Package summary

Start Date

End Date

Courses

Closed

Middletown Centre for Autism
Lunchtime Learning Programme - Online Webinars

Middletown Centre would like to offer advice in an accessible manner for key areas highlighted to us as relevant for and pertinent to autistic students, their families and schools.

Programme Content:

  1. Bridging the Double Empathy Gap: Enhancing Understanding 
  2. Combating Bullying: Strategies for Supporting Autistic Students
  3. Enhancing Emotional Regulation Through Co-Regulation in Autistic Students
  4. Enhancing Executive Function Skills in Autistic Students
  5. Understanding Neurodiversity: Embracing Unique Minds in the Classroom

Book in to all 5 Webinar Sessions

Please check the Centre’s website for more courses - www.middletownautism.com 

Notes

Courses in package

Bridging the Double Empathy Gap: Enhancing Understanding

Event summary

Date

Start Time

End Time

Webinar Online,

Booking closes

Bridging the Double Empathy Gap: Enhancing Understanding

This training session is designed to equip teachers and educators with an understanding of the double empathy gap between autistic and non-autistic students. The session will provide:

An overview of the double empathy gap, a concept introduced by Dr. Damian Milton, which explains how communication difficulties can stem from mutual misunderstandings between autistic and non-autistic individuals.

An exploration of how the double empathy gap influences social interactions, potentially leading to challenges in understanding and empathising with one another's perspectives.

Identification of specific challenges associated with the double empathy gap, including differences in communication styles and the influence of negative stereotypes held by non-autistic individuals.

Practical strategies to bridge the empathy divide, such as fostering mutual understanding, increasing awareness of neurodiversity, and modifying communication approaches to be more inclusive.

Guidance on creating a classroom environment that promotes empathy and understanding between autistic and non-autistic students, thereby supporting social cohesion and reducing misunderstandings.

View PDF

Notes

Location

Webinar Online

Get Directions
Susan Keery

Susan Keery

Susan Keery is an Autism Trainer/Advisor at Middletown Centre for Autism.
Susan brings with her over 20 years' experience supporting autistic children, adolescents and adults across both health and education sectors. Specifically supporting autistic individuals with individualised, person-centred, home programmes, and school support; as well as providing training and ongoing support to parents and professionals.
Susan holds degrees at undergraduate and master's level; and is currently working on her PhD within the school of Social Sciences, Education and Social work (QUB). Susan's research is focused on social anxiety in the autistic community with special interest in subsequent impact on school absences. Her research aims to reduce barriers to accessing support by using immersive technology. Susan is passionate about her research and practice being directed by the lived experience of the autistic community.

Combating Bullying: Strategies for Supporting Autistic Students

Event summary

Date

Start Time

End Time

Webinar Online,

Booking closes

Combating Bullying: Strategies for Supporting Autistic Students.

This training programme is designed to provide educators with the knowledge and approaches needed to effectively identify and prevent bullying of autistic students. It focuses on recognising key risk factors and warning signs, as well as implementing appropriate mediations.

Furthermore, the programme underscores the importance of creating an inclusive school environment embedded in empathy, respect, and understanding.

Notes

Location

Webinar Online

Get Directions
Carolyn Frazer

Carolyn Frazer

Carolyn Frazer is an Autism Trainer/Advisor in Middletown Centre for Autism. Before taking up this post she worked in the Learning, Support and Assessment Team at Middletown for many years. Carolyn qualified in Speech and Language Therapy, has a master’s degree in psychology and is currently completing a post graduate certificate in Sensory Integration. During her master’s studies, she undertook research on Autism and Bullying and continues to provide training sessions and support for autistic students in this area. Carolyn’s other areas of specialisms include supporting communication and anxiety for Post Primary aged students.

Enhancing Emotional Regulation Through Co-Regulation in Autistic Students

Event summary

Date

Start Time

End Time

Webinar Online,

Booking closes

Enhancing Emotional Regulation Through Co-Regulation in Autistic Students

Notes

Location

Webinar Online

Get Directions
Edel Quinn

Edel Quinn

Edel is a Trainer/Advisor and the MCA course coordinator for the Post Graduate Autism Studies programme in partnership with Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. She has supported the development of the post graduate programme since 2016. Edel previously worked in the National Health Service Northern Ireland (NHS), developing and delivering home programmes for autistic children and young people, and their families. Edel holds a Psychology degree, a MSc in Autism from Queen’s University, Belfast and a MSc in Mental Health for Children and Young People from University of Edinburgh. Edel has a Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. In her role with Middletown Centre for Autism Edel develops and delivers both parental and educational professional training programmes.

Empowering Autistic Students Through Executive Function Supports

Event summary

Date

Start Time

End Time

Webinar Online,

Booking closes

Empowering Autistic Students Through Executive Function Supports

Executive function skills are essential for academic success and daily life, yet many autistic students face challenges in this area.

This training session will provide educators with practical strategies to support and enhance executive function skills in autistic students, helping them to achieve their full potential.

Learn about the components of executive function, including working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control.

Explore the specific executive function challenges that autistic students may encounter.

Discover effective techniques to support the development of executive function skills, such as visual supports, structured routines, and organisational tools.

Learn how to integrate executive function support into daily classroom activities and routines.

Notes

Location

Webinar Online

Get Directions
Frances O'Neill

Frances O'Neill

Frances O’Neill is an Autism Trainer/Advisor in Middletown Centre for Autism. Frances has worked in Special, Post Primary and Further Education settings. She holds Post Graduate Certificates and Diplomas in various aspects and areas pertaining to Education and an MSc in Autism.

Understanding Neurodiversity: Embracing Unique Minds in the Classroom

Event summary

Date

Start Time

End Time

Webinar Online,

Booking closes

What is Neurodiversity?

Gain a comprehensive understanding of neurodiversity, which celebrates the natural variations in how students think and process information. Neurodiversity includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, to name a few, thus, as educator, we must consider the unique strengths and needs of neurodiverse students and understand how these differences can impact learning and social interactions.

We will explore practical strategies for creating a neuroaffirming classroom and school, including Universal Design for Learning (UDL), flexible teaching methods, and personalised support

Notes

Location

Webinar Online

Get Directions
Gemma O'Neill

Gemma O'Neill

Gemma O’Neill is an Autism Trainer/Advisor at Middletown Centre for Autism, bringing over 20 years of experience across education, autism practice and professional learning. Her career has included roles as a SENCO and Specialist Teacher, supporting autistic children and young people across educational settings, including preschool, mainstream primary and post-primary schools, autism classes and special schools.

Gemma has extensive experience working collaboratively with educators, families and multidisciplinary professionals to develop individualised approaches that recognise autistic strengths, differences and support needs across school and home environments.

In her current role, Gemma is involved in the development and delivery of autism-specific professional learning and training across Ireland, working with educators and professionals, including within higher education. She also contributes to the development of training programmes and the coordination of large-scale professional learning events, bringing professionals together to share and showcase effective practice.

Gemma holds a Master’s Degree in Special Educational from Queen’s University Belfast. Her professional interests include neuroaffirming autism practice, inclusive education, professional learning, and supporting autistic learners to participate meaningfully in education.