Event summary

Date

Start Time

End Time

St. Joseph's Primary School, Carryduff, Carryduff, Antrim

Closed

Autism and Transitions
Transition refers to the time when we move from one stage of life to another. Within education, this includes the transfers from Preschool to Primary School, Primary School to Post-Primary School. Such transitions are some of the most important stages of life and can have an impact on future development and achievement. They bring changes and disturbances to routines, which can cause anxiety and stress, especially to children with autism. However, with the right support and thorough planning, children can prepare for these changes and enjoy as smooth a transition as possible. 

This session will examine why children experience difficulties when faced with a transition to Pre, Primary and Post Primary School and discuss how developing a greater understanding of transition, with practical approaches to support children on their journey through school and beyond, offers the child the chance of future academic and social success. Within this session, the importance and design of a planned transition programme and the role of the parents in this process will be examined along with ideas and suggestions as to how best prepare not only the parents and child but also the education setting.

Expected Outcomes
Parents and family members will:
• Understand why transitions are difficult for children with autism.
• Understand that it is critical to plan and have a strategy around key transitions in the child’s day and in the child’s life.
• Develop simple transition plans and supports around key areas.
• Gain an understanding of available support during transition.
• Gain knowledge of personalised support to children and young people.
• Learn how to cope with emotional distress caused by transition, such as stress and anxiety.

Course Overview / Content 
• Transitions and why they are important.
• Potential key transitions in the home, family and school day.
• Preparing the child.
• Use of Communication Passports.
• Developing a transition plan.
• Effective communication with school.

Location

St. Joseph's Primary School, Carryduff
8 Knockbracken Drive
Carryduff
Antrim
BT8 8EX
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Majella Nugent

Majella Nugent

Majella Nugent is an Autism Trainer/Advisor in Middletown Centre for Autism. Majella has experience teaching and supporting autistic children and young people in schools. Majella’s experiences include Pre-school, Mainstream Primary and Post-Primary and Special Schools across Ireland. Majella also has experience teaching autistic students in Further Education. She has lectured and assessed modules on the Early Childhood Foundation Degree and the Level Three Autism qualification, as professional development for parents and professionals. Majella’s training specialism is Relationship and Sexuality Education, Transitions and Special Education Needs. Majella has contributed to the development of the curriculum as a Professional Associate with CCEA for learners with MLD and co-ordinated specialist trainings including Transition to Higher Education (Ulster University and Trinity College Dublin), 16+ Education and Employment, and Sibling trainings. Majella is an Associate Lecturer on the Post Graduate Certificate with Mary Immaculate College Limerick.

Event summary

Date

Start Time

End Time

St. Joseph's Primary School, Carryduff , Carryduff , Antrim

Closed