Dear all,
In the final session this term of our E.N.A.B.L.E. series with the Child and Adolsecent Psychiatry Department of University College Dublin (UCD), Geraldine Brosnan discusses – Hidden Strengths: Speech, Language and Specific Learning Differences.
Geraldine introduces the wide spectrum of speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) as well as dyslexia and other specific learning difference, highlighting how these challenges can influence academic performance, confidence, and everyday social interactions. Rather than viewing these differences as deficits, Geraldine reframes them as complex communication profiles that often coexist with valuable and under recognised strengths.
A key focus of this webinar is equipping parents and teachers with effective, actionable strategies. It helps shares approaches for early support, classroom differentiation, and strengths based assessment, giving teachers and parents tools to identify needs constructively and respond in ways that build confidence. By the end of this webinar teachers and parents will gain deeper empathy, practical techniques, and a strengths focused perspective that enhances both academic outcomes and emotional wellbeing.
This webinar is available for viewing at: https://cas-elearning.com/
We would like to once again highlight the other valuable webinars in our E.N.A.B.L.E series:
Understanding Neurodiversity: Beyond Labels, Towards Inclusion: https://cas-elearning.com/
courses/understanding- neurodiversity/ ADHD; Reframing Attention and Effort: https://cas-elearning.com/
courses/adhd-reframing- attention-and-effort/ Dyspraxia/DCD; Understanding Movement, Mind and Learning: https://cas-elearning.com/
courses/dyspraxia-dcd- understanding-movement-mind- and-learning/
We would be incredibly grateful if you could share details of the above with parents who may benefit.
CPD/Croke Park hours are available for participants of our webinars who are working toward these requirements.
We would like to once again reiterate our call to parents of children aged 4 to 12 years who are experiencing anxiety to take part in an important new research project that Cycle Against Suicide is carrying out in partnership with the School of Medicine, University College Dublin. Your insight and experience as a parent are vital. Together, we hope to co-create a national resource designed by parents, for parents, to better support children who are struggling with anxiety.
Across Ireland, concerns are growing about the rising levels of mental health difficulties in children. At the same time, there is increasing confusion about what truly constitutes a mental health difficulty, what is a normal emotional response, and what requires support. This lack of clarity can leave parents feeling unsure, worred, or overwhelmed, sometimes fearing the worst, and other times not recognising when their child genuinely needs help. Too often, misinformation or inconsistent advice adds to this stress.
Research consistently shows that one of the most powerful supports for a child’s mental health is a well informed, confident parent. When parents have access to clear, accurate, and practical information, it can become a turning point in their child’s recovery. However, Ireland currently lacks high quality, evidence-based resources that speak directly to parents’ real experiences and concerns.
This is why we are launching our HELP Programme (Health Educators Leading Parents), a collaboration between Cycle Against Suicide, clinical experts, and parents nationwide.
By participating in this research you will help shape a trusted, accessible suite of resources that will guide families across Ireland in understanding and supporting childhood anxiety.
If you are a parent supporting a child aged 4–12 who struggles with anxiety, we would be grateful for your voice and experience. Your contribution will help build a meaningful national resource that empowers parents and supports children on their journey toward wellbeing.
Please join this body of research at: https://docs.google.com/forms/
We would be incredibly grateful of your support in sharing this research opportunity with parents within your networks.
Best regards,
Caroline Lafferty
Chief Executive Officer
Cycle Against Suicide