Supporting autism awareness and inclusive education

April 2nd marks World Autism Awareness Day, a time to celebrate the strengths of autistic individuals and raise awareness of their unique perspectives.  

At Ballymore, this cause is especially close to our hearts, particularly through our support of Scoil Oilibhéir, a 262-student Gaelscoil in Dublin 15, which in 2022 established a new Special Class for Autism.  

The class, Rang na Réaltaí (which means "Class of Stars" in the Irish language), is part of a broader effort to ensure that students with more complex special educational needs can access tailored support within their local mainstream schools.  

In this article, headteacher Antóin Ó Cléirigh, Class Teacher Mícheál Mac Cormaic, Special Needs Assistant Ciara Uí Shúilleabháin and Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator and Deputy Head Lára Ní Riain share insights into the school’s work and the role Ballymore plays in supporting new programmes such as music therapy, something making a real difference in the lives of students.

At Scoil Oilibhéir, a 262-student school in Dublin 15, music is changing lives. Through the introduction of music therapy, autistic children are finding new ways to communicate, build confidence, and develop essential life skills.  

It’s part of a wider mission led by headteacher Antóin Ó Cléirigh and his team, who are pioneering new therapeutic approaches to support the wellbeing of students with autism. "Across Ireland and the world, autism is becoming more commonplace," says Antóin. "It’s imperative that we protect each child and support their parents as they navigate life with autism."  

Yet, despite the growing need, resources remain limited. This Irish Times recently reported that one in 20 Irish schoolchildren has now been diagnosed with autism – a threefold increase in less than a decade. But while the will to support these children is strong, infrastructure and capacity often fall short, making it challenging to provide the level of care and attention each child deserves.  

Partnering with Ballymore to Enhance Student Wellbeing  

Since early 2023, Ballymore has supported Scoil Oilibhéir’s journey, helping the school establish Rang na Réaltaí – a special autism class designed to provide a structured and supportive environment for children with acute needs.  

"Ballymore has allowed us to do so much," explains Antóin. "Their support gave us momentum, enabling us to explore internationally recognised therapies that we otherwise wouldn’t have had access to." 

Among those therapies is music therapy, which has quickly become one of the school’s most impactful initiatives.  Led by specialist music therapist John McLoughlin, the programme provides children with a structured yet flexible space to express themselves.  

"The kids adore music," says Ciara, who, along with Mícheál and Lára has overseen the therapy’s implementation. "It’s incredible for communication, especially for pre-verbal children, as it gives them a way to connect with their peers."  

Each session follows a consistent structure, helping to create a safe and familiar space for students. The session begins with a ‘hello song’, welcoming each child by name, before children take turns playing different instruments, helping them learn patience, sharing, and social interaction.  The sessions conclude with a ‘goodbye song’, offering closure and routine.  

"Each week, the instruments change; last week, we introduced the ukulele, and the kids absolutely loved it," adds Ciara. "The guitar and the Hapi drum are always favourites."  

But the impact extends far beyond enjoyment.  "This is a completely different form of therapy for them," says Lára. "For older children, it’s a huge support for mental health and wellbeing. Some children who struggle to attend school find comfort in music, while others gain confidence as they engage with younger students in shared sessions. They let go, they’re free, and they’re content."  

This contributes to a really positive atmosphere throughout the week says Class Teacher Mícheál Mac Cormaic “The children really look forward to music therapy all week. During each session the children play a whole range of different instruments and can express themselves in an imaginative and structured way. They are learning the life skills of listening, turn taking, sharing, creating, collaborating all the while thoroughly enjoying themselves”

Music therapy also plays a critical role in helping students manage stress. "Summer can be a really difficult time for children with autism," Lára continues. "Many can’t participate in mainstream summer camps, so we use music therapy as a calming and grounding activity."  

Building on Success: The Role of Equine Therapy  

Alongside music therapy, Scoil Oilibhéir first introduced equine therapy, another initiative made possible through Ballymore’s support.  Every week, for 10 weeks, students visit a nearby farm, where they learn to ride, care for, and interact with horses, a process that has had remarkable benefits. 

"It takes weeks of preparation," says Lára. "We work on getting the children comfortable with the environment, understanding their sensory preferences, and making sure they feel safe and in control."  

The results have been profound. "One child who had never been able to sit up on his own managed to do so by his sixth or seventh session. It also improves core strength, coordination, and communication. The relaxed setting helps the children open up and engage in ways they never have before."  

Class Teacher Mícheál expands on the positive impact, “What began as an activity which brought a certain amount of fear and trepidation for the children has developed into a weekly adventure where they get immense joy from horse-riding. The anticipation creates a really positive atmosphere in the class. Equine Therapy has given the children the motivation to engage in the school curriculum through discussion, writing, art, science, geography.”  

Expanding Opportunities for All Students 

While Rang na Réaltaí provides a specialised environment for children with acute needs, Antóin and his team are working hard to ensure more students across the school can benefit from these therapies. 

A ‘reverse integration’ initiative is already underway, bringing mainstream students into autism support settings to foster understanding and inclusion.  "A big part of this is sensory awareness," explains Lára. "We’re working to identify triggers and support needs across all students, creating a more inclusive environment."  

And the school isn’t stopping at music and equine therapy: "We’re looking into art therapy, as well as practical life skills like baking, an especially important activity given that children with autism often experience dietary challenges," says Lára.

Mícheál explains that, “We would like to have a sensory-friendly kitchen facility created with neuro-diverse needs in mind in our school. Acquiring essential life skills, like safe food preparation, is a key factor in promoting a successful transition to adulthood for our autistic children With a sensory-friendly kitchen the children could perform personal care activities and  learn about food safety, food preparation and hygiene.”

The ultimate goal? A second autism class, allowing even more children to access the specialist education, care and opportunities they need.  "It’s a huge gamechanger for our students," says Antóin. "Moving into a special class can sometimes be a process, as it takes children away from their peers. But music and equine therapy bridge that gap, helping them integrate, build confidence, and develop essential life skills.  

"We couldn’t have done it without Ballymore’s support," he continues. "For the parents and the kids, it means everything."