Denise Guihen's twin boys, 13-year-old Finn and Shay, attend Scoil Mochua special school in Clondalkin in Dublin.
They were among around 40 children who were asked to stay at home today because the majority of the school's SNAs refused to pass the picket line of striking school secretaries and caretakers.
More than 2,600 school secretaries and caretakers, who are members of the Fórsa trade union, began indefinite strike action yesterday to highlight their demands for public sector pensions and other entitlements.
"I don't think I can convey accurately enough how disruptive it is for special needs children," Ms Guihen said.
"These kids absolutely love school, it's the centre of their lives.
"To not have that, and to explain to them at short notice that they can't go to school, just doesn't cut it. There's tantrums, there's meltdowns," she explained.
"The whole short-term nature of this is just catastrophic and after a summer of being at home it is the worst possible time.
"It is like having a little bit, and then having it taken away just two days in [to the new school year]," she added.
Ms Guihen said she is frustrated and annoyed but understands the action being taken by secretaries and caretakers.
"I don't really understand the action being taken by the SNAs, with the consequences that there are for the children.
"Teachers went into school and showed their support with a rota on the picket line.
"It's just such a huge impact, I was hoping for a bit more prioritising of the children," she added.
