'How can children be this forgotten about?' — Sadie, 3, loves dancing but can't feed herself or speak

Sally O’Brien and her daughter Sadie at their home in Youghal, Co Cork. Pictures: David Keane

Sadie O’Brien’s little face lights up when she nears Down Syndrome Centre Cork, knowing that her class is about to begin.

There, three-year-old Sadie, who is non-verbal, learns communication skills, listening, painting, and play therapy with three other little girls and one teacher.