Limerick Therapist Wins National Award for Self-Regulation Project

BREAKING: A groundbreaking initiative by a Limerick occupational therapist has just been honored with the prestigious 2025 Eva Duggan Award. Dearbhla O’Reilly, a Senior Occupational Therapist with HSE West, has received this accolade for her innovative project, The Self-Regulation Video Project, aimed at empowering children and families with essential self-regulation skills.

The award was announced earlier today, highlighting a resource that directly addresses the pressing needs of neurodiverse primary school pupils across Ireland. Through child-directed video content, the project supports emotional well-being and participation in everyday life, making it a vital tool for schools and families.

This initiative was originally developed within primary care at HSE Mid-West to fill the gap in sustainable self-regulation resources. The recognition comes with a €1,000 bursary to further enhance pediatric services, marking a significant step toward improving educational outcomes for children facing sensory processing and attention challenges.

In her statement, O’Reilly expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m so delighted to receive the Eva Duggan Award for my project. Self-regulation can be especially challenging for neurodivergent children. This recognition means a lot to me because it reflects the years I have spent working with children and understanding what is needed.”

Odhrán Allen, CEO of the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI), also commended O’Reilly, stating, “This award truly represents the vision of the Occupational Therapy profession in Ireland. I look forward to tracking the impact of The Self-Regulation Video Project in the coming years.”

The implications of this award extend beyond recognition; it underscores the critical need for resources that aid neurodiverse children in navigating their environments. With support from initiatives like O’Reilly’s, schools across Limerick and Tipperary are poised to enhance their educational practices, fostering inclusion and understanding.

Stay tuned for more updates on how The Self-Regulation Video Project will transform the landscape of occupational therapy and educational support for children in Ireland. This is a significant win not only for the therapist but for the families and communities benefiting from her work.