Event summary
Date
Start Time
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Scoil Mhuire Pallaskenry National School, Pallaskenry, Limerick
Autism and Communication.
This session explores the differences in neurotypical vs autistic communication styles. It provides delegates with an understanding of how to appreciate communication differences and adapt their communication style to better support autistic children and young people at home and school.
Delegates will:
· Explore current relevant theories related to communication differences
· Develop an understanding of their own communication preferences and how these might hinder or support the autistic communicator
· Explore a range of supportive practices in receptive (understanding) and expressive communication
Location
Scoil Mhuire Pallaskenry National School
Pallaskenry
Pallaskenry
Limerick
V94 DN24
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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
Date
Start Time
End Time
Scoil Mhuire Pallaskenry National School , Pallaskenry , Limerick