Creative, friendly programmes for neurodivergent people and the families who support them.

All Abilities Ireland is a volunteer-led organisation based in Portlaoise that has spent more than 15 years running inclusive programmes for children, teenagers, adults and parents. Many of its team are neurodivergent themselves, and programmes are designed with autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia and anxiety in mind.

Social clubs

Online social clubs for ages 9 to 14 meet fortnightly during the school year, with games, chat and creative challenges that build friendships and confidence. In-person community social clubs for teenagers and adults aged 16 and over offer a relaxed space to play board games, share interests and make friends, with members choosing the activities.

Sensory and creative sessions

Messy play, silent discos and glow parties are run as sensory-friendly sessions for children of different abilities, at community venues, libraries and festivals. Silent disco headphones let each child set their own volume.

For parents

Parent programmes include emotional regulation and sensory tools training, a ‘BIG Emotions’ messy play workshop for parents of children aged 5 to 12, a course for parents of anxious and neurodivergent children, mindfulness sessions, and art therapy for parents of autistic primary school children led by a qualified art therapist.

Who runs it

Tutors include qualified art therapists, a psychologist, drama and dance tutors and a mindfulness teacher. All volunteers and tutors are Garda vetted and have completed child protection training.

Where

Based in Portlaoise, with in-person sessions across Laois and Offaly and many programmes online, so families anywhere in Ireland can take part.

Getting started

Upcoming clubs and workshops are listed on the All Abilities Eventbrite page. Send a booking request through Do Stuff! or email the team to find out more.