Training Packages - Middletown Centre For Autism

Event summary

Date

Tuesday 27 Apr 2027

Start Time

11:00

End Time

13:00

Ashbourne Educate Together National School, Ashbourne, Meath

Booking closes

Saturday 24 Apr 2027 11am

Autism and Communication

This session invites participants to re-examine communication through a neurodiversity affirming lens. Rather than positioning autistic communication as disordered, the training explores communication as a two way interaction shaped by neurological difference, context, power, and expectation. Participants are supported to move beyond comparison with neurotypical norms and instead develop an appreciation of autistic communication styles as logical, purposeful, and meaningful.

Participants will:

Explore contemporary theories and frameworks that explain differences in autistic and non-autistic communication, including monotropism and gestalt language processing.
Reflect on their own communication preferences and implicit expectations, considering how these may either facilitate or constrain connection with autistic children.
Learn practical, respectful strategies to support both understanding and expression, focusing on access to communication rather than "performance".
Develop confidence in adapting their communication to be clear, predictable, and attuned, across home and school environments.

Location

Ashbourne Educate Together National School
Killegland
Ashbourne
Meath
A84 A4X6
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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.