The judge said that he is concerned that the message that could emerge that the only way that these services can be accessed is if parents bring High Court judicial review proceedings.

A child with Down syndrome was removed from a classroom and instead placed in the school foyer with a special needs assistant.

Sinn Fein’s Pearse Doherty told the Dail 17,000 youngsters are awaiting on initial contact with a children’s disability team.

The case of the girl, who may have an intellectual disability is also suspected of having suffered neglect back in Ukraine, is among the latest batch of cases highlighted by the Child Law Project.

An exhibition featuring work by children with medical conditions and special needs runs at Tory Top Library this month. COLETTE SHERIDAN talks to a mum whose son is involved, and one of the artists from Helium Arts

The woman behind Dogs for the Disabled, Jennifer Dowler, who set up the charity back in 2007, has issued an urgent appeal for individuals and families to foster a puppy for 12 to 14 months, writes MARY HASSETT

After quitting her singing career to care for her son who has autism, Dervla Burke O’Connor tells CHRIS DUNNE why she is campaigning for better support and services

Children looking for Occupational Therapy in Cork can be waiting up to five years through the public health system. A new online resource being piloted in Cork could help address that, writes COLETTE SHERIDAN