Mayo based Sensational Kids announces major milestone
Sensational Kids, the award winning charity delivering affordable, accessible developmental therapies for children and adolescents with additional needs — has today published its 2025 Impact Report. The report reveals a record 26,536 therapy hours, 7,965 appointments and assessments, and nearly 1,000 children supported across its four National Child Development Centres in Mayo, Kildare, Cork and Monaghan.
With long waiting lists holding children back, Sensational Kids, with a centre based in Claremorris, is filling a critical national gap — relying on public support, philanthropy, and earned income to keep essential therapy accessible and affordable for families, amid rising demand for early intervention services.
“Our results show the life changing impact that timely and accessible intervention can have,” said Karen Leigh, Founder and CEO of Sensational Kids. “Every therapy hour represents a child gaining confidence, developing new skills, or overcoming challenges and the trust families place in our team every single day.”
Some of the key impact figures from 2025 include: a total of 3,203 Occupational Therapy appointments; 1,924 Speech and Language Therapy appointments; 822 parent consultations; 182 educational psychology assessments; 214 parents and educators reached through workshops; and €809,310 saved by families through subsidised services.
Further insights from the 2025 Clinical Services Survey show strong outcomes including that 76.6 per-cent of families were very satisfied with services; 96.88 per-cent felt their child’s needs were clearly understood and addressed; nearly two thirds reported significant developmental progress; and 83.1 per-cent rated therapist professionalism as excellent.
“Families share with us every day how therapy has opened new possibilities for their child — first words spoken, confidence blossoming, milestones once out of reach becoming part of everyday life,” Leigh said. “Hearing their stories is profoundly moving. Their stories remind us why our work matters. Sensational Kids is deeply committed to providing family centred support that helps children grow, thrive, and discover their full potential.”
The report also highlights powerful family stories that illustrate the difference timely therapy can make. This level of service was only possible thanks to the generosity of donors, businesses, schools, and community groups who supported Sensational Kids throughout 2025.
The full Sensational Kids 2025 Impact Report is available here.