4 minute read
'Open Your Mind: IRD Duhallow Hosts Talk on Neurodiversity
On April 12th, IRD Duhallow, through the support of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), and Workability programme, hosted NeuroInsight: Unpacking Diverse Minds, a dynamic and thought-provoking event held at the James O’Keeffe Institute. The event brought together individuals from across the region to deepen their understanding of neurodiversity, emotional regulation, the importance of sleep and the lived experience of adults receiving a late autism diagnosis.
Three expert speakers delivered engaging and practical presentations, highlighting how everyday environments and societal structures can unknowingly exclude neurodivergent individuals.
Neurodiversity is a topic that is still misunderstood and judged to this day. Hosting this event showcased and highlighted key areas of interest for people within the community to digest. It furthers the needs for more inclusivity and, possibly, the ability to host more of these workshops in the future.
Held on April 12th, NeuroInsight: Unpacking Diverse Minds created a meaningful space for education, empathy, and empowerment. With a diverse audience of professionals, families, and individuals with lived experience, the event fostered deep conversations and offered a wealth of practical strategies and insights.
The day began with a warm welcome over tea, coffee, and scones, setting a relaxed and inviting tone. Dr. Áine O’Dea opened the morning with a compelling session on sensory and emotional regulation. Drawing from her extensive expertise as an occupational therapist, she broke down the science behind how the brain processes emotion and offered strategies to support co-regulation and self-regulation.
Her talk helped attendees better understand the connection between sensory input, brain function, and emotional well-being. Sharon McCarthy of UCD and Autism Journeys followed with a deeply personal and informative talk on adult autism diagnosis. With clarity and compassion, Sharon explored the journey of late identification, the emotional impact of masking, and the liberation that comes from embracing neurodivergent identity. Her words resonated powerfully with attendees, many of whom expressed feeling validated and inspired by her advocacy and lived experience.
After a refreshing lunch, Laura Crowley, a well-respected autism consultant and sleep expert, delivered a session focused on sleep. She shared clear, practical approaches for supporting healthy sleep routines among autistic individuals. Topics included sleep hygiene, bedtime rituals, sensory regulation, and how anxiety can affect sleep cycles. Her presentation provided actionable advice for families and professionals alike.
The day concluded with a dynamic panel discussion, allowing participants to pose questions and reflect on the shared experiences and learning. The engagement throughout was genuine, open, and heartfelt. Many attendees shared how deeply they felt seen and heard during the event— highlighting just how needed and valuable this space was.
The day was more than an event—it was a reminder of the power of community and the importance of creating spaces where neurodiversity is celebrated and supported. With rich discussion, expert insight, and a palpable sense of connection, the day left a lasting impact on all who attended.
Marie Daly, Newmarket, Bridget Flynn, Castlemaine and Máire Murphy, Kanturk
