Parents of neurodiverse children in Dublin are fundraising for a vital therapy centre that will assist young people who have additional needs in their day to day life.
Neurodiversity Ireland, which was launched by parents in the Dublin 4 suburb earlier this year, is hosting a ball this October to raise money for the planned centre.
“I’d like to congratulate Neurodiversity Ireland on their launch. I’ve seen first-hand the dedication of parents and supporters on the ground and their advocacy for better, more equitable services for children,” Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte said in a statement.
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The therapy centre will give children opportunities to develop their speech and motor skills under the guidance of professionals. It will also serve as a positive and safe environment for neurodiverse children to be comfortable in their own skin.
Neurodiversity Ireland seeks to make local areas more inclusive of children who have unique needs, such as autism. Parents hope that the project will become the flagship for similar efforts across the country.
The group uses its logo, an infinity loop, to communicate that children may require sensitive treatment in public settings. Businesses that display the logo, for instance, may have measures in place to accommodate neurodiverse children, such as limiting loud music in stores or having allocated seating for neurodiverse families in quieter parts of restaurants.
The group has partnered with 30 companies to date, including Tesco in Sandymount, who showcase the logo on their premises.
The group had its official launch at the onset of Autism Awareness Month in Lansdowne Football Club. Adam Harris, CEO of national autism charity AsIAm, was one of the speakers at the event and spoke about his own personal experience with autism.
“There are invisible barriers that prevent people from being included. We are contacted by people on a weekly basis, saying that they weren’t accepted in this restaurant or that their child wasn’t allowed join the GAA team. Discrimination exists and we need to talk about it more,” Adam said of the challenges facing individuals who identify as neurodiverse.
Research published by AsIAm this year showed that 6 out 10 people have a negative perception of autism, with roughly 80 per cent of those with an autism diagnosis being either under or unemployed.
The charity ball planned by the group is scheduled to take place on October 8th in the Intercontinental Hotel.
More information about Neurodiversity Ireland is available via their website.
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