Knockrooskey Autism Class

Belonging, Partnership, and Autistic Wellbeing

I know many parents who struggle every single day to ensure their children have access to the education they deserve.

I read about these experiences constantly, and I hear them often from my own friends who are parents to neurodivergent children. Many of them must go to extraordinary lengths to have their children’s voices heard and their rights acknowledged.

I remember a time before Conor started school. We had no idea what would be best for him. At that point he was afraid to leave the house, would become physically sick if he had to go somewhere new, and experienced significant anxiety when entering unfamiliar places.

I remember feeling deeply worried as we tried to decide where he would feel supported and understood.

Like all parents, I wanted what was best for Conor, but at that time I had limited experience with Autism classes or special schools. I felt enormous pressure to choose the right school. He was non-speaking at that time, and I could see how intelligent he was, yet I did not know which environment would help my gorgeous Conor thrive.

Choosing a school when you are navigating uncertainty

Fate helped bring the answer.

Conor is Autistic and, over the years, has also experienced medical difficulties unrelated to Autism. We frequently stayed in Mayo General Hospital for treatment. He has a wonderful consultant who supports him during inpatient stays and outpatient visits. She has a strong understanding of Autism.

At one of Conor’s outpatient visits (close to his fourth birthday), she asked whether we had made plans for school in September. We told her honestly that we had no idea what would be best for him and that we wanted to give him the greatest opportunity for a fulfilling, happy school life.

She told us about Knockrooskey National School and its principal, Kieran Geraghty. She explained that if Conor were her own child, she would choose Knockrooskey without hesitation. She described the Autism classes, the teachers, and the SNAs as exceptional, with significant knowledge and experience supporting Autistic students. It felt like fate.

Kieran Geraghty

Shortly afterwards, we met Principal Kieran Geraghty. I remember leaving that meeting with an overwhelming sense of hope and positivity. Before that day, much of that hope had been slipping away as I worried constantly about making the right decision.

After that first meeting, I knew Conor would be happy at Knockrooskey NS. Enrolling him brought a sense of peace because it finally felt like the right decision.

Principal Kieran and his staff have a collective wealth of knowledge and experience that I could never match on my own. There have been many times since Conor started school when he faced new challenges that I did not yet know how to support.

I remember a time when he was engaging in significant oral sensory seeking, biting his hands aggressively. This was long before I had the understanding of Autism that I have now. I called the school to ask for advice, and, as always, they offered support. They explained oral sensory needs and gave Conor a chewy that helped him regulate and prevented him from hurting himself.

Now when new challenges arise, I no longer panic. If I cannot find a solution myself, I know the school is only a phone call away.

A sense of community

One of the things I love most about Knockrooskey NS is how friendly and open the school is. You can call at any time for advice or support. Conor takes the bus every day, but most Fridays I collect him so we can spend time together in town with his Granny.

When I arrive, I know without even looking that Kieran will be outside the school, speaking to parents, guiding traffic, and ensuring everyone’s safety. He even helps children cross the road. There is a genuine sense of community. It is a home away from home for Conor. He now waits happily at the door each morning for the school bus, excited for another day of fun and learning.

That sense of community is real and visible. There is no divide, visible or invisible, between any of the children who attend the school.

I still remember that first walk through the building with Kieran. I was struck by how bright it was, how beautiful the classrooms looked, and how proudly children’s artwork was displayed on the walls.

I see how Conor has grown since he started in Knockrooskey. I see progress every day. He goes out more, feels more comfortable in social settings, and always arrives home with a huge smile on his face after another great day.

I know now that when baby Jack starts school, he will also attend Knockrooskey NS. He will be supported, understood, and given the space to flourish just like his big brother.

Autism and community

I realise how fortunate we are to have found Knockrooskey NS, to know Principal Kieran Geraghty, and to have wonderful teachers like Noelle and the SNAs who support Conor so thoughtfully. When I see how other families struggle to have their children’s needs recognised and to secure appropriate educational support, I am reminded of how lucky my boys are. I will forever be grateful to Knockrooskey NS.

There are many excellent national schools across Mayo, but as a mother of two Autistic children, I cannot recommend Knockrooskey National School highly enough. It has transformed Conor’s educational experience and contributed to his happiness and wellbeing.

This is an honest reflection from a mother who wants to acknowledge and appreciate a school that has truly made a difference. Too often we hear of the barriers families face. It feels important to also recognise when things go right.

And to close, I will let Conor speak for himself through his most recent school photo. His smile says everything about what his school means to him.

This post was first written in 2015. I have updated the language for clarity and flow, but the story remains as it was experienced at that time in our family’s journey.