This seminar will explore the ways in which we can create social and physical learning environments that are autism friendly and mindful of the challenges students with an Autism Spectrum Conditions can experience in their everyday lives. When supporting students with autism, concerns about behaviour are often to the fore...in fact a great deal of behaviour that challenges man be traced back to the experience of the child and how they process and understand their environment. Our speakers are all highly experienced and knowledgeable in the field of autism.

Barbara Hallahan is a Speech and Language therapist and is joined by her son Seamus. Both have an intimate knowledge of autism conditions. They will explore how we can work to make the learning environment autism friendly through the use of communication strategies that support mutual communication in the classroom.

Liz Fitzgerald is a teacher with decade of experience in the field of supporting students with autism, particularly those with a high level of challenge. Liz will present an overview of the eclectic model that promotes education and learning in an autism friendly environment. Different approaches and methodologies including TEACCH, Structured teaching, ABA, Floortime , SCERTs etc will be explored as part of the eclectic model.

Kirsten Hurley will speak about both the experiences of girls on the spectrum and those who have a high IQ. Diagnosed with Asperger's at the age of 22, she has a unique understanding of the challenges that girls and women with autism can face. Until recently, Kirsten worked as the coordinator of Autism Studies in UCC and led the team that developed the Diploma in Autism Studies and the new online certificate. She now works as a lecturer and autism consultant and is passionate about autism education and advocacy.

They will each offer their insights and explore the ways in which we can create a better and more supportive learning environment for the young children and teenagers we support, whether in special schools or mainstream settings. This seminar is suitable for teachers and SNA's who want to better understand the ways in which they can work to support the children and young people they work with in the school environment.

PRICE INCLUDES REFRESHMENTS, LUNCH AND INDIVIDUAL CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDENCE