Autism and the Teenage Years (10+)

Tara Vernon is an Autism Trainer Advisor with Middletown Centre for Autism where a key element of her role is to holistically, support autistic children and young people in their education.

Tara’s work is neurodiversity-informed and autism affirming. Prior to joining the Middletown team, Tara worked across home, school, and external agency settings to provide autism specific specialist teaching, training, and emotional regulation support in these environments.

She is a member of both the Psychological Society of Ireland and the Teaching Council of Ireland and is a certified Sleep Counsellor. Tara recently completed a Master of Arts in Autism Studies.

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.