New dyspraxia holiday club launched in South Roscommon

The importance of peer support for children with dyspraxia was highlighted by Minister Hildegarde Naughton at the recent launch of a new holiday club initiative.

Cairde Club provides children with Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder with a chance to meet their peers and enjoy activities together in an inclusive atmosphere while also allowing parents to meet, and receive support from, other parents whose children may also have Dyspraxia/DCD.

The initiative is part of Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland’s POTTS programme; a new telehealth occupational therapy service aimed at reducing waiting times for children.

The first Cairde Club event was hosted in Glendeer Pet Farm in Drum where families spent the day and got to experience a fun and inclusive event designed especially for children with DCD.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Children, Disability and Equality, Hildegarde Naughton, said: “I am thrilled to officially launch this new dyspraxia holiday club, Cairde Club, which will be a safe, supportive space where children with dyspraxia can connect, have fun, and build confidence among peers who truly understand their experiences.

“Peer support is incredibly important for children with dyspraxia, helping reduce feelings of isolation and boosting social and emotional development. This initiative is proudly supported by our new pilot telehealth occupational therapy service, POTTS, which I am confident will play a crucial role in reducing waiting times and provide earlier intervention for families in need.”

Also speaking at the launch CEO of Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland, Sharon Lane, spoke of the importance of such events: “Not alone will our Cairde Cub days allow children with Dyspraxia/DCD to enjoy inclusive, fun-filled days centred around their needs but these days also provide a much-needed opportunity to connect with other parents of children with dyspraxia/DCD in a relaxed and friendly environment.” She also thanked Minister Naughton and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality for their support to date for the POTTS programme and looked forward to continuing to build on the services offered by Dyspraxia Ireland.

Stephen Hodnett, Senior OT and POTTS Clinical Lead, outlined the role Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland’s new POTTS programme can play in addressing occupational therapy waiting lists for children, and said: “Figures show that approximately 6% of children in Ireland have DCD – that is at least one child, and closer to two children, in every class in the country who have DCD.

“POTTS is a hybrid occupational therapy telehealth service that offers both face-to-face assessments and online sessions from both qualified and student occupational therapists. It provides supports that are functional, family centred and accessible. As well as reducing waiting times for children to access services it also provides OT students with placement experience and specialised DCD learning.

“By offering telehealth services we are reducing disruption for families in terms of reduced travel time to and from appointments while also reducing hours lost in school and at work through the need to travel to appointments.”

Further information for families wishing to avail of the POTTS programme can be found at: Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland - POTTS / Occupational Therapy Services.