Looking for reliable special needs resources for parents? Whether your child has a mild learning difference or a more complex medical condition, knowing where to turn for support, information and services can make an enormous difference. This guide brings together some of the key organisations, websites and supports available to families in Ireland, along with a few useful books.
Understanding Special Needs
“Special needs” covers a huge range of experiences, from a mild learning disability to a severe or complex medical condition. Because every child’s needs are different, parents can find it genuinely difficult to locate the right services, funding and supports for their family. Many parents of children with special needs find they need to become more resilient, more organised, and sometimes more assertive, in order to get the right support in place.
Every family’s journey is different, but there are some common threads that connect parents of children with additional needs — finding appropriate care, planning for an uncertain future, adjusting family routines and expectations, and understanding the financial supports and entitlements that may be available.
Recommended Reading: Tips for Dealing With Your Child’s Special Needs Diagnosis
Services & Useful Websites
Here is a selection of organisations and websites that offer information, advocacy and support for families in Ireland. Some links are for national statutory bodies, others are charities or parent-run groups — it’s worth checking each one directly for their current services, as these can change over time.
Government & Statutory Supports
- A list of special needs schools in Ireland is published by the Department of Education.
- The National Council for Special Education is the statutory body responsible for co-ordinating special education provision, including Special Needs Assistants in schools.
- Citizens Information has useful, plain-English guidance if you search “special needs” — including entitlements and supports.
Charities & Support Organisations
- The Special Needs Parents Association provides information and peer support for families.
- S.N.A.P. offers support and events for families with children who have special needs.
- Myspecialneeds.ie is a blog advocating for people with special needs.
- People with Disabilities in Ireland (PWDI) is a national, cross-disability organisation.
- The Jack and Jill Foundation provides care and support for children with severe neurological development issues, and offers some respite for parents and families.
- Enable Ireland provides free services to children and adults with disabilities and their families.
- Disability Info is a parent-run, non-commercial website with a wealth of information and resources, particularly useful for families in the mid-west and south-west, though used nationwide.
Condition-Specific Support
- Irish Deaf Kids supports inclusive education for children with hearing issues in Ireland.
- The National Council for the Blind in Ireland provides information and support services for blind and vision-impaired children and adults.
- Cerebral Palsy Guide is a guide for parents of children with cerebral palsy.
- Cerebral Palsy Guidance provides answers and assistance to parents.
- Cerebral Palsy Group provides free educational information and support to families affected by cerebral palsy.
- Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland supports families affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
- HIE Help Centre supports families affected by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
Recommended Reading: What is Hydrocephalus & What Is Spina Bifida
Professional Directories & Assistive Technology
- Psychologists can be found through The Psychological Society of Ireland, Occupational Therapists through the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland, and Speech and Language Therapists through the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists.
- AssistIreland.ie has information on assistive technology and a directory of products from Irish suppliers for people with disabilities.
- Hometrain.ie offers educational resources for parents.
Books to Help Your Child
Books can be a gentle, low-pressure way to help a child understand their feelings, their body, or the changes they’re going through. A couple of titles that parents have found useful:
- The Feelings Book: The Care and Keeping of Your Emotions — a helpful starting point for children who need support putting their feelings into words.
- The Period Book: Everything You Don’t Want to Ask — aimed at helping girls approaching puberty, answering the questions they may feel too embarrassed to ask.
If your child is approaching puberty, there are a number of books designed to make conversations about bodies and changes easier — it’s worth browsing your local bookshop or library for one that suits your child’s needs and reading level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I start if my child has just been diagnosed with a special need?
Start with organisations relevant to your child’s specific condition or need — they’ll usually have the most targeted information and can point you toward local supports. The National Council for Special Education and Citizens Information are good general starting points for entitlements and school-related supports.
Are these resources only useful for parents in Ireland?
Most of the organisations listed here are Ireland-specific, particularly the statutory bodies and schools information. However, several of the condition-specific charities and guides also support families internationally, so they’re worth checking regardless of where you live.
How do I find special needs schools in my area?
The Department of Education publishes a list of special needs schools in Ireland. It’s a good idea to also speak directly with the National Council for Special Education, who can advise on placement and supports specific to your child.
Related Articles
- Tips for Dealing With Your Child’s Special Needs Diagnosis
- What is Hydrocephalus?
- What is Spina Bifida?
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Know of another special needs resource that should be on this list? Let us know in the comments — we’re always happy to add helpful links for other parents.
