News & Blog | Sensational Kids

Can You Help?

June 11, 2019June 11, 2019 by Karen Leigh

Our Wish List: There are many practical ways you can lend your support to our non-profit child development centres to make a difference to the lives of children with additonal needs. Here are some items which we currently need. If you would like to contribute towards funding any of these items please get in touch us by emailing Karen@sensationalkids.ie Kildare Centre: Therapeutic Listening Music €156 3 Therapeutic Listening Music Chips to complete our therapeutic listening resources €156 Mats for Hippotherapy €186 Mats needed for occupational therapy room at Jag Equestrian Therapeutic Listening Headphones €200 1 set of therapeutic listening headphones €200 Specialist Play Therapy Books €288 Margot Sunderland therapeutic stories written for children to cover everything from death anxiety, depressed parent, the child that is treated as the rubbish bin , anger etc. One example is the “day the sea went out and never came back” Set of 12 €288.00 […]

Eli Lilly become part of our sensational story in Cork

May 28, 2019May 28, 2019 by Beth O'Regan

On 1st May, at their Dunderrow base outside Kinsale, pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly (Cork) presented a generous donation to Sensational Kids, Clonakilty. The cheque was presented to the communications officer, Beth O’ Regan, by members of the grants and donation committee and was pledged because of the huge social impact that Sensational Kids has had on the West Cork community since opening last September. They spoke of the obvious potential for having such a wonderful resource for children with additional needs in the area (and indeed their families) and their delight in helping such a worthy cause. I was thrilled to go along to accept the donation and to tell the ladies involved just how far their money would go and how many families would benefit from their kind gesture. Sensational Kids is a charity that receives no government funding. We are always so humbled and grateful to organisations for […]

Clinicial Reasoning For Occupational Therapists

May 20, 2019May 20, 2019 by Karen Leigh

We are really looking forward to welcoming back the wonderful Occupational Therapist Tracy Stackhouse from the USA to host this fantastic Workshop in Ireland this week, The SpIRiT© of Pediatric OT: The SpIRiT (Sensory processing/Integration Reasoning interactive Tool) is a mindful clinical reasoning tool for ensuring best practice in pediatric occupational therapy. The core of the SpIRiT model is derived from the theory and practice of sensory integration, as originated by A. Jean Ayres (now referred to as Ayres’ Sensory Integration, or ASI©). The model is elaborated by current work connecting basic sensory integrative processes to neural plasticity through the mechanism of evincing an adaptive response. In this model, the basic sensory processing is the lowest, bottom up influence over the neural networks that support adaptive functioning. The SpIRiT© model includes a framework for looking at sensory integrative processes with the neural processes that use the sensation for organization […]

We have our boy back

May 15, 2019May 16, 2019 by Karen Leigh

Jamie’s Story – “We have our boy back” My son Jamie first came to Sensational Kids nearly one year ago and what a year it has been. We first came as Jamie was having horrible thoughts and wanted to hurt himself, pulling terrible tantrums, and as an eight-year-old, they were very hard to handle. When I rang Sensational Kids to explain my case I was at my last wits. I got in touch with Yvonne and she has been like an angel ever since. They saw how much Jamie needed guidance. We were in for our first visit the next week and since then he has been going from strength to strength, from a child that wouldn’t go into school, and hated everyone around him and himself. Jamie has been doing play therapy with Yvonne. He loves it and can’t wait to come in. Yvonne has been talking to Jamie […]

Educational psychological assessments now available in Clonakilty

May 8, 2019 by Beth O'Regan

We are delighted to welcome John Doyle to the Sensational Kids team from mid May 2019. He will carry out psychological assessments at our Munster base at the West Cork Technology Park, Clonakilty, Co. Cork. He will be available on Saturdays from 9am-4.30pm, commencing on 18th May and operate on a bi-monthly basis. Booking early is recommended to secure a timely appointment. John (MA Educational Psychology) has been working as a senior psychologist since 1995 and brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge. His area of expertise lies in child assessments, direct support to children and adolescents and mentoring staff within the residential child care services. Furthermore, John has been periodically involved in mentoring students and providing supervision to undergraduate and postgraduate students of psychology, both as an employee of organisations and in private practice. An educational psychological assessment may be necessary if your child is having difficulties […]

Wonderful sensory garden opens in Clonakilty

May 1, 2019 by Beth O'Regan

On a rather blustery and cold Saturday (6th April), the Tidy Towns along with key sponsors Supervalu, local politicians and the wider Clonakilty community gathered at the newly completed sensory garden, which has been positioned on the grounds of the Model Railway village and overlooks Clonakilty Bay. We were delighted to go along to the official opening and see such a fantastic resource unveiled. The garden is another example of how accepting the town is of people with autism and indeed additional needs in general. The Clonakilty Autism Friendly Town committee , after several group meetings and long discussions, gave the go ahead and work went underway in January of this year and the true essence of community in Clonakilty was clear in the huge amount of work that went in to this amazing project in just a few short months. Clonakilty Mayor Gretta O’ Donovan said that she […]

Therapeutic Listening Workshop

April 8, 2019 by Beth O'Regan

On Thursday 28th and Friday 29th March, 25 enthusiastic individuals congregated at the The Solas Bhride Centre, Kildare Town eagerly ready to undertake the Therapeutic Listening course. It was a two-day workshop presented by US based Occupational Therapist and founder of Vital Links, Sheila Frick. With over three decades of hands on experience, Sheila’s background of working with her own caseload inspire the topics that she brings to her workshop. Her passion is helping children and their families, particularly with ‘sensory processing dysfunction, sensory integration and auditory interventions’. Therapeutic listening appears to be especially useful for occupational therapists working with clients with sensory processing disorders. What is so interesting about the approach is that it does not require a certain sequence or formula to follow, the sessions are very much geared towards the goals and needs of the particular child using it. Therefore, it is very much up to the therapist to […]

Hippotherapy is utterly amazing!

March 29, 2019March 29, 2019 by Karen Leigh

“Hippotherapy is utterly amazing, transforming and an untapped resource that these special children deserve……….crave and need very much” Here at Sensational Kids, some of our specially trained occupational therapists have been incorporating hippotherapy into their occupational therapy sessions with incredible feedback: Our little girl is thriving due to the extra dimension that Sensational Kids have introduced for children with special needs. Our little girl has developed a rapport with a horse that delights her while she is doing occupational therapy. Her confidence, and her attention span in school is soaring, now she is doing things that she would never do. The relationship that she has developed with the horse, her Occupational Therapist has reached stratospheric heights and added a new dimension to untapped potential. I can only thank Sensational Kids from the bottom of my heart. I feel very positive and happy about her future. I know […]

Famous Irish artists go horsing around for charity!

March 7, 2019March 7, 2019 by Karen Leigh

The Curragh Racecourse along with Irish Injured Jockeys and Sensational Kids launch their ‘under stARTers orders’ creative public arts fundraising initiative today. The Curragh wanted to create a unique fundraising drive for the charities to tie in with the launch of the new Curragh Racecourse. Today they launch an exciting public arts project which involves top Irish artists with all proceeds going to racing charity Irish Injured Jockeys and Kildare based children’s charity Sensational Kids. Twenty of Ireland’s most distinguished artists have been commissioned to take part and each artist received a life-size resin horse sculpture that is primed and ready to paint in their own unique style. On completion, all works will be sold and the proceeds will be shared equally between the two charities. The public will have the chance to visit and view these spectacular works while on public display at various locations from April to June […]

Brain and Sensory Foundations Course Announcement

March 6, 2019March 6, 2019 by Karen Leigh

Online, Self-Paced, On Demand Open Enrollment Now through April 7, 2019 You can help children and adults make outstanding progress with the unique tools from Brain and Sensory Foundations online training. You will be able to provide powerful help with this proven, evidenced-based system using innate brain-growing movements of infancy and special tools to enhance brain and sensory maturity. The results are spectacular. Therapists and parents report measurable, far-reaching benefits. They are especially delighted with the lasting improvements in sensory processing and functional skills. The activities are FUN and ENJOYABLE to do and can be used for individuals of all ages to promote deep and lasting transformation in the brain, body and sensory systems. These simple yet profound movements help transform: Anxiety Sensory issues Sleep issues Learning challenges ASD and ADHD symptoms Physical challenges Speech delay Social-Emotional challenges Anger, Depression FAS RAD PTSD Pain Brain Injury Perfect […]

Sensational Kids to Host Therapeutic Listening Workshop

March 5, 2019March 5, 2019 by Karen Leigh

Listening plays a vital role in the sensory integration process. In fact, some believe that the auditory system is the ‘missing link’ in sensory integration modalities. In this two-day, in-person, international training course, you will learn to use Therapeutic Listening® modulated audio selections to create individualized, home-based programs for clients. You will also learn how to implement Therapeutic Listening strategies in conjunction with postural, respiratory and sensory activities. The course will take participants from assessment through treatment outcomes, creating complete Therapeutic Listening programs. Case-study video presentations will be used to illustrate points and show changes in individuals with listening and other sensory processing difficulties including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, apraxia, anxiety, and Down’s Syndrome. Don’t miss this important professional development workshop presented by Sheila M. Frick, an occupational therapist from the USA who educates therapists in an integrated approach to sensory processing disorder. Sheila is an esteemed clinician, lecturer, and pioneer in […]

Maurice Kelly appointed as Chair of Sensational Kids Voluntary Board of Directors

March 5, 2019March 5, 2019 by Karen Leigh

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Maurice Kelly as voluntary chair of our board of directors. As a voluntary Board Member since June 2016, Maurice already brings valuable support and guidance in all things HR related. As a natural next step, Maurice will now lend his extensive leadership support to the board of directors and executive at a time of significant growth for Sensational Kids as we grow and scale our social impact nationally. We would like to express our huge gratitude to our outgoing chair of the board of directors Paula Egan who led her three year term with great passion, enthusiasm, and dedication, helping to set us on a solid path for future growth and development. Sensational Kids would also like to welcome new board members Sinead Callinan, Simon Cox, Sharon Kearns, and Joanne Stanley who have joined our voluntary board to replace directors who have […]

Irish Women’s Awards 2019

January 22, 2019January 22, 2019 by Karen Leigh

We are very excited to share news that our CEO & Founder Karen Leigh won an award for Services to Charity/Third Sector at the inaugural The Irish Women’s Awards in Dublin last night for her work and dedication to provide early intervention services for children of all ages, all abilities and all means. . The awards provided a platform to thank and recognise meritorious ladies for their attributions to our society as well as for the exceptional work they carry out on a daily basis that often remain unknown or even unappreciated.. Karen is honoured to be recognised among so many inspirational women at an event that showcased examples of courage, passion, skill, commitment and success that feature in women.

Volunteers Wanted for Hippotherapy Project

January 8, 2019January 8, 2019 by Karen Leigh

Sensational Kids is looking for volunteers to help with our new hippotherapy project, for an 8 week period, at Jag Equestrian, Naas, Co Kildare. Hours: 9am until 3pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with a minimum 3 hour offer of time – 9am to 12noon and/or 12noon to 3pm – Ideally if volunteers can come from 9am-3pm this would be best as it saves change over Requirements: We need a minimum of 2 volunteers (1 horse handler and 1 side walker) with at least one volunteer per block to have horse experience to become the horse handler. Some experience of working with horses desirable but not necessary. All volunteers will be Garda Vetted How to apply: Email; Natalia@sensationalkids.ie to apply

Santa’s Reindeer Hospital

November 29, 2018November 29, 2018 by Karen Leigh

Kildare Town’s Christmas Experience Santa’s Reindeer Hospital to raise money for Sensational Kids Visit Santa & Mrs Claus and their Reindeer at The Old Town Courthouse and much more! The Story so Far… . A mysterious virus has infected Santa’s Reindeer, caused by the harsh effects of climate change, Santa’s Lapland Reindeer are having difficulty in maintaining altitude when flying. This has been a huge cause of concern, Santa has sought the help from the best veterinary experts in the World and reached out to the renowned vets in Kildare because of their excellent reputation and experience with Racehorses. As a result, Santa has opened a Reindeer hospital in Kildare Town to treat the sick reindeer. He is making a scheduled visit to Kildare Town from 14th – 23rd December, 2018 to check in on the reindeer and meet with vets to discuss the issue. Local vets […]

Volunteer Opportunities

November 19, 2018November 19, 2018 by Karen Leigh

Sensational Kids is an innovative social enterprise charity which opened its doors in Kildare Town in 2008 to subsidise affordable and accessible early intervention therapy services for children of all abilities, to bridge the gap between public and private early intervention services for children with additional needs. Sensational Kids is an innovative charity, run on an innovative social enterprise model. We do not receive any government funding. Our funding, to subsidise early intervention services for our clients, comes from fundraising events, private and corporate funding, proceeds from our retail shop and on-line store and fees from our training events. We will have a pop up retail Christmas Toy Shop on the Square in Kildare Town this Christmas time, for 10 days starting on Friday 14th December, through to Sunday 23rd December. Open weekdays 3-8pm and weekends 10am-8pm. We require volunteers to assist us in our shop, retail experience would be […]

Child Protection Training

November 3, 2018 by Karen Leigh

Well done to Mary, Occupational Therapist at our Cork Centre who recently completed Child Protection Training, Also, well done to Elaine, Speech Therapist at our Cork Centre who recently completed Child Protection Designated Liaison Training. This further professional development training helps staff to identify best practice in relation to child protection recording and reporting.

The Safe Project Training

November 3, 2018November 3, 2018 by Karen Leigh

Well done to our Kildare play therapist Yvonne who was one of 24 participants from Europe who participated in The Safe Project in Poland; a 5 day training on sexual standards in youth work delivered by Kinga Karp a psychologist. Learn More

Clonakilty Launch Invitation

October 26, 2018November 3, 2018 by Karen Leigh

Voluntary Board Members & Company Secretary

October 15, 2018October 16, 2018 by Karen Leigh

Sensational Kids is seeking expressions of interest from candidates who are interested in becoming voluntary board members or from those who have experience/qualifications to take on the role of company secretary. These roles are available due to the rotation of board members at the end of their terms as well as additional roles to strengthen the existing team. We are also interested in recruiting board members in the Kildare, Cork and Mayo areas who can attend or skype into meetings which are held in Kildare. Sensational Kids is seeking board members who have experience in Social Enterprise Development during periods of growth and scaling. The ideal candidate should have an interest in and knowledge of the social enterprise sector. We are interested in hearing from candidates who have experience in: Social Enterprise Development Fundraising Strategy Retail Development Finance/Accounting Corporate Governance Clinical Governance: which may be interest to those who have […]

Schedule of free talks for the winter in Clonakilty.

October 12, 2018November 15, 2018 by Karen Leigh

As an introduction to our new child development centre in Clonakilty, we have arranged a number of free talks on the new facility and on speech, language and communication difficulties and the role of occupational therapy. Click HERE to view schedule of free talks for the winter in Clonakilty

Clonakilty Open Evening for Educators & Parents

October 11, 2018October 12, 2018 by Karen Leigh

Introduction and Tour of Sensational Kids NEW Child Development Centre in Clonakilty. Open Evening for Educators/ Parents of Children with additional needs Tuesday Oct 16th 4-5.30pm Senior Speech Therapist, Elaine Baldwin and Occupational Therapist, Mary Lucey will give an Introductory talk on the range of services available at the new Child Development Centre in Clonakilty. All attendees will be given a tour of the new state of the art facilities on offer, including the newly equipped occupational therapy Gym. 2nd Floor Building G West Cork Technology Park, Clonakilty, County Cork P85 VF62 Phone 023 887 8208 Email: Clonakilty@sensationalkids.ie Admission is free of charge