Autism and the Teenage Years (10+)

Tara Vernon is an Autism Trainer/Advisor with Middletown Centre for Autism.

Prior to this, Tara has worked across home, school and external agency settings to provide autism specific specialist teaching, training, and behavioural support in these environments. Tara has also worked as a Class Teacher for nine years in an Applied Behaviour Analysis school for autistic children with complex needs.

Tara holds a degree in Psychology and is a CABAS board certified Teacher in Applied Behaviour Analysis. She is a member of both the Psychological Society of Ireland and the Teaching Council of Ireland and is a Certified Sleep Counsellor.

Gemma O'Neill is an Autism Trainer/Advisor at Middletown Centre for Autism, bringing over 20 years of experience in education, including her role as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). In her career, Gemma has worked as a Specialist Teacher at Middletown Centre, supporting autistic children and young people across various educational settings, including Preschools, mainstream Primary and Post Primary schools, autism classes in mainstream environments, and Special Schools. Gemma also brings considerable experience in developing and delivering home programmes for autistic children, working closely with families to foster learning and development.
Gemma holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Queen’s University, Belfast. Her areas of expertise include curriculum development, classroom supports, differentiation techniques and transitions.