The Struggles of Parenting an Autistic Child in Ireland: Radie Peat’s Heartbreaking Journey
Radie Peat, mother of a young autistic child and a member of the Irish folk band Lankum, has shared her harrowing experience navigating Ireland’s healthcare system to provide specialized support for her daughter. When her 17-month-old daughter failed to say “mama” after a year and a half, Peat began her search for answers online and eventually consulted a doctor.
The Journey Begins
Feeling anxious about her daughter’s development, Peat conducted extensive online research before consulting a health professional. After surmising her daughter’s condition from symptoms and seeking confirmation, she contacted a public health nurse. This marked the start of a profound emotional journey filled with grief over the imagined future that lay ahead.
“When I looked up the signs, I knew instantly she was autistic. I rang the public health nurse and that was the start of the grieving process. You grieve for the child you thought you had and the moments you thought you’d share,” Peat said.
The Road to Treatment
Following the initial diagnosis, Peat anticipated a timely response from the healthcare system. However, navigating Ireland’s medical services proved challenging. Despite making a referral in August 2023, it took nearly six months for her daughter to receive an assessment. This delay culminated in a period of persistent advocacy and eventually secured an assessment for December 2024.
Accessing Specialist Services
In January 2025, after the assessment, the family learned that their daughter needed support through a Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT). The timeline stipulated an availability date of July 2028, coinciding with the child’s sixth-and-a-half-year milestone.
“The level of naivety I had back then, I assumed I was operating in a system that worked and was fair,” Peat expressed, emphasizing the stark reality she faced.
This delay in receiving necessary support has left Peat questioning the efficiency and effectiveness of Ireland’s healthcare system. “Early intervention is crucial, but my daughter won’t receive it until she’s too old,” she laments.
Support Services in Crisis
Peat’s partner, Daniel Lambert, echoes her concerns about the healthcare system. “The system here is broken. One doctor told me you’d be better off in any other country in Europe. But moving abroad is not a plausible plan,” Lambert stated.
Another challenge Peat faces is the lack of availability in autism preschools. Despite her daughter being eligible for one, no spots are available.
“You’re waiting for her first steps, waiting to have little jokes with her. I’d thought about which school I’d send her to, I’d envisioned a life for her. You’re so distraught but you’re also looking after them, trying to do your job and just trying to get your shit together,” Peat elaborated.
Expert Insights and Government Response
Doctors and medical experts shed light on the systemic issues plaguing the provision of support for autistic children. Dr. Austin O’Carroll, Peat’s GP, asserts, “The system is broken and needs to be addressed at a political level… Just because this is a complex problem doesn’t mean there’s no solution. We need action and investment.”
Dr. Anna Beug, an inner-city GP and medical educator, believes the surge in cases combined with severe staffing shortages is exacerbating the problem. “It’s about creating an environment in which these children can thrive and develop in their own time,” Dr. Beug added.
HSE and Department of Children’s Response
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has acknowledged the delays and is working to address them. A spokeswoman commented, “It is not acceptable to have to wait an extended time for assessment of needs or therapy, and we are sorry to those families who have had a poor experience in trying to access services.”
HSE statistics reveal that 12,920 children were on waitlists for CDNT services and supports in December 2024, with CDNTs serving 43,000 children through 93 teams nationwide. The HSE is implementing additional recruitment and retention measures to address the issue.
A Call to Awareness
Peat’s public stance on this issue is motivated by a desire to raise awareness and advocate for systemic change. She believes her story can provide insight into the struggles faced by many Irish parents.
“So many parents in Ireland are living in hell, trying to keep it together for their kids with no help. Any change that happens now will be too late for my child. But I don’t want any other mother or father to go through what we’re going through. It’s so deeply unfair,” Peat emphasized.
So many parents in Ireland are living in hell, trying to keep it together for their kids with no help
— Radie Peat
Conclusion
The journey of parenting an autistic child is fraught with hurdles, particularly when navigating an overwhelmed healthcare system. Radie Peat’s story highlights the urgent need for improvements and investment in early intervention support for autistic children and their families in Ireland.
If you have experienced similar challenges or know someone who has, sharing your stories can help bring attention to the issue and foster a movement towards change.
Take Action
We encourage you to leave your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Join the conversation and help spread awareness. Share this story on social media to reach more people and advocate for better services for autistic children and their families. Together, we can make a difference.