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Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin, An Cheathrú Rua (Carraroe), Galway
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Autism and Reframing Behaviour This session introduces educators to the ongoing paradigm shift in understanding behaviour through a neurobiological, relational, and rights based lens, replacing compliance driven responses with curiosity, compassion, and accountability at a systems level. Behaviour in adolescence is reframed as meaningful communication shaped by nervous system state, identity development, environmental demands, and relational safety, rather than as defiance or disengagement. Grounded in neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology, participants will: Examine why traditional behaviour management approaches often escalate distress for autistic young people Explore how power dynamics, loss of autonomy, and lack of access contribute to distressed behaviour. Understand the role of neuroception and felt safety in regulation, learning, and participation. Reflect on how adult responses, assumptions, and emotional regulation directly influence outcomes. Develop proactive and responsive strategies that prioritise co-regulation, environmental adjustment, and dignity. Consider how interpreting many autistic behaviours as adaptive responses to lived experience shifts the focus from correction to understanding, preserving identity, reducing harm, and supporting long-term wellbeing.
Location
Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin
An Cheathrú Rua
An Cheathrú Rua (Carraroe)
Galway
H91 N267
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Joan McDonald
Following many years teaching in mainstream classrooms, Joan worked on individual planning in centres for adults with learning disabilities and those with mental health struggles.
She, then, became one of the first SENOs in Ireland, observing and providing school supports for students with atypical needs across eighty rural schools.
While studying for an M.Ed. in Autism, Joan was taught by and met a variety of autistic adults, which ultimately led to her own autism assessment. Prior to meeting such a diverse range of autistic people, Joan would only have recognised autism in people with profound and complex support needs.
Joan is passionate about using students’ interests to support autistic learners of all levels of cognitive ability to access education and contented lives.
She currently works on a variety of projects with agencies such as Middletown Centre for Autism, Dublin City University, Nua Healthcare, Fingal Libraries. In recent years, creating and delivering the Posauteen and Posaudult courses to help autistic people understand and advocate for themselves has been a major focus of Joan’s time.
Event summary
Date
Start Time
End Time
Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin , An Cheathrú Rua (Carraroe) , Galway