Aideen McIlroy - Experiential Movement Practitioner

08/02/2026

What I look for when a child comes for their first movement lesson

When a child comes to me for the first time, I’m not looking for what they can’t do.
I’m observing how they move, how they rest, and how they respond to the world around them.

I look at things like:
• How they organise their head, spine, and pelvis
• Where they feel safe and where they don’t yet
• How easily they can shift weight and transition
• Whether movement feels effortful or curious
• How are they leaning through their pelvis, arms, knees and feet.

These small details tell me far more than milestones ever could.

From there, the work is about offering gentle movement experiences that help the nervous system feel safer, more organised, and more capable so development can unfold at the child’s own pace.

No forcing or pushing ahead. Just learning, connection, and possibility.

If you’re curious about whether this kind of work could support your child, feel free to get in touch.

[Image of me working with my son, helping him to feel his spine and pelvis in standing]
®

28/01/2026

✨ Spaces Remaining – Belfast Intensive ✨

Hello, I’m organising a movement therapy intensive with senior Anat Baniel Method® practitioner Marianne Nelissen.

The Anat Baniel Method® is a gentle, brain-based approach that uses slow, precise movement lessons to support the nervous system. Rather than forcing exercises or repetition, the work focuses on helping the brain learn new options for movement, coordination, comfort, and function.

This work can be helpful for:

- Children with neurodevelopmental challenges such as Cerebral Palsy, ASD, Global Developmental Delay, genetic conditions, or motor delays
- Adults with neurological or movement challenges, including MS, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or injury
- Anyone looking to improve ease of movement, balance, coordination, or reduce pain and effort

Lessons are always individualised, respectful, and adapted to the person’s needs, age, and abilities.

📍 Location: Belfast

📅 Dates: 5th–9th March

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Availability: Space for 1–2 families / individuals

Intensives allow the brain to take in new information over several days, often leading to meaningful changes that continue to unfold after the sessions finish.

If you’re curious, would like more details, or want to discuss whether this might be suitable for you or your child, please feel free to send me a message. I’m very happy to chat things through.

The Anat Baniel Method is a remarkable method that improves health through movement with awareness. Overcome limitations by pain, injury or disease.

20/01/2026

Hi everyone 👋
My name is Aideen, and I’m based in Maghera. I wanted to introduce myself again and share a little about the work I do.
I’m a certified NeuroHorizons® movement specialist, working with babies and children who have developmental challenges such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, motor delays, genetic conditions, and autism. My work is very gentle and child-led, using slow movement lessons to support the brain and nervous system rather than pushing or practicing milestones.
I came to this work through my own son, who has 4-limb Cerebral Palsy. After trying many therapies with limited progress, we discovered this movement-based approach when he was one year old and it was the first thing that truly helped him feel more comfortable in his body and begin to develop new movement and communication. That experience led me to train in Europe so I could support him myself, and now other families too.
Sessions are usually offered in short intensives over a few days, allowing children time to absorb and integrate new movement patterns at their own pace. Parents often notice changes in ease, awareness, comfort, and new developmental steps emerging over time.
I’m sharing this here simply to raise awareness that this option exists in Northern Ireland (I’m currently the only practitioner here). If anyone would like to ask questions, learn more, or have a look at my page, you’re very welcome to reach out — even just for a chat.
Thanks so much for reading 💛
https://www.aideenmcilroy.co.uk/

06/01/2026

I had a great weekend working with two wonderful children during a recent movement intensive.

Together, we explored:
✨ Rolling onto the side and towards the belly
✨ Improving head control through gentle work along the spine and pelvis
✨ Leaning and supporting through the arms and elbows
✨ Approaching the next developmental milestone in a safe, respectful way

Each child made noticeable changes during the intensive, and these changes often continue to unfold in the weeks that follow as their brains integrate the new movement experiences at home.

If you’re curious about a gentle, brain-based approach to supporting your child’s development, feel free to get in touch.

14/12/2025

Great interview with Moshe Feldenkrais (the originator of the method) Great to see how he approached lessons and his mindset around it!

06/11/2025

** ABM in NI **
I have been told that Juan Carlos (ABMNM Practitioner) may visit Ireland (North) in December 17-21. If anyone is interested, please get in touch!

24/09/2025

✨Spaces Remaining✨
Hello, I am organising intensive therapy with senior Anat Baniel Method practitioner Marianne Nelissen.
This method involves using slow and gentle movements which can help with neuro-developmental challenges (e.g. CP, ASD, GDD) or other neuro-rehabilitation (MS, stroke or Parkinson’s disease).
The intensive will be in Belfast from 6th-9th November. There is space for 1-2 families. Please get in touch if you have any questions or if you would be interested in getting some lessons for yourself or your child!

The Anat Baniel Method is a remarkable method that improves health through movement with awareness. Overcome limitations by pain, injury or disease.

04/08/2025

Last month I travelled to Germany to complete my "continuing education" component of the course. I loved having the opportunity to revisit some of the material Sylvia has developed for her course. And it was great to be back with some of my colleagues from afar! It served as a great reminder for me of how powerful it can be to receive the work in this way. As always, I am looking forward to bringing this learning home to help kids in Ireland. If you are interested in learning more, I have included some information on my website: https://www.aideenmcilroy.co.uk/
You can also get information on Sylvia's upcoming courses here: https://www.neurohorizons.eu/
® 🍀

02/05/2025

✨What Changes Can You Expect After a Movement Intensive?✨
For children with developmental or neurological challenges, a movement intensive based on the NeuroHorizons, Feldenkrais Method or Anat Baniel Method (ABM) can unlock significant progress in their physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities. These changes emerge as their brain learns new patterns, improving its ability to organise movement and function more effectively.

Parents often notice:

✨Improved Motor Skills✨ Movements like crawling, walking, or grasping become smoother and more coordinated.
✨Greater Ease in Movement✨ Stiffness or effort in movement may reduce, helping the child feel more at ease in their body.
✨Enhanced Focus and Attention✨ Many children show better engagement, concentration, and responsiveness during and after the intensive.
✨Developmental Milestones✨ Activities that previously felt out of reach—like rolling over, sitting up, or turning their head—may emerge or improve.
✨Emotional Regulation✨ Children often appear calmer, happier, and more connected to their surroundings.

These shifts may happen gradually or be noticeable right away, depending on the child’s unique needs and abilities. A movement-intensive provides a safe and nurturing environment to help children grow, thrive, and realise their potential in ways that support their individuality.

If you have any more questions or are interested in booking a few lessons, please get in touch ☺️