The Neart Youth Mental Health Podcast

March is Neurodiversity Celebration Month, a time to recognise that every brain works differently, and to celebrate the unique strengths and talents of every mind. This global initiative encourages schools and communities to challenge long-standing stereotypes about Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and other neurotypes (brain types).

In this episode we’re talking about neurodiversity in general, with a focus on neurodiversity-affirmative approaches, and then particularly looking at Autism and autistic experiences. This is just part 1 of a series on neurodiversity, and part 2 coming next October will discuss ADHD and Dyslexia.

In this podcast you’ll hear from Tara Mulhern, Neart Programme Lead, Caitlin Cruise, Training and Accreditation Manager with As I Am, and Edel, a Jigsaw Youth Advocate. We’ll be discussing different aspects of neurodiversity, mental health and neurodiversity and what parents can do to support neurodivergent young people in their lives.

If you would like to avail of further Neart resources, like our webinar recordings for parents, you can sign up at www.jigsaw.ie/Neart

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Useful links and supports below:

Regulating after school article
Talking to your teen webinar recording
The Teenage Years: As We Are
ADHD Ireland website
Middletown after school restraint collapse resource
Sensory preferences leaflet for parents
Calm spaces leaflet
Self-care for parents webinar recording
Dyspraxia Ireland
As I Am
Post-diagnostic supports – AsIAm
Bi Cinealtas - bullying policies and procedures



For more information on Neart visit www.jigsaw.ie/neart
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In this episode we talk about body image, what feeds into the development of our body image, the impact that negative body image can have on a young person’s mental health, and some things that parents and guardians can do to support young people with their body image.

We talk to Jigsaw Clinical Manager and Occupational Therapist Clare O’ Reilly, and Fiona Flynn, Youth Development Manager with BodyWhys.

The links mentioned in the episode:

BodyWhys support and resources : https://www.bodywhys.ie/

Information and support from Jigsaw: www.jigsaw.ie
For more information on Neart visit www.jigsaw.ie/neart
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This episode looks to provide insight, support and guidance to parents & guardians when the young person in their lives is struggling to attend school.

When a young person is struggling to attend school, it can cause huge stress for the whole family. In this episode, we explore this issue, how common it is, and some supports and strategies for parents & guardians. Thanks to our contributors:

Amy Goodison, Coordinator, Gorey School Completion Programme.
Dr. Kim Lombard, Neart Clinical Lead, Jigsaw
Edel Connolly, Jigsaw Youth Advocate

Link to RALLY video: RALLY on YouTube

Click here for NEPS Guide for Parents on Reluctant School Attendance

Parents webinars - including ones on Understanding Anxiety and Managing Anxiety

Further information on motivational interviewing as mentioned by Amy: Motivational Interviewing Ireland

Further information on The Wheel of Change, as mentioned by Amy: The Wheel of Change

For more information on Neart visit www.jigsaw.ie/neart
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In our first episode of the Academic year 2025/26, the Neart Youth Mental Health Podcast discusses the importance of the move from primary to post-primary school, the challenges this can cause, and how parents & guardians can offer and find support around what can be an exciting but turbulent time in a young person's life.

With thanks to our contributors, Tara Mulhern and Adam Burke from Jigsaw, Dr Maryanne Lowney from the Tusla Educational Support Service, and Orla Condren, former school principal and current CEO of Le Cheile Educational Trust.

Here are some of the links and resources mentioned in the podcast:

National Council for Special Education: www.ncse.ie
NCSE advice document: Moving from Primary to Post-Primary School; Guidelines for parents and guardians of students with special educational needs: https://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Moving-from-Primary-to-PostPrimary-School.pdf
NCSE Education Passports: https://ncca.ie/en/primary/reporting-and-transfer/education-passport/
National Parents Council webinars and support document: Supporting Your Child’s Move from Primary to Post Primary School: https://www.npc.ie/images/uploads/downloads/ChildMove.PDF
Tusla Educational Support Service: https://www.tusla.ie/tess/

4X4 breathing technique: https://youtu.be/CoGTlBkP3IU?si=5XAKMFkdyebxYLAV
The 54321 grounding technique: https://neart.learnupon.com/r/yesowjq5jxi54uqysn1hr1tzi1s1le5
For more information on Neart visit www.jigsaw.ie/neart
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This is a special bonus episode for school staff exploring what schools can do for students in the lead up to, and during exam time. Our contributors had so much to say, we didn't want to waste it!

Thanks again to our contributors from the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, National Parents Council, Comhairle na nÓg and Principal Joe Leonard from Cross & Passion College, Kildare. Jigsaw's own Dr Kim Lombard also contributes.
For more information on Neart visit www.jigsaw.ie/neart
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