About The
Or Lab
Here you will find information on our fantastic facilitators, some questions we are frequently asked and find out what our clients are saying about us
Meet Our Facilitator
Hello hello, I’m Orla the Lead Facilitator and founder here at The Or Lab. Founded in 2022 as I met many ND students thirsty for arts based mentorship designed for and by a Neurodivergent brain. I began my teaching career in 2013 as an assistant drama teacher at my local erformance art school. This experience sparked my passion for using creative arts to enhance communication and personal development. In 2016, I completed my speech and drama teaching qualification with West London University of Music, which opened up numerous teaching opportunities for me. I have had the privilege of teaching at the Rainbow Club Centre for Autistic Children, as well as various primary and secondary schools, and community centres across Cork city. Each of these roles helped me to develop a deep understanding of the unique needs of neurodivergent children and the transformative power of creative arts. While teaching at a primary local school, I pursued a degree in International Development at University College Cork (UCC), where I specialized in community-based development and creative arts-based development. After earning my degree, I moved to Mauritius, where I worked online with autistic children from the US, Australia, the UK, and Ireland. In Mauritius, I also consulted with schools for disabled children and NGOs focused on supporting out-of-school and delinquent children, using creative arts as a mentorship tool. In 2023, I returned to Ireland to serve as a studio manager at a top performing arts school in Cork City. At the same time, I pursued a postgraduate diploma in Creative Arts and Social Change. Currently, I live in Zanzibar, where I continue my community development work through theatre in my local village. Teaching in a classroom keeps me fresh and sensitive to the plight of students. At The Or Lab, I leverage my extensive experience and passion for creative arts to empower neurodivergent young people. My client-led approach ensures that each session is tailored to the individual’s interests and needs, fostering a supportive and engaging environment. I am dedicated to providing alternative strategies, ethos, and narratives that celebrate and uplift the unique potential of neurodivergent youth.
Frequently asked questions
What do you actually do?
Is this Therapy?
We provide online creative classes for Neurodivergent and highly anxious children and teens. These sessions explore socialisation, self advocacy and identity. Sessions include games, drawing, role playing, social stories and strategy building.
Who are these sessions suited to?
Our sessions are designed for highly anxious or marginalised young people. Most suitable for those diagnosed, suspected or identifying as Autistic, ADHD, OCD, dyslexia other Neurodivergence, anxious children,LGBTQ+ folks or any young person feeling like a kangaroo amongst sheep.
No.
Drama and creative arts have an inherent cathartic impact. Role playing can help us understand social situations in a fun way and visual arts can help us articulate things that are difficult to vocalise.
I am qualified facilitator and have work with neurodivergent clients for almost a decade. Utilising my own experience to create a unique programme.
What’s the vibe?
Very chill.
We are not in the business of forcing people to do stuff that makes them uncomfortable. Instead we focus on using our creativity to meet every ones needs.
In session, this means not having to speak or engage in any activity BUT we must find an alternative that delivers the learning outcomes for the facilitator and student.
Testimonials
The best thing about The Or Lab is our fabulous students. They inspire change and hope. Here is a few words from some of our wonderful families