Training Packages - Middletown Centre For Autism

Event summary

Date

Tuesday 1 Jun 2027

Start Time

11:00

End Time

13:00

St Clare's National School, Ballyjamesduff, Cavan

Booking closes

Saturday 29 May 2027 11am

Autism and Reframing Behaviour Behaviour is reframed as meaningful communication arising from nervous system states, environmental demands, and relational context. The focus shifts from managing behaviour to creating conditions where regulation, participation, and connection are possible. Drawing on neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology, participants will: Examine the paradigm shift from "behaviour management" to understanding stress responses and adaptive behaviours. Explore how power, expectations, and lack of access can escalate distress. Understand neuroception and the central role of felt safety in learning and emotional regulation. Reflect on how adult regulation, environmental predictability, and relational trust support co-regulation. Consider how honouring autistic behaviour as adaptive preserves dignity, protects joy, and affirms the child's rightful place within the learning community.

Location

St Clare's National School
Virginia Road
Ballyjamesduff
Cavan
A82 XN67
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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.