Ep 52: According to bettercare.ie Dyspraxia/DCD is estimated to affect 6–10% of the population in Ireland, with many cases going undiagnosed due to varied symptoms and limited awareness. In an article published on RTE.ie the Department of Education report that about 1 in 20 schoolchildren in Ireland are now diagnosed with autism, which represents a threefold increase in under a decade. Referrals for autism assessments have more than doubled in the last five years, with some services reporting up to 300% increases in requests. This surge is largely attributed to greater awareness, improved diagnostic practices, and reduced stigma.In this episode we explore an inspiring story and talk to someone who teaches practical solutions which make a real difference in people’s lives, our guest, Brenda Cassidy, founder of the Braincalm Institute™.Brenda’s journey began with a deeply personal mission: helping her own child overcome anxiety and sensory challenges while waiting months—or even years—for formal diagnoses and medication. Drawing on her expertise as an Occupational Therapist, Brenda developed the Braincalm™ Programme, a simple yet powerful approach that helps children and teens (and even adults) become focused, calm, and able to self-regulate their behaviour.What started as a mother’s determination has grown into a movement. Since launching the original programme in 2015 and founding the Braincalm Institute in 2021, Brenda has empowered thousands of parents and trained over 5,000 school staff across Ireland and beyond. Her work is transforming classrooms and homes by giving adults the tools to support children with sensory issues and emotional regulation challenges.In this episode, we’ll dive into Brenda’s story of necessity, the background of Braincalm™, and how her practical strategies are changing lives every day. If you are struggling to get a diagnosis or help a child with challenges which make it difficult for them to regulate their behaviour, such as Dyspraxia, ADHD, Autism, then listen in - the Braincalm programme is helping people to feel calmer, more confident, and ready to thrive. At the end of the episode, I suggest some calming snacks and explain how they help and the store cupboard staple is nutritious and delicious hummus!ResourcesBrenda's website www.braincalminstitute.comBraincalm Programme https://www.braincalminstitute.com/programmeBrenda's Book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Funpraxia-childhood-step-step-programme-ebook/dp/B01L0MEEP8https://bettercare.ie/insights/dyspraxia-guide-diagnosis-treatment-support/https://www.rte.ie/news/upfront/2025/0414/1507654-examining-the-rise-in-adhd-and-autism-diagnoses/https://educationelephant.ie/the-rise-in-autism-adhd-diagnoses-a-crisis-or-a-breakthrough/https://www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie/2021/10/22/basil-black-pepper-hummus/Healthy Hummus recipes https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/health/healthy-food-guides/best-healthy-hummus-recipesThe Encylopaedia of Healing Foods by Dr Michael Murray, Dr Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno MA, LMTMusic composed by cascreativearts, copyright Lyn Sharkey Nutrition. Lyn's website www.lynsharkeynutrition.ie