As part of our Charity of the Year series, we’ve been shining a spotlight on the work of Sensational Kids, an Irish charity that provides subsidised therapy services for children of all abilities.
Sensational Kids offers Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy from four centres across Ireland — in Kildare, West Cork, Mayo and Monaghan. It operates as a social enterprise, meaning all profits from its online “Play, Develop & Learn” Store, along with its parent and professional training workshops, go straight back into funding affordable, accessible therapy services for children who need them.
You may also enjoy: How Sensational Kids Helps Kids with Developmental Delays Get the Help They Need
Alan’s Story
“My son speaks with confidence now.”
Meet six-year-old Alan from Dublin. Not long ago, Alan was a shy child who struggled to pronounce certain speech sounds. His mother was concerned about his speech, but she was equally worried about the knock-on effect it was having on his confidence. His speech difficulties meant he found it hard to speak up and make friends. “Other children would say hi and Alan wouldn’t respond as he was afraid to talk.”
That changed when Alan began Speech and Language Therapy sessions with Sensational Kids. Since starting, seven months on, Alan’s confidence has grown enormously. His teacher has even remarked on the change, saying Alan now puts his hand up in class and speaks with confidence. Alan’s mum is delighted — she says he now chats to everyone and has plenty of friends.
The turning point was simple: Alan was able to get the help he needed, when he needed it.
Before finding Sensational Kids, Alan had been on a public waiting list for two years and had received just four face-to-face speech therapy sessions — nowhere near enough to make real progress with his speech sounds. Now his mum is thrilled to see her little boy speaking up and growing in confidence.
Alan’s mum would encourage any parent whose child is struggling with their speech to seek help. “Attending Speech Therapy at Sensational Kids has changed my shy boy into a confident person who loves to play with his friends. It makes me so happy to see him flourish.”
Find Out More About Sensational Kids
You can read more about Sensational Kids here on MyKidsTime, or visit the Sensational Kids website for information on booking an appointment with a therapist. You can also contact one of their centres directly:
- Kildare: 045 520900
- Mayo: 094 9357005
- Monaghan: 047 52671
- West Cork: 023 887 8208
You may also enjoy: How a Trike Helped to Bring the Joy of Mobility into One Girl’s Life
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Sensational Kids offer?
Sensational Kids provides subsidised Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy for children of all abilities, from centres in Kildare, West Cork, Mayo and Monaghan.
How can I book an appointment?
You can find details on booking a therapy appointment on the Sensational Kids website, or by calling your nearest centre directly.
Why choose a charity like Sensational Kids over a public waiting list?
Sensational Kids is a social enterprise, so profits from its shop and training workshops go back into keeping therapy services affordable and accessible, which can mean shorter waits and more regular sessions than some families experience through public services.
Related Reading
- How Sensational Kids Helps Kids with Developmental Delays Get the Help They Need
- How a Trike Helped to Bring the Joy of Mobility into One Girl’s Life
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