Types Of Disabilites

ADD/ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

www.adhd.ie	"ADD/ADHD stands for: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyper kinetic Disorder (ADHD). ADD/ADHD is a neurological-based medical condition and is not caused by poor parenting and diet " Click on the link to the left for more details.

Asberger Syndrome

www.aspire-irl.org

Aspire, the Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland, was set up by a group of parents in 1995 to support people with Asperger Syndrome to lead full and independent lives as well as to support their families and to to encourage and undertake research into the condition. There are support groups in Clare, Galway and Tipperary - see the Aspire Services tab, then AS Support for further details.

Ataxia, Friedreichs

www.ataxia.ie	The Friedreichs Ataxia Society Ireland(FASI) was established in 1980 and is a national voluntary organisation that cares for people disabled with Friedreichs Ataxia and other Genetic Ataxias. Membership of the Society is available to any interested person whether or not they are affected by a Genetic Ataxia.

Autism/ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder)

www.autismsupport.ie	Autism Support Ireland is a coordinated initiative which aims to enhance and support the whole person and family affected by Autism by providing access to information. The formal partners in the project are Irish Autism Action, Gheel Autism Services, Aspire, Tuiscint (Eastern Vocational Enterprises Ltd), ABAILE/Drogheda ABACAS School for Children with Autism and Cork Association for Autism. The project has been funded under the Enhancing Disability Services Programme
www.autismireland.ie	Irish Autism Action was first formed as the Irish Autism Alliance in 2001 by a group of parents who took a public stance in relation to the needs and rights of their children. Irish Autism Action (IAA) is an umbrella body currently representing parent groups across, support groups and schools for those on the autistic spectrum across Ireland.
www.autism.ie	The Irish Society for Autism was established 45 years ago and has been providing information on Autism for parents, families, educators, students and health care workers. It has also been successful in creating residential services for Adults with Autism in Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Wexford and creating the European Charter of Rights for People with Autism. The Irish Society for Autism is a founder member of Autism Europe and the World Autism Organisation. The Executive Director, Pat Matthews, was the first President of the World Autism Organisation.
www.shineireland.com	Shine is the website of the IPAA, the Irish Progressive Association for Autism. It is a voluntary organisation and registered charity established in 2001 by the parents of autistic children to offer support and share information on services for their children. Shine has grown year on year since then and now offer services and support to 80 children through the Shine Centre based in Carrigaline Co Cork and over 250 families across the South Munster region. Shine is run by parents with the Board of the Organisation comprising of parents of autistic children and adolescents.
www.autismawareness.net	This site (developed in partnership with the Hope Project Cork) aims to be an information resource to families living with Autism. It has a useful links page.

Cerebral Palsy

www.scope.org.uk	Scope is a UK-based charitable organisation supporting people with Cerebral Palsy.

Dyspraxia

www.dypraxiaireland.ie	Formed in 1995 by parents of children with dyspraxia, the Dyspraxia Association aims to raise awareness of dyspraxia in Ireland and create a better understanding of the difficulties children and parents face. It also aims to ensure that adequate resources are available to support the needs of children with dyspraxia. This includes occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, psychological support and education. It provides an information and sharing and support network for parents.

EB - Epidermolysis Bullosa

www.debraireland.org	DEBRA Ireland is a national charity set up in 1988 to provide patient support services and drive research into EB which is a genetic skin condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa.
www.debra.org.uk	DEBRA is the national charity working on behalf of people in the UK with the genetic skin blistering condition.

Erbs Palsy

www.erbspalsy.ie	The Erbs Palsy Association strives to achieve better recognition and understanding of the nature, causes, and proper treatment of the condition. Its aim is to provide information and support for families and sufferers of Erbs Palsy. Erbs Palsy is a condition caused mainly by trauma at birth.

FAS/FASD - Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

www.fasd.ie	Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Ireland was set up by "a group of carers and professionals who have had contact with children with...FAS, pFAS, ARND and ARBD."
www.nofas-uk.org	The National Organisation on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - UK is "dedicated to eliminating birth defects caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy and to improving the quality of life for children, adults, families, carers and communities affected by Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)."

Fragile X Syndrome

www.fragilex-ireland.org	The Irish Fragile X Society "is a non-profit, voluntary organisation run by parents and relatives of Fragile X sufferers in Ireland...Fragile X is the most common identifiable inherited cause of intellectual disability."
www.fragilex.org.uk	The UK-based Fragile X Society was formed in 1990 by families whose children had just been diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome.

Friedreichs Ataxia

www.ataxia.ie	The Friedreichs Ataxia Society Ireland(FASI) was established in 1980 and is a national voluntary organisation that cares for people disabled with Friedreichs Ataxia and other Genetic Ataxias. Membership of the Society is available to any interested person whether or not they are affected by a Genetic Ataxia.

Hydrocephalus & Spina Bifida

www.ifsbhireland2010.com	Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland is a voluntary organisation which has over 4000 members nationwide. There is a National Resource Centre and a Family Support Service.
www.ifglobal.org	The International Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus is a world-wide umbrella organisation and aims "to disseminate information and expertise throughout the world to families, individuals, professionals and volunteers involved in the Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida field."

Ichthyosis

www.ichthyosisinireland.com	Ichthyosis in Ireland is the main Irish support group for parents of children with Ichthyosis which is the term used to describe "the continual scaling of the skin". It is not contagious and there are several forms ranging from mild to severe. The Facebook group is here.
www.firstskinfoundation.org	F.I.R.S.T. Skin Foundation is an US-based foundation providing information about Ichthyosis and it also sponsors research.
www.ichthyosis.org.uk	Ichthyosis Support Group is a UK-based group formed in 1997 by people affected by Ichthyosis. The Facebook page is here.
www.friends-of-ichthyosis.webs.com	Friends of Ichthyosis is a UK-based website set up by a person with Ichthyosis.

Motor Neurone Disease

www.imnda.ie	The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association functions mainly as a support organisation for people who have MND, their carers and families. This work entails home visiting by an MND nurse specialist, financial assistance towards home help and supply of specialised equipment on loan to patients. The association also supports research into the causes and treatment of Motor Neurone Disease.

Multiple Sclerosis

www.ms-society.ie	MS Ireland provides services and resources at a local and national level. A team of 30 regional workers provide one-to-one and group support. The 41 voluntary branches provide opportunities to socialize, share experiences and avail of services. National services include a respite care centre in Rathgar and MS Ireland's telephone Information Line.

Muscular Dystrophy

www.mdi.ie	Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) is a voluntary organization, established in 1972 by a group of people in the west of Ireland to support families who had a member with muscular dystrophy. It now has a membership of over 540 members and a network of branches throughout Ireland. See the website for more details on what muscular dystrophy is, research programmes, emergency respite and financial aid for aids and appliances.

Rett Syndrome

www.rettsyndrome.ie	The Rett Syndrome Association of Ireland is "an association of parents and families of people with Rett syndrome." Rett Syndrome is a "complex neurological syndrome affecting mainly girls".
http://rettsyndrome.eu/	Rett Syndrome Europe is a non-profit making organisation which aims to inform and encourage co-operation between Rett syndrome associations across Europe.

Sotos Syndrome

Facebook Page on Sotos Syndrome

Sotos syndrome (cerebral gigantism) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by excessive physical growth during the first 2 to 3 years of life.

Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus

www.ifsbhireland2010.com	Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland is a voluntary organisation which has over 4000 members nationwide. There is a National Resource Centre and a Family Support Service.
www.ifglobal.org	The International Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus is a world-wide umbrella organisation and aims "to disseminate information and expertise throughout the world to families, individuals, professionals and volunteers involved in the Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida field."

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

www.fsma.org	Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a US-based organisation which was started by parents in 1984. The charity fundraises to conduct research into the genetic condition which attacks nerve cells in the spinal cord.
www.jtsma.org.uk	The Jennifer Trust for spinal muscular atrophy is a UK-based charity which supports people with SMA and conducts research into the condition.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Facebook group
www.mdi.ie	Muscular Dystrophy Ireland has factsheets on SMA on this website.

Twenty-two q eleven/22Q11.2 deletion/DiGeorge Syndrome/V.C.F.S.

www.22q11ireland.org	The 22q11 Ireland is the Irish support group for individuals and families affected by 22q11.2 deletion, DiGeorge Syndrome and V.C.F.S.