Pictured: Patrick Brogan with his mother Merni
Two families from Donegal are sharing the challenges and triumphs faced by neurodivergent individuals for a unique TG4 documentary series.
Néara-Éagsúlacht: Dearcadh Difriúil will air next week, offering an honest insight into the lives of neurodivergent people across Ireland, filmed over the course of a year.
In the first episode, cameras follow James McGinley, from Derrybeg in Gweedore.
James is an autistic teen who finds comfort and connection through equine-assisted services at Caring Capall. This service offers unique therapies to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with physical, emotional, and cognitive difficulties.
While there, James’s mother Eileen describes the effect on James as magical. The programme also spends time with James as he starts work experience with his father in Croithlí distillery.
James McGinley
In the second episode, the Brogans from Donegal Town speak candidly about life with four adult children who are autistic and largely non-verbal. The family relies heavily on the support of The Bluestack Foundation in Donegal Town and their parents share their thoughts about this support in the series. The aim of The Bluestack Foundation is to act as an initial point of support and information, support people with disabilities in reaching their full potential, support families caring for dependents with disabilities, raise awareness and promote advocacy.
Both the McGinley and Brogan parents share a deep anxiety about who will be responsible for the welfare of their children when they are no longer there to provide care themselves.
The two-part series addresses the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, as well as the personal, educational and social challenges faced by young people who are neurodivergent.
The series shines a light on the challenges and triumphs faced by neurodivergent individuals and their families, while highlighting the importance of understanding, inclusion, and support in education, employment, and wider society.
The series is enriched by contributions from organisations including ADHD Ireland, AsIAm, Gateway Mental Health, and the Bluestack Foundation. Expert insights are provided by psychologist Dr. Cáit Verling and GP Dr. Darach Ó Ciardha.
Narration of both episodes is provided by renowned musician Colm Mac an Iomaire, while musician and broadcaster Fiachna Ó Braonáin also appears as a participant in the series.
Produced by Tyrone Productions with support from Coimisiún na Meán & TG4.
Néara-Éagsúlacht: Dearcadh Difriúil airs on TG4 on the 1st and 8th of October at 9.30pm
Donegal families appear in powerful series on neurodivergence was last modified: September 26th, 2025 by Contributor
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