Publication
Children with Additional Needs
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
If your child has a disability or you think they may, you will find a number of resources below that may be helpful.
AIM is a model of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities can access the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, a universal two-year preschool programme available to all children within the eligible age range. AIM is a child-centred model, providing levels of progressive support based on the needs of the child and the preschool setting. Learn more at aim.gov.ie.
The Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (PDS) programme works to improve the way services are provided across the country to make it equitable and consistent for all. The PDS webpage contains important information on what to do if you are worried your child might have a disability or if you want to learn more about children's disability services and find services in your area.
The Irish Society for Autism provides a range of information and services for families.
AsIAm is an autism charity providing information, advice and advocacy support.
The Changing Lives Initiative is a community-based project creating a better understanding about ADHD and providing an intervention programme for families with children (3-7) experiencing behaviours consistent with ADHD.
ADHD Ireland provides up-to-date information, resources and networking opportunities to individuals with ADHD, parents of children with ADHD and the professionals who serve them.
Blossom Ireland provides skills based training for young people with an intellectual disability aged 14 and above to prepare for life as an adult. This includes bespoke support, advocacy and information for both the young person and their family during important transition periods in their life.
Citizens Information provide an extensive list of supports available to parents who are caring for a child with a disability. Topics covered include, referrals to a Children Disability Network Team, applying for an assessment of need, educational supports and carers supports. Click here for more information.
Enable Ireland provide services to children and adults with a range of disabilities including physical, sensory, intellectual disabilities and autism. More information on these services is available by clicking here .
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth provide information on a wide range of resources available to assist parents of children with additional needs. Supports include AIM, Autism supports, ADHD support and services for parents and families. Further information is available by clicking here .
Information on services provided by the HSE to support parents/guardians of a child who has or may have additional needs are available here .
Children with additional needs and Sport. Visit Active Disability Ireland .
Special Needs Educational Organisers (SENOs) liaise with parents, schools and the HSE regarding the provision of resources to support children with special educational needs. Contact information for the SENO in your area can be found here .