Neuroconvergence 2024
Neuroconvergence 2024 is a festival gathering to launch a new collective neurodivergent community concept. The Festival will take place from 2pm-6pm on the 22nd of June 2024 at Richmond Barracks. This is a free event with the support of Dublin City Council.
We are planning an event that will break down barriers and bring people together for meaningful conversation, encounters and celebration.
Join us for a summer solstice party with music, performance, comedy, film, panel discussions, conversations and more. A more sensitive, inclusive, caring and fully supported society for all is a win for all!
This is a neurodivergent-led event for individuals and families. There will be events and activities to suit all ages as well as access to sensory and quiet spaces as needed.
All are welcome to this free event! Book tickets here.
In addition to the Festival, Neuroconvergence 2024 includes a facilitated planning meeting of key stakeholders with Connect The Dots from 12-2pm. If you are an organisation/individual with an interest in developing networks and supports across all areas of neurodivergence, please contactpopuphappenings@gmail.com.
LINE UP
Artists & Performers
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A Japanese garden is a fitting metaphor for the music of Chequerboard. This music is raked, and tended to, with such focus and care that each sound rises and falls in its own being without ever losing purpose or beauty. Peace reigns, and the acoustic heart of John Lambert’s guitar beats contently and evenly through the veins of the partaker. With the release of his 4th album under the Chequerboard moniker Lambert continues to build an audience for his understated but powerful take on guitar music that speaks directly to the heart of its audience.
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Matthew Nolan is a Dublin based musician, composer, academic and curator. He has produced new work in collaboration with some of the finest musicians around, both Irish and international. He has worked on commissions from a range of prestigious performing arts institutions, including National Gallery of Ireland, BAM and Film at Lincoln Centre in New York, The National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., Kilkenny Arts Festival, Bram Stoker Festival, and the St Patrick’s Festival. His most recent projects were presented at MoLI in Dublin as part of their Ulysses centenary project and at the New York Film Festival. 2024 will see the release of Pomes Penyeach by Universal Music, produced in collaboration with Adrian Crowley and based on James Joyce’s short book of poetry.
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Louisa is a bi-lingual writer and performer (Gaeilge and English) based in Dublin. In 2022, Louisa received an adult diagnosis of ADHD and reacted by writing a one-woman show, Dopa-Mean Girl. The show had a sold out run in the Dublin Fringe Festival 2023,and won the First Fortnight Award. A trained musician, she infuses her comedic performances with catchy songs. Louisa is a regular contributor on Newstalk’s Splanc and has appeared on various shows on TG4. Louisa is passionate about creating a neuro-inclusive society and is excited to be a part of this Neuroconvergence event and all it can achieve.
speakers & contributors
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Adam set up AsIAm based on his own experiences growing up as a young Autistic person in Ireland. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome from an early age, the condition was far less understood or even known as it is today. Adam Harris is the Founder and CEO of AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity. Adam founded the organisation based on his own experiences growing up on the Autism spectrum. Today, AsIAm provides support to Autistic people and their families, advocates on behalf of the community, and works to support public and private sector organisations and communities in becoming inclusive and accessible. He has also sat and advised on many government consultative and policy committees on disability rights and inclusion. From Greystones in Co Wicklow, Adam was appointed to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission in July 2020.
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Caoimh Connolly Murphy is a 20 year old non-speaking autistic. He lives in Co Meath. He loves hanging out with his friends and family, movies, literature and being at one with nature- particularly in forests and woods surrounded by trees. Caoimh is very passionate about advocating for his fellow non-speakers and is particularly focused on improving the educational system for all non-speaking youths in Ireland. He intends to one day go to university to study literature. Caoimh has been communicating openly through S2C (Spell To Communicate) for 7 years.
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Niamh joined the AsIAm team in August 2021, taking up the role of Community Support Manager. In September 2022, having established the AsIAm Autism Information Line, Niamh took on the role of Family Support Manager, a role which will focus on the piloting and expansion of the direct supports AsIAm provides to children and families. Niamh is a senior occupational therapist with a particular passion for nurturing pride in Autistic identity amongst children, whilst supporting children and families to acknowledge and advocate their needs. Niamh developed a love for knowledge translation while working with parents and teachers in Autism schools, and then going on to lecture in occupational therapy for three years. Niamh has also completed a post-registration Master of Science in occupational therapy.
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Gillian Kearns is a co-founder of Neuro Pride Ireland, a self-directed community space and DPO (Disabled Persons Organisation) who hold an annual festival to celebrate neurodivergent communities and identities. Gillian is a multiply neurodivergent, agender person. They are an Early Childhood educator with experience drawn from the primary education and child protection sectors. Gillian has also worked with parents, guardians and families to ensure greater understanding of the neurodivergent experience in order to help them support the young people in their care. Gillian is also a parent of neurodivergent children.
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Jody O’Neill is an autistic writer and actor for theatre and screen. Since her autism diagnosis, she also frequently works as a public speaker and inclusion consultant. She is a recipient of the 2022 Markievicz Award, is Theatre Artist-in-Residence at UCC and Cork Opera House, and was a finalist for the 2022 Virgin Media Discovers Award. Her play, What I (Don’t) Know About Autism, a co-production with The Abbey Theatre, received the award for Best Script at the WGI Zebbie Awards 2021. Her new play Grace, which explores grief and communication through a non-speaking protagonist premieres at Cork Midsummer Festival 2024. She also writes for animation, working with Cartoon Saloon, Little Moon, JAM, CBBC and more.
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CJay is a partially sighted AuDHDer who works as an ANA in an Autistic school. They are in final year at TU Dublin studying to get a BSc in 'Information Systems & Information Technology'. CJay has won a number of awards for their work in assistive technology and is passionate about informing others about the many benefits of AT for everyone. They are currently working to develop assistive technology informed by personal experience and experiences working with other Neuro spicy individuals. They will be speaking about AAC's in Assistive Technology, why it’s important and how to use AAC devices to best benefit the user.
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Utilising the harp, voice, electronics and percussion, she is a multi-instrumental sound artist based in Dublin city. Drawing on years of experimentation and collaboration, her live performances have evolved from traversing the eclectic worlds of traditional, classical, and early music, intuitively weaving them with contemporary and electronic elements. Her solo project forges a sound world of mycelial improvisation and memory, connecting the ancient with the futuristic to make a music of resonance and reflection that’s entirely her own.
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Sharon Phelan is a Dublin-based artist, writer and musician specialising in digital media and sound. Her practice researches resonance and poetics of place, often in site-responsive and collaborative projects. Her ongoing project, Vocal Artefacts, explores ways of listening and expanded notions of voice through artistic research, field recordings and sound essays.
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Philip Kenny is a writer, spoken word performer and Autism advocate from Dublin. He has been involved in the Dublin arts scene since his teens and is a regular festival performer, including Knockanstockan and Electric Picnic. He has had work published in Outstraight magazine and has exhibited in The Lab Gallery. He was commissioned by Arts Disability Ireland to produce the audio visual piece 'Ode to Sweeneys' and is launching a new piece 'Myriad' on May 10th as a part of the culture date with dublin 8 festival. The Neuroconvergence festival is a coming together of Neurodiverse groups to celebrate Neurodiversity and to educate one another and the wider community, something Philip is excited to contribute to in whatever way he can.
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Adrienne Murphy is the mother of 20-year-old Caoimh Connolly Murphy, who is autistic and nonspeaking. When Caoimh was 12, after dedicated work for 18 months, Caoimh and Adrienne succeeded in unlocking Caoimh into full expression of his thoughts, through teaching him the movement skill of purposeful pointing at a letter board. Acquiring this motor skill enabled Caoimh to spell to communicate. Learning how to spell to communicate (S2C) is by far the most important of the many therapeutic and educational interventions that they’ve tried. Adrienne is now a qualified S2C practitioner. She is also a journalist, editor and writer.
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Max Whelan is a 22 year old non-speaking autistic and lives in Dublin with his two wonderful dads and two siblings. Max loves going to the gym, music and lots of movies, going away with his family and hanging out with them at home. For the first time, life seems bright, and Max has hope for the future and his life because of S2C (Spelling To Communicate). Max is hoping to one day go to college to study film.
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Loaf is unique as it is part of NOW Group, an all-island organisation which supports people with intellectual disabilities, autism and other neurodiversity into jobs with a future. This is why we deliver Food with Purpose, returning all profits into the organisation to further this goal. Loaf Catering and Cafés is an award-winning social enterprise offering exceptional outside catering services across Dublin and Belfast. They have a café based in Kilmainham, Dublin, two in Belfast, and a stunning pottery in Crawfordsburn, County Down. Providing quality food and beverage options which can be enjoyed in the cafés or delivered fresh to your door, Loaf is the perfect choice to cater for your family get together, corporate event, or special occasions. For more information visit www.loafcatering.ie
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Michele Van Valey holds a MSc in Mindfulness Based Interventions from the Department of Psychology at UCD and is currently working toward a clinical MSc in Psychotherapy. She is a holistic health consultant with a nutrition qualification and 20 years of experience teaching yoga, Pilates and meditation. Michele brings her diverse body-mind experience to developing well-being and inclusion programmes in the workplace (Royal College of Surgeons, Goshawk, Wells Fargo) and in schools (Terenure College, High School). Dyslexic and dyspraxic, she is passionate about education, connection and support for all learning styles.
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With 20 years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals, Anna Lechleiter is the owner and lead Practitioner at PALZ Ireland. Anna is an I-ASC Certified and Registered S2C (Spell To Communicate) Practitioner. Anna teaches nonspeaking, minimally and unreliably speaking individuals with sensory-motor differences the purposeful gross motor movement that enables them to spell out their thoughts and ideas on letter-boards and keyboards. Anna is a faculty member of I-ASC. She mentors and delivers the training seminars for Practitioners in Training through the I-ASC training program. Anna's passion for bringing communication to the non-speaking, neurodiverse community has become her life vocation.
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Ian Lawton is an Autistic entrepreneur and the founder of NeuroHive, a social enterprise launching later this year. NeuroHive offers a platform where Neurodivergent adults can find bespoke peer support through a social support network populated exclusively by other Neurodivergent adults. Recognising the lack of support for Neurodivergent individuals over the age of 18, particularly those diagnosed with conditions like Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia in advanced years, NeuroHive provides safe spaces for community collaboration through its online platform and companion app. Ian feels the time is right for an event such as Neuroconvergence. Like the concept behind NeuroHive, we are stronger together. Ian is known for his insightful approach to problem-solving and dedication to making a positive impact.
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Ellie O’Neill is an songwriter, vocalist and recording artist from Co. Meath. Her work is tender, rich and original, and explores intimacy, loss, friendship and queerness. She is currently working on her debut album, and performing in a solo capacity regularly around Ireland and further afield. At the moment she is interested in the poems of Minnie Bruce Pratt, sea swimming, and laughing.
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Ian is a AuDHD comedian who has performed at Knockanstockan, Wexford Pride, Kaleidoscope and the Paddy Power Comedy Festival. His solo show, Autistic License debuted to a sell-out run in Dublin Fringe 2021 and had a four-star run in the Edinburgh Fringe 2022. He runs a monthly disability-themed show, Spoons, every month in the Hysteria Comedy Club.
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‘Yellow’ is a joyous, uplifting piece of theatre written by Jody O’Neill, writer of the award-winning, ‘What I (Don’t) Know About Autism’.
It follows the story of Lizzie, a creature of habit, and how her life is irrevocably changed when she sleeps through her alarm clock and has to break her routine, with very unexpected consequences.
'Yellow' will be followed by a discussion on inclusion, disability and diversity, designed in collaboration with Sinéad Dunne Finnegan.
'Yellow' was originally commissioned and developed by Draíocht in Dublin 15 through Home Theatre (Ireland). Home Theatre (Ireland) was funded through an Arts Council’s Open Call award with additional support provided by Fingal County Council.
Performed by Eleanor Walsh
Directed by Al Bellamy
The play is a relaxed performance and is suitable for all ages. Running time: 25 minutes plus 25 minutes post-show conversation.
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Ken Kilbride is the CEO at ADHD Ireland. Ken has over 25 years experience in senior management positions in a wide range of both very large and very small not for profit organisations in Ireland (drinkware.ie; Consumers Association; Fianna Fail). His role with ADHD Ireland is to enact the vision and strategy of the Board, and in the words of Captain James T Kirk take this ADHD organisation to where no ADHD organisation has ever been before.
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Deirdre Jacob is the parent of Twice Exceptional Child who attends the Centre for Talented Youth in DCU. Since her Son was identified as neurodivergent at age 6, Deirdre has advocated at local and government level to have 'giftedness' recognised both in education and under the Neurodiversity 'Umberella '. As with other Neurodivergences, she recognised the lack of understanding around 'giftedness' that permeates all sectors of society. Through her work with other Parent Advocates of Gifted Children, they have found that Gifted and Twice Exceptional children can experience the same degree of exclusion in Society as other neurodivergent children. It is for this reason that she is excited to be involved in the Neuroconvergence Festival and to continue raising the profile of Gifted and 2e children in Ireland.
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Rosie Bissett is CEO of Dyslexia Ireland, the national association representing those with dyslexia in Ireland. Services offered by Dyslexia Ireland include: information; assessment for dyslexia and dyscalculia; specialist tuition for children and adults; courses for parents; training for teachers and other education personnel; dyslexia awareness training; and lobbying and advocacy. Rosie led the development of DAI’s online learning sites, the Dyslexia Hub and the Adult Dyslexia Hub. Rosie is also the current President of the European Dyslexia Association, the umbrella body for dyslexia organisations across Europe.
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Cír Doyle is a multiply disabled, Neurodivergent queer non binary person. She is part of the Neuropride team. They have been involved in volunteer work and activism since a young age. They were involved with their local MarRef and Repeal campaigns. As well as disabled specific advocacy, Cír also does LGBTQAI+ volunteer work as a queer activist, fighting for equality and communities. Cír has provided advisory input to numerous organisations and governmental departments. Particular topics of interest to Cír include accurate representation, accessibility, Mad Pride and AAC access.
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At Senco, our mission is to create products that help people from 0 to 100 grow and learn. At Neuroconvergence we will have our The Sensory Express and our finest sensory experiences. We are delighted to be part of this innovative concept.
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Naomi is a seasoned Public Consultation, Events Coordinator, and Facilitator with extensive experience across Ireland and the EU. With a background in Design Thinking and the Cultural and Creative Industries, she combines creativity, a user-first focus, and analytical expertise to achieve positive impacts. Naomi works in diverse areas, including public realm improvements, climate action, NGO strategic reviews, and government policy research, primarily focusing on human rights issues. She ensures high-quality outcomes for clients and delivers a positive facilitated experience.
SCHEDULE
12pm to 2pm
2pm to 6pm
2:00pm
Outdoor Garden Stage
2:30pm to 3:15pm
Gym Stage
2:30pm to 3:15pm
Workshop Room
2:30pm to 3:00pm
Outdoor Garden Stage
3:00pm to 3:15pm
Outdoor Garden Stage
3:15pm to 3:45pm
Outdoor Garden Stage
3:30pm to 4pm
Gym Stage
3:30pm to 4:15pm
Workshop Room
4:00pm to 4:45pm
Outdoor Garden Stage
4:15pm - 4:45pm
Gym Stage
4:30pm - 5:15pm
Workshop Room
5:00pm - 5:45pm
Gym Stage
5:00pm - 5:45pm
Gym Stage
Interventions here and there
Interventions here and there
Interventions here and there
Library and outside garden space
All day: Info Room
Garden
Cafe & Garden
Garden
Connect The Dots
Stronger Together Workshop – Pre the ticketed festival experiences
Neuroconvergence
Music/ Performances/ Talks/ Panals/ Experiences
Music: Meabh McKenna
AAC and Spelling to Communicate ( S2C ) live in conversation S2C An open speller ( TBC ) with Anna Lech talking live with AAC expert CJay Smith
NeuroHive CEO Ian Lawton presents The Invisible Elephant. A Roundtable Discussion on Later in life Diagnosis and Co Occuring Conditions with special guests Diarmuid Heffernan and Sharon McCarthy.
Theatrical performance: Moss Russell – Squish, Stomp, Spin – The Magic of Stim
Adam and As I am – 10 year Happy Birthday Celebration and appreciation of As I Am contribution to the ND community
Music: Ellie O’Neill, Matthew Nolan and Sharon Phelan
Theatrical performance: Yellow
Illustration and creative writing workshop (TBC)
Panel Discussion
“Neuroconvergence as a concept ” – ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, Gifted, 2E, Multiple Neuro conditions and why unity is needed. – Deirdre Jacobs, Gillian Kearns, Ian Lawton, Una Sheehan, Jody O’Neill, Fionnathan ( Father and Son ) Niamh Mellerick
Magician – Cillian O’Connor
Diarmuid Heffernen and Gala Tomasso from Cre-AUT – Making Festival Art: A Celebration of Diversity
Music: Chequerboard – The Orchestral Crescendo
Neuroconvergence Comedy Crescendo
Louisa Ní Eideaín, Ian Lynam, Fionnathan with ADHD Ireland
Spoken word ( Philip Kenny )
Alice Doyle – The Autistic Poetess
Paula McGlinchey – Reading (Dyslexic actor/writer)
Quiet Spaces
Information Room – AsIAm, ADHD Ireland, Neurodiversity Ireland, NeuroHive, Neuropride
Bubble stations and soft play area
Senco Sensory Express and Sensory Units on site
Loaf Cafe serving food ( Sweet and savory ) and coffees all afternoon – they will have a coffee and tea stand in the Garden also.
Ice Cream Van & Bubbles!