Universal Supports

These pages offer general guidance on topics of interest to parents. We will continue to add to this section over the coming months. If there is a topic in particular that you’d like to see featured here, please contact your local Children's Disability Network Team (CDNT) to let us know.

Behaviour Support

Behaviour support uses direct and indirect interventions with young people, families and/or schools to help respond to behaviours that are limiting the young …

Early Language and Communication

Babies and young children learn best through play and during daily activities. There are many ways you can encourage language and …

Handwriting Skills

The skills involved in learning to write are called pre-writing skills. These include the sensorimotor skills that contribute to a child using a pencil, and …

Independence Skills

Waterford South City CDNT have created this booklet, Encouraging Independence - A guide for Parents/Caregivers/Teachers.    This five-part video …

Moving from Primary School to Secondary School

Moving from primary school to secondary school is an exciting time for many. But for young people and those around them, it can …

Sensory Play

Sensory exploration is so important for babies and young children. They learn about the world around them through their senses. In this section, you will find …

The Importance of Sleep

Sleep is important for many reasons: It refreshes and restores energy levels It’s important for learning and memory It helps to fight against illness …

The Importance of Play

Play is a way for children to explore, use their imagination and make decisions about things. It is very enjoyable for them. Play is a way for …

Tips for Supporting Siblings of Children with Additional Needs

The sibling relationship is often the longest and most enduring in any person’s life. As with all siblings, …

Toilet training with your autistic child

When should I start? Choose a time when you have few engagements and are relatively stress free Ideally, everyone working with your …

Understanding Different Communication Styles

This page explains the different communication styles used by autistic and neurodivergent children and young people. What is …

What is Emotional Regulation?

Emotional regulation is a term used to explain how someone manages or controls their emotional responses to situations in a positive way