟
This award, in the Cause/Charity/Non-Profit category, celebrates the impact of sharing stories that matter. We’re proud of this partnership and the video which we hope will encourage understanding of neurodiversity. Thank you @pluto for your support 🌈
#IMPACTAwards #NeurodiversityIreland #PlutoAgency

✨ Thank You for an Amazing Year ✨ 🌈 A big

✨ Thank You for an Amazing Year ✨
🌈 A big thank you to all of our supporters. Thank you to our fundraisers and volunteers - your time and efforts have made everything possible 🙏
The children in our clubs and camps and all neurodivergent children around the country are at the heart of everything we do. Our focus is on celebrating individuality, supporting challenges and creating environments where everyone can participate. Thank you to the families who have been partners, working with us to build understanding and inclusion for all children.
Here’s some of what we accomplished together in 2024:
🌟 14 summer camps
🌟 17 weekly after-school clubs
🌟 250 children participated
🌟 900 families supported
🌟 3,500 attendances at our webinars
Here’s to another year of growth, connection, and community! 🌈✨
#2024 #grateful #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #neurodiverse #thankyou
Graphic is a picture from a concert with concert goers watching the stage which is full of lights resembling fireworks

🌟 Join Our Team at the Blackrock Sensory Centre

🌟 Join Our Team at the Blackrock Sensory Centre! 🌟
We’re hiring Sensory Centre Support Staff to join our vibrant, dynamic team! If you’re passionate about supporting neurodivergent children in a child-led, play-focused environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
📍 Location: Blackrock Sensory Centre (transitioning to Dublin 4 in the future)
⏰ Hours: Part-time (~20 hrs/week, mainly afternoons/evenings; flexibility considered)
💰 Pay: Competitive, based on experience and skills
About the Role:
✔️ Facilitate meaningful play and social experiences for neurodivergent children
✔️ Support child-led afterschool groups and seasonal camps
✔️ Work closely with a dedicated team of OTs and the Sensory Centre Manager
✔️ Help create a safe, inclusive space where children can thrive
We welcome neurodivergent applicants and are happy to provide accommodations during the hiring process.
📧 Interested? Email Meghan and Jack at participate@neurodiversityireland.com with your CV to apply.
#WeAreHiring #JobOpportunity #NeurodiversityIreland #BlackrockJobs

🌍 International Human Rights Day “Our Rights

🌍 International Human Rights Day
“Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”
This Human Rights Day, we’re calling on Ireland’s newly elected representatives to honour their commitments and take immediate action to uphold and protect the rights of our children, our communities, and people with disabilities.
Human rights are a pathway to solutions—a preventative, protective, and transformative force for good. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres reminds us, “Human rights are the foundation for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.”
Too many rights remain promises on paper. For those with non-visible disabilities, the barriers are often harder to see but just as urgent. Today, we call on all those in power to listen to us, respect our rights, and take action now.
We again demand action now:
1️⃣ Ensure effective access to the Optional Protocol of UNCRPD with necessary supports for people with disabilities.
2️⃣ Enact and update the EPSEN Act 2004 to give families a statutory right of appeal.
3️⃣ Update the Disability Act 2005 to include a statutory right to support, including assessments.
4️⃣ Remove all forms of ABA or behaviorism from disability supports and education settings.
5️⃣ Include people with disabilities on every decision-making body and give them the deciding vote in matters affecting their lives.
Let’s build a future where our rights shape our present and every child has an opportunity to live with dignity, and be given the support they need 🙏
#HumanRightsDay #OurRightsOurFuture #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #ireland

Today we ask our recently elected representatives

Today we ask our recently elected representatives to:
1. Ensure effective access to the Optional Protocol of UNCRPD by provision of necessary support for people with disabilities.
2. ⁠Enact the remaining provisions of EPSEN 2004 & update the legislation urgently including giving families statutory right of appeal.
3. ⁠Update the Disability Act 2005 to include a statutory right to support, which support may include an assessment.
4. ⁠Remove from all aspects of disability supports & education settings any form of ABA or behaviourism.
5. ⁠Ensure people with disabilities are part of every panel, committee or body that makes any decision touching their lives & have the deciding vote.

Meghan O’Rourke, one of our lead occupational th

Meghan O’Rourke, one of our lead occupational therapists, spoke with Under the Influencer Podcast about neurodiversity, the power of language, supporting the neurodivergent community, inclusive environments, and much more. The link to the podcast is in our bio.
Thank you to @miriammullins_ and @laurenwhelannnnn and @undertheinfluencer for inviting us in for a thoughtful conversation about neurodiversity. Everyone is different, there is no right way to be or to think!
Inclusion does matter.
To learn more go to neurodiversityireland.com
We hope many of you will tune in and start this conversation with your friends and family!

Neurodivergent children bring unique perspectives

Neurodivergent children bring unique perspectives and strengths to our world, yet all too often they experience exclusion largely because of misunderstandings around neurodiversity. At Neurodiversity Ireland, we’re committed to reshaping society’s understanding and respect of neurodivergent children, creating an inclusive future. Thanks to support from the @dcediy Disability Participation and Awareness Fund and @rethinkireland Rethink Ireland, we’re reimagining services to focus on inclusion, not exclusion.
Our latest report, highlighting our progress, is now available—visit our website through the link in bio and story.

🎃👻 Halloween at the Sensory Centre 👻🎃

🎃👻 Halloween at the Sensory Centre 👻🎃
Our Sensory Centre in Blackrock will be open this Halloween evening, 5-7pm, for indoor trick or treat. Costume or no costume, trick or no trick, treats will be there 🍭!
All children should have the opportunity to experience Halloween trick or treat, but the traditional dressing up, knocking on doors, performing a trick can be overwhelming for many children, especially neurodivergent children.
Halloween at the Sensory Centre is about fun, inclusion and no demands 🌈🎃👻
🕓 Time: 5-7pm
📍 Location: Sensory Centre, Blackrock, Dublin
🎟️ Free Admission
To visit email emma@neurodiversityireland.com
#Halloweenatthesensorycentre #InclusiveHalloween #IndoorTrickOrTreat #HalloweenFun #CommunityHalloween

🌈With Infinite Thanks We are very grateful to

🌈With Infinite Thanks
We are very grateful to our sponsors and supporters for making our Third Annual Infinity Ball an unforgettable evening in support of neurodivergent children. Your generosity, belief, and commitment allow us to continue creating spaces, support, and opportunities for unique young minds.
Thank you for standing with us on this journey of inclusion, compassion and understanding. We are building a future where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated 🌈💫
#InfinityBall2024 #Gratitude #SupportingNeurodivergentKids #InfiniteThanks #neurodiversity #inclusionmatters #letmebeme

🌈🎉Inclusive Sports Award 🏅 Damaris Ayres

🌈🎉Inclusive Sports Award 🏅 Damaris Ayres of Newpark Sports Centre (@newparksportscentre), has redefined what it means to create an inclusive sports environment. Through her commitment to universal design, she’s ensured that every child—regardless of ability or neurotype—has access to local sports. With fully accessible facilities and dedicated classes for neurodivergent children, Newpark Sports Centre is an inspiring example of inclusivity in action, welcoming all to play, grow, and belong.

🏆 🎉 Inclusive Educator Award 🎉🌈 Declan

🏆 🎉 Inclusive Educator Award 🎉🌈
Declan Clarke, principal of Colaiste Rioga (@colaisterioga) a school which has grown from 8 pupils to 250 in four years, has been a transformative force in inclusive education. Recognising that every child should be supported, he has built a school environment that celebrates students of all neurotypes. His dedication to neurodivergent children ensures they feel seen, supported, and empowered each day.

This video tells the story of why we do what we do

This video tells the story of why we do what we do. Why we hold the annual Infinity Ball. Why we fundraise. We support neurodivergent children. Please support us.

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