About Us
Neurodiversity Kildorrery: Building a Community of Connection and Understanding
In recent months, a vital new initiative has taken root in our community. Neurodiversity Kildorrery was founded with a deeply personal and powerful purpose: to create a safe, warm, and compassionate space where neurodivergent children and their families can feel seen, supported, and never judged. For many neurodiverse families, navigating daily life can involve many silent struggles and moments of feeling completely isolated. The group was established to break down those barriers and ensure that every child and family in Kildorrery and the surrounding areas know that they belong. It is a space where families can show up exactly as they are—on the good days, the difficult days, and everything in between—surrounded by people who truly understand without judgment or assumptions.
The Founding Team
Neurodiversity Kildorrery was established by a dedicated group of local parents of neurodiverse children, who share a commitment to building a supportive and inclusive community for neurodivergent children and their families. The founding members are Tayla Robinson (Chairperson), Joanne Shinnick (Vice Chairperson), Lorraine Lee (Secretary), Peter Roche (Treasurer), and Claire Roche. This sentiment has echoed deeply by the group’s members. One local parent shared how much the group has already impacted their life:
Reconnecting Outdoors and Learning Together
The group has been highly proactive in delivering both wonderful community experiences and valuable opportunities for parent support and learning. To kick off their recent run of activities, the group organized a fantastic family day out to Ballyhoura Farm Escape & Alpaca Trekking. The trip offered an authentic, relaxed country experience where families enjoyed walking through the fairy forest, interacting with the resident alpacas and farm animals, and enjoying the open air in a completely accepting, judgment-free environment. There was nothing that Anne and William Drake from Ballyhoura escape didn’t think of, and the farm is incredibly calming, welcoming and sensory friendly.
They can be found on instagram @ballyhourafarmescape, they are located at Houndscourt,Ballyorgan Co Limerick V35VX62. Following this brilliant day out, the group shifted focus to supporting parents with a highly successful Parents Support Afternoon, hosted at the Store Hall in Kildorrery on August 22nd. The afternoon was hosted by Laura Crowley, AuDHD Consultant, who shared valuable expert insights and practical guidance on topics impacting neurodivergent children and their families. Laura is one of a kind in the industry and she also brings a very personal element to her work which was felt by all parents in the room. Parents gathered to learn about understanding the neurodivergent nervous system, why anxiety can present differently in neurodivergent children, emotional regulation, co-regulation, masking, and managing school distress and school avoidance.
The session was highly praised for providing practical, actionable strategies that parents could immediately implement at home. Laura can be found on instagram @Laura_Crowley_Connect.
Looking Ahead: Future Plans & Activities
• Tribe Evenings: Our popular Tribe evenings are moving to a new slot! They will now take place on Sunday evenings at 4:00 PM. We would love to see everyone join us for what is always a fabulous, welcoming evening. Our group gathers to meet up and all neurodiverse families are welcome.
• Monthly Parents Support Evening: We are kicking off a monthly, relaxed, and informal support night specifically for parents and carers. This is a chance to meet others, have a chat, share experiences if you want to, and simply connect. Whether your child has a diagnosis, is currently awaiting an assessment, or you simply feel this community may be helpful to you, you are very welcome. The first meeting will take place on October 9th from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (location to be confirmed soon). keep an eye on our social media for updates (Neurodiversity Kildorrery on Facebook)
• Exciting Partnership with Liskennet: We are thrilled to announce that we have partnered with Liskennet to offer our group an introductory family day. Our group founders have also volunteered to do a horse leading course, to assist the volunteers at Liskennet on these occasions. For those who may not know, Liskennet offers fantastic horse-riding opportunities for children and their families on Saturdays, complete with a lovely picnic area. A poll and further details regarding this day will follow in due course. Neurodiversity Kildorrery is here for you. Whether you are looking for peer support, opportunities such as our Parents Support Afternoons, fun activities for your children, or just a friendly cup of tea with people who “get it,” please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing info@neurodiversitykdy.com to join our growing community. You can also reach us on Facebook!
