Event summary

Date

Start Time

End Time

Webinar Online,

Closed

Autism and Sensory Processing

Sensory processing refers to the ability of a child to register, interpret and respond to sensory information. This is a complex process involving all the sensory systems, auditory, gustatory, visual, olfactory, tactile, proprioceptive, vestibular, and interoception. When sensory processing is working well, a child can engage in daily functional activities and social interaction. Sensory processing differences are prevalent in autistic children and can affect every aspect of life and development. This session examines the sensory processing differences experienced by many autistic children and will demonstrate how such differences impact on learning, play, social interactions, and behaviour for the primary school aged child.

Participants will:

  • Develop an understanding of the sensory processing differences.
  • Appreciate how sensory processing differences can affect the child's experience at school.
  • Understand how sensory processing differences can influence the child's participation in daily activities.
  • Develop an understanding of general intervention supports to accommodate sensory processing differences in daily activities at school and beyond.
  • How sensory processing differences can present in an autistic child.
  • Supportive approaches to address sensory processing differences in school or the family home.

Location

Webinar Online
Adobe Connect
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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.

Event summary

Date

Start Time

End Time

Webinar Online

Closed