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Naas Community College, Naas, Kildare

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Autism and Reframing Behaviour This session reflects a critical shift away from behaviour management approaches and toward a neuroaffirming, relational understanding of behaviour. Informed by neuroscience, psychology, and interpersonal neurobiology, behaviour is understood as communication and regulation. Many behaviours labelled "challenging" signal overwhelm, sensory distress, anxiety, or unmet needs. Others, such as stimming, withdrawal, selective engagement, or intense focus, are often necessary for regulation and stability. Behaviour is never used as a reason to remove belonging. Support is provided without humiliation or loss of relationship. Dignity is preserved even during moments of distress. Participants will explore: How felt safety and neuroception influence behaviour. The role of adult regulation in co-regulation. Reflect on personal beliefs, assumptions, and responses with curiosity, humility, and a commitment to understanding rather than judgement

Location

Naas Community College
Millennium Park, Osberstown,
Naas
Kildare
W91 P93F
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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

Naas Community College , Naas , Kildare

Register now to book

Booking closes