National Learning Network has supported hundreds of neurodivergent individuals into employment or to progress to further education in the last five years.

National Learning Network, the education and training division of Rehab Group, provides life-changing education and training. Each year, NLN empowers thousands of people with disabilities and mental health challenges across communities in Ireland to achieve qualifications, develop resilience skills, progress to further and higher education and get jobs.

NLN’s impact extends far beyond individual success stories; it fosters higher earning capabilities, tax contributions, and reduced reliance on social welfare, benefiting individuals and society. NLN specialises in catering to diverse needs, including those of neurodivergent individuals or those who struggle in conventional educational settings.

Since 2020 a total of 1,621 neurodivergent individuals have been supported into employment or to progress to further education by National Learning Network. These include placements in esteemed companies such as Meta, Cook Medical, Mr. Price, Dunnes Stores, the Square Tallaght and many others.

One in 10 adults in Ireland are neurodivergent, a term covering a range of conditions that include attention deficit disorders, autism, dyspraxia, and dyslexia.

Alexandra O’Leary, 24 from Wicklow had always struggled in school and found maintaining relationships a challenge. “By sixth year I really wanted to drop out of school. I found it so difficult. I didn’t feel understood, found it almost impossible to concentrate on subjects I didn’t like and found friendships challenging, but my mum kept me going. I had not yet been diagnosed so I didn’t get the kind of support I needed at that time,” she said.

Following a BIFFE course Alex’s passion led her to open her own dog grooming business, Scruff to Fluff, in Wicklow town. Although it was popular, escalating costs and rents eventually forced her to close, a painful experience that deeply affected her mental health.

“I was devastated to let the business go it was heartbreaking and I really struggled. I was applying for jobs, going to interviews, but getting nowhere. It was a really tough time.”

Alex also attended mental health clinic and was diagnosed at the age of 23 with Autism and Borderline Personality Disorder.

It was like everything finally made sense,” she said. “I realised I was not just ‘difficult’ or ‘different’ — my brain just works in a different way. Autism isn’t one thing — it’s a whole spectrum. People still don’t really get that. You hear things like, ‘Oh, but you seem fine,’ just because you can work or hold a conversation. But what’s going on inside can be a

completely different story. There is still a lot of education that’s needed so people can understand how autism can show up in all kinds of ways.”

During this low point, Alex’s mother — an instructor at NLN — encouraged her to try a Job Start course. NLN’s model which is flexible, inclusive, and person-cantered is a lifeline for many people like Alex

“I met the team at NLN and my instructor Collette and felt at ease straight away. They explained how they could support me to get a job. I thought, why not? I wasn’t doing anything, and I didn’t feel great.”

Starting in February 2024, Alex threw herself into it, gaining qualifications in workplace health and safety, manual handling, and even completing a Barista course and an online Diploma in Feline Psychology. She also got real-world experience at The Cat’s Pyjamas, a cat hotel in Wicklow.

But it wasn’t just about skills — it was about belief. “At NLN, they genuinely care. If I said I wanted to study feline psychology, they didn’t laugh — they cheered me on and found me an online course. They are just so understanding and listen to you and put you at the centre of everything. If you are feeling overwhelmed you can take a break, go at your own pace, they’re open minded because there’s a lot of people in the college with so many different challenges and disabilities, mental health challenges and a lot of people in the LGBTQIA+ community. Alex’s instructors helped her land a dream internship with Seal Rescue Ireland, working with wild animals.

“They really listen to you. They put you at the centre of everything. They understand that what might seem like a small success to others can be huge for someone like me.”

Last week, with the support of NLN, Alex was over the moon to start a full-time job as a store assistant at a pet store in Wicklow town.

“Even when I got the job, the instructors at NLN were genuinely delighted for me — they’re like your biggest cheerleaders,” Alex said. “You really feel appreciated and supported. It’s such a relief to be around people who understand that what might seem like a small achievement to others can be a huge milestone for someone like me.”

To coincide with World Autism Awareness month, NLN training centres nationwide are hosting a National Open Day on Wednesday April 30th at 11 am focussing on breaking down the barriers to employment for neurodivergent individuals. Member of the public can visit NLN locations in every county to see the various course options with pathways to further education, higher education, and jobs.

Dr Rita Day, Director of Learning at Rehab Group said “At NLN, we’re committed to breaking down the barriers that neurodivergent individuals face on the path to employment and further education. Through accessible learning, tailored support, and inclusive opportunities students get an opportunity to realise their full potential. It’s essential to

reframe the dialogue surrounding neurologically-based conditions—valuing the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals alongside the challenges they may face.”

“While neurodivergent people can bring much creativity and focus to the workforce, without the right supports, their potential is too often overlooked. In Ireland, where employment rates for people with disabilities remain among the lowest in Europe, we have a responsibility to change not the people, but the systems around them. At NLN we work directly with employers to support and educate,” added Dr Day.

Join us for our NLN National Open Day which is focused on empowering neurodivergent individuals on their journey to meaningful and fulfilling careers. Go to nln.ie for details on your nearest centre.

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For media inquiries, please contact Senior Communications Officer Ciara Heffernan at Ciara.heffernan@rehab.ie or on 087 9728513