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St Clare's National School, Ballyjamesduff, Cavan
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Supporting Autistic Learners This session offers a nuanced, strengths based exploration of how autistic children experience, understand, and engage with the worlds. Rather than viewing difference as deficit, the training foregrounds autistic cognition as a valid and valuable way of being. Drawing on evidence informed practice, the session highlights that often visual approaches can align well with the learning preferences of many autistic learners and demonstrates how thoughtfully designed visual supports can enhance meaning making, reduce cognitive load, and promote emotional safety and inclusion across all learning environments. Participants will deepen their understanding of: Why visual approaches are not merely "supports", but powerful communication and teaching tools that align naturally with many autistic learners' cognitive preferences. How visual supports can enhance understanding, autonomy, communication, and wellbeing across home, school, and community contexts. How visuals can be integrated with relational, environmental, and pedagogical approaches to create predictability, coherence, and felt safety. A flexible repertoire of visual strategies that honour each child's individuality, respecting their strengths, interests, sensory profile, and developmental pathway.
Location
St Clare's National School
Virginia Road
Ballyjamesduff
Cavan
A82 XN67
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Gemma O'Neill
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.
Event summary
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St Clare's National School , Ballyjamesduff , Cavan