Episode 3206: David And Chantal Sneyd On The Failure Of The Irish Healthcare System To Provide For Their Son
We have a special edition of the show for you today; we’re putting yesterday’s conversation with David and Chantal Sneyd about their son Dylan, out free to all. There was a phenomenal reaction from our members and we felt this one should be shared as widely as possible.
When Dylan was two David and Chantal grew concerned that he hadn’t yet started to speak. They spoke to their GP who referred Dylan for further assessment, and so began the Sneyds’ long and still ongoing struggle to navigate the Irish healthcare system.
Dylan has since been diagnosed with autism, a diagnosis which brought David and Chantal some relief, but it was hard-won: interminable HSE waiting lists meant they eventually had to opt for a private assessment, years after that initial GP visit.
Told @AndyMitten I’d write about my first proper away in a decade after @anthonyfdshaw sorted me a ticket. @UWSmag has been a part of my life since I was 16 so lovely to be able to write about my son. Keep the faith ?? pic.twitter.com/JerduTHB9M
— David Sneyd (@DavidSneyd) March 8, 2025
David and Chantal joined us in studio to describe what life over the last four years has been like for them, the huge frustration that they and thousands of other families around the country feel in trying to access basic services for their children, and what they think the future holds for Dylan.
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This Goliath kicked his first ever two pointer last weekend!
Is he too humble to mention it on air?https://t.co/II6I5UUvRK pic.twitter.com/8lGgoRnfR2
— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) March 25, 2025