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The Importance of Understanding Neurodiversity Not all breakthroughs happen in a lab or operating room. Sometimes, the most meaningful ones occur during quiet moments. These are the times when someone finally feels seen, understood, and safe enough to be themselves. Mick Ryan has worked at our Galway facility for 25 years. During this time, he has navigated life with undiagnosed ADHD and autism. After years of masking his true self, his diagnosis became a turning point. He de

Enhancing Well-Being Through Technology Cubbie’s multisensory spaces are designed to help neurodivergent individuals manage their conditions effectively. These innovative environments provide a safe and calming space for those who experience sensory overload or require support in social situations. Cubbie has partnered with Wireless Logic, a leading Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider. This collaboration aims to connect new and existing Cubbie hubs installed across va

Welcome to the Southend SEND Partnership Newsletter: Your Monthly Source of SEND Information and Support in Southend-on-Sea =========================================================================================================================== This newsletter is from the Southend SEND Partnership. We are a collective of organisations and services dedicated to supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families in

Understanding the Challenges Faced by Neurodiverse Families We sat in that A&E waiting room for nearly nine hours. Nine hours of pleading eyes and silent prayers. Nine hours of trying to soothe my autistic child in a space that was anything but soothing. When we were finally called to triage, it wasn’t relief that met us; it was sensory chaos. The lights were blinding. The noise was relentless. The smells were overpowering. The space was shared, divided only by flimsy curtai

The Beginning of Our Journey A few years ago, I was asked to help set up a new nursery. It was a dream come true. I poured my heart and soul into creating a calm, child-centred environment. We were a small setting, full of hope and excitement as we prepared to open our doors. A few months after opening, when things were still quiet, Leo joined us. He was a bright, curious little boy with a diagnosis of autism. Nonverbal, he experienced the world in a deeply sensory way. Leo h

For many neurodivergent individuals—whether autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or with other differences—navigating the world often comes with pressure to mask. Masking is when someone hides or suppresses their natural behaviours to appear “neurotypical” and avoid judgment, misunderstanding, or negative consequences. While it can help people get through everyday life, the toll it takes is often invisible and deeply draining. What Does Masking Look Like? Masking is different for everyo

A multi-sensory booth developed by the father of an autistic child offers a special space away from the noise of public places “IT JUST feels like a safe space for me” — this is how 13-year-old Conor Moriarty describes the cubbie sensory hub at Listowel Library. “Just the fact that nobody else can come in during the time I’m in there. There’s a hammock, and before I go in, I can set the videos and sounds I want to play, which can be very relaxing — I guess I like anything rel

The Cubbie is a self-contained sensory booth designed to fit into schools, hospitals, libraries and other childcare-related environments Industrial designer David McIntyre was inspired to create the Cubbie by his youngest daughter, Ava, who is on the autism spectrum. The idea was to create a snug, safe place where a child with additional sensory needs can go to be calm or stimulated depending on what’s right for them. The Cubbie is a self-contained booth, measuring 1.7m squar

Step inside Cubbie. Give your mind and body the chance to relax by resetting through video, lighting and music for just a few minutes. “It’s a quick sensory intervention that helps that person regulate and what we call regulation is a person that balanced their mood in a sensory way," Cubbie creator David McIntyre said. McIntyre hails from Ireland and created the immersive sensory regulatory booth with his brother Jon after his daughter was diagnosed with Autism a decade ago.

Two major events prompted Mayo entrepreneur David McIntyre to develop the Cubbie booth which offers a sensory solution for people with autism, ADHD and other sensory processing disorders (SPD). Being diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult and then having his youngest daughter, Ava, diagnosed with autism led to David’s eureka moment. Another significant factor in his decision to manufacture the Cubbie booth was being made redundant. David’s business, DMC-Design Ltd, developed the

Cubbie, who are supported by Local Enterprise Office Mayo, were winners at this year’s National Enterprise Awards. The awards, which took place at the Mansion House in Dublin, are in their 23rd year and run annually by the Local Enterprise Offices. Cubbie took home the Innovation Award.The installation, which is in over 200 schools across Ireland, enables students with neurodiversity or sensory challenges to regulate their senses with a bespoke programme to ensure their learn

Imagine having access to a tool that can reduce anxiety and stress in less than 10 minutes. That’s the promise of a Cubbie, an immersive sensory regulation booth that can help individuals “get back to center through music, video, and lighting,” as explained by Dr. Jenelle Abnett, Neumann’s expert in autism and neurodiversity. And Neumann has the first Cubbie in America. It was installed in mid-November on the ground floor of Bachmann, directly across from the computer lab. At

Autistic people face significant challenges daily; in many cases, their challenges are not visible to those around them. Even the people that make up the support network of somebody with Autism cannot truly experience how it feels to be autistic. Autistic people are more sensitive to noise, light, and the environment than neurotypical people. This leads to a feeling of dysregulation. Dysregulation displays itself as stress and anxiety, leading to aggression or sleepiness. Man

"It allows children a very important break from the classroom to decompress and regulate" Every school should have a revolutionary new device said to be making a “real difference” to children with sensory and anxiety issues, an MP says. The call came as the man behind the Cubbie visited a North Belfast primary where the photo-booth sized machine has been helping pupils “decompress” before heading to class better able to learn since the end of 2021. https://www.belfastlive.co.

Sensory rooms have become a staple in many schools. They are designed as calming spaces where children can take a break from sensory overload. Here, they can regulate their emotions and return to class ready to learn. The intention is always to support. However, as we enhance our understanding of inclusion, it’s essential to ask: is there a way to support regulation without creating separation? A Quiet Retreat—But at What Cost? Imagine a child you care about, perhaps your god

Have you ever found yourself reaching to lower the volume on your car stereo as you navigate into a parking spot? If so, you're not alone. This seemingly small action is something many drivers instinctively do. But why do we turn down the music when we park? This simple habit reveals a lot about how our brains work and our need for sensory control. The Cognitive Connection Sensory Overload Driving involves processing numerous sensory inputs. These include visual cues from the

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can profoundly impact an individual's social development. The journey from childhood to adulthood with SPD can lead to vastly different outcomes depending on the support and interventions received. Let's explore how effective help can transform a child's experience, leading to either social awkwardness or social awareness in adulthood. The Spectrum of Social Outcomes Social Awkwardness Children with SPD often face significant challenges

In our previous discussion, we delved into what Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is and why it often goes unnoticed. Now, let's explore the deeper impacts of SPD on individuals as they transition from childhood into adolescence and adulthood. Understanding the statistics and long-term effects can help in creating more effective support systems and raising awareness about this often-overlooked condition. Statistics on Sensory Processing Disorder Prevalence: Studies estima

Imagine living in a world where every sound feels like a roar, where the touch of clothing feels like sandpaper on your skin, or where bright lights seem like a constant, unbearable glare. This is the reality for individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), a condition that remains largely misunderstood and under-recognised. What is Sensory Processing Disorder? Sensory Processing Disorder is a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes sensory informat