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St Ita's and St Joseph's Special School, Tralee, Kerry
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Autism and Sensory Processing: Autistic Children and Young People with High Care and Education Needs Sensory processing differences are a core feature of autistic neurology. Many learners in Special School settings experience the sensory world in ways that can be intense, unpredictable, or overwhelming. These experiences are often compounded by additional physical, communication, or medical needs. This session supports professionals to understand sensory processing as a neurological reality that directly influences regulation, wellbeing, and access to learning. Professionals will: Develop a clear understanding of sensory processing and its relationship to participation and regulation. Explore how sensory environments within special schools can either support or undermine a learner's sense of safety. Learn the importance of developing individual sensory profiles rather than applying generic sensory interventions. Gain practical knowledge of supportive, non-punitive approaches that prioritise comfort, predictability, and autonomy.
Location
St Ita's and St Joseph's Special School
Balloonagh
Tralee
Kerry
V92 F685
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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
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Start Time
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St Ita's and St Joseph's Special School , Tralee , Kerry