Neuro Friendly Network

📢 IMPORTANT UPDATE

Due to unforeseen circumstances, tomorrow’s Transitions & School Support Talk with Niamh Mellerick from AsIAm has been postponed.

We know many parents were looking forward to this event and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

We are working to arrange a new date and will share details as soon as they are confirmed.

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and continued support of our community events.
We look forward to seeing you all soon.

🎒 SCHOOL TRANSITIONS CAN BE TOUGHER THAN WE OFTEN THINK
A new classroom.
A new teacher.
A new routine.
A new school.
For many autistic children, these changes are about much more than just moving to a different place. Transitions can affect regulation, anxiety, confidence, friendships, learning and overall wellbeing.
And as parents, it’s completely normal to have lots of questions too.
Come along for a friendly and practical chat with Niamh Mellerick from AsIAm, where we’ll look at school transitions through a neuroaffirmative lens and share ideas to help children feel safe, understood and supported.

📍 Ballyfermot Library – Room 1
📅 15th June
🕙 10:00am

Parents are welcome to send in questions beforehand so we can make sure the session reflects real experiences and concerns.
Hosted by Autism Friendly Dublin 20, Clondalkin Aft, D10 Autism Friendly Towns ASD Support Group.
💛 Transitions are a little easier when children feel understood, supported and safe.
Feel free to share with any parent, carer or family member who might find it helpful.

📣New FAQ now available

We’ve published an FAQ on the proposed “Inclusive Special Class” model, based on questions raised by families and educators during our recent webinar with the NCSE.
It covers eligibility, decision-making, classroom experience, staffing, resourcing and choice.
Read the FAQ via the link below 👇

https://asiam.ie/news/faq---inclusive-special-class---what-we-know-so-far

Hypermobility is when a child’s joints move beyond the typical range — and it can look like “being super bendy”… but feel like constant tiredness, aches, wobbly joints, or big body overwhelm.
If you’ve ever wondered why your young person struggles with PE, handwriting, sitting still, or keeping up — this might be a missing piece.

SAVE this if your child is “extra bendy” but everyday life feels harder than it should.

Helping young neurodivergent children develop skills for everyday living with Dr Dorothy Armstrong

Thursday 4th June at 6.30pm in Leixlip Library
This session will enable participants to set the ‘just right challenge’ in relation to building skills for daily living (e.g. dressing, toileting, washing etc.). Participants will learn how to break down tasks into manageable steps, analyse where the child might be having problems and strategies to teach them the skills involved. They will also learn methods of adapting both activities and environment to match the needs of the child. It is hoped that participants will leave the talk with clear strategies for skill development that can be used going forward. This session is aimed at parents/guardians of neurodivergent teenagers along with people who work in this area.
Book Here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/tttkildare/2001792

This resource encourages young people to take some time and space to think about ways in which they can be kind to themselves. Whether exams are looming or a hectic school year is coming to an end, having a list of ways to decompress and find joy is always useful. We’ve added some suggestions from our team members. What would you add?

𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀

Recent developments have brought renewed attention to autism assessments, supports and inclusive education in Ireland.

This week saw the launch of a new national Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathway Protocol, aimed at creating a more consistent approach to autism assessments and supports.

At the same time, many families continue to speak about challenges including:

• Long waits for assessments and supports
• Difficulties accessing appropriate school places
• Pressure on schools and special classes
• The need for clearer pathways and communication

There have also been positive developments across schools and communities, including:
💛 New autism classes
🌿 Sensory spaces
🏫 More conversations around inclusive education
🤝 Greater awareness and understanding

For parents and families, what matters most is that children and young people can access timely supports, feel included, and participate fully in school and community life.

Every autistic child is different, and every family’s experience is unique. But listening to children, families, educators and support services remains an important part of improving supports and inclusion.

💬 What do you think makes the biggest difference in helping autistic children feel supported and included?

Its that time of year again! Clondalkin Health & Wellbeing Showcase 2026. The event will take place in North Clondalkin Library (D22 E2Y2) on Thursday 18th June from 11am – 3pm. The showcase offers the public an opportunity to increase awareness of supports available locally and for staff in the area to network.
It is always a great event!


Libraries NCL - North Clondalkin Library
Clondalkin Health Project