Following a diagnosis of Down Syndrome during pregnancy, there were many complications after Caolán was born including a long stay in hospital and almost a year of him being tube fed and on oxygen.

We attended baby groups, but at times, I found it difficult as our lives looked so different to others. Caolán is now off all his tubes, but we still face other challenges, particularly with his development. We are so proud of how he is doing, but compared to his typical peers he is behind with his milestones. It can be challenging relating to others with typical children at times, which is why Playskill is so wonderful as the other parents just ‘get it’. They understand the challenges but equally celebrate Caolán and his achievements as much as we do!

Playskill has given us the tools to support Caolán at home. Each term we are given targets to work towards & for Caolán to achieve. With the support of the wonderful team they give us ideas of how Caolán can further his skills and reach these. They have so many fantastic resources to give us ideas of what to purchase for use at home.

They also provide wonderful events for families to attend. We love these - last year we attended Winter Wonderland which Caolán loved! And the Christmas party. It’s so lovely to meet other families. They also provide us with so much information about where to access support, who to contact, what charities are helpful etc.

Playskill has given us the tools to feel more empowered to meet Caolán’s needs. It has been lovely having the support of the staff to ask questions to when we’ve been worried about something to do with Caolán’s development.

I would tell everyone how wonderful Playskill is. The help they have given us has been invaluable. To feel supported during one of the most difficult journeys has made things feel less heavy. There are lots of unseen challenges to being a carer for a child with medical & developmental needs, that many of our support circle do not understand. To have the support of Playskill, the staff and other Parents has helped so much as they understand the challenges without even having to say them.