A group of mothers in south Dublin are on a mission to make their area the most neurodivergent-friendly in Ireland.

They founded Neurodiversity Sandymount over two years ago to bring changes to their town that would make life easier for children with unique needs, like autism or dyspraxia.

It’s since evolved to become Neurodiversity Ireland as they aim to make Sandymount a template for other towns across Ireland to become inclusive for all.

Beginnings

On The Pat Kenny Show today, a report by Newstalk’s Sarah Madden explored how it all began.

“We were coming from the perspective of our own children who are all neurodiverse,” she was told by Julienne Fox, one of four original founders.

“We wanted a community that would be inclusive to all, that understands their needs as a lot of families in Sandymount have neurodiverse children.

“For us, we thought, ‘Why would we not make our community where we live and our children grow up a lovely place for them to be.”

A neurodivergent car park space outside Tesco in Sandymount. Image: Sarah Madden.

One of their first achievements was the installation of neurodiverse-friendly car parking spaces around the area.

Dublin Bay South Cllr James Geoghegan said he was contacted by the mothers to get this done as some of “their children are flight risks”.

“So, what they asked me was, ‘Is there any way you could try and get a parking space near our schools and shops that would be dedicated for people who are neurodivergent,’” he said.

“There’s nothing in the law that allows us to do that; we have disabled parking spots for those with physical needs to use but there’s nothing for neurodivergent people.

“It took a long time but I managed to persuade a very nice engineer in Dublin City Council to give it a go on a pilot basis.”

Neurodivergent-friendly

Cllr Geoghegan said there are now some of these spaces outside a local Tesco and schools.

“The awareness about neurodiversity in the area has grown just because there are these parking spots," he said.

“They are also, for the most part, being used by those with a neurodivergent need.”

Other neurodivergent-friendly features in the town include a designated shopping hour where lights are dimmed and noise reduced in Tesco and special rooms in local restaurants to cater to diverse needs.

The neurodivergent children's centre in Blackrock. Image: Supplied.

Neurodiversity Ireland volunteer Emma Weld-Moore told Sarah a new sensory centre they established in Blackrock has been a huge success.

“When you come in, most people are shocked by the space,” she said.

“It’s a huge space but it’s very warm and very welcoming; we have sensory activities that are creative, art, climbing frames and we have a wonderful ramp that children can run up and jump into a big ball pit.”

A child playing in the neurodivergent children's centre in Blackrock. Image: Supplied.

Ms Weld-Moore, who has two daughters with a neurodivergent condition, said the area has been very catering to their needs.

“It’s also equipped me and my husband and our extended family with the knowledge to support our children better," she said.

“We’re able to go to family events, we’re able to go to restaurants now.

“We feel confident about our children and we celebrate our differences.”

Main image: The promenade in Sandymount. Image: Radharc Images / Alamy Stock Photo