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St John the Baptist Boys' National School, Garryowen, Limerick
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Autism and Communication This session invites Primary School educators to examine communication through a neurodiversity affirming lens. Rather than positioning autistic communication as delayed, disordered, or problematic, communication is explored as a two way interaction shaped by neurological difference, classroom context, adult expectations, and power dynamics. Participants are supported to move beyond neurotypical norms and develop a deeper appreciation of autistic communication styles as logical, purposeful, and meaningful, particularly within busy, language rich primary classrooms. Primary School Professionals will: Explore contemporary theories that explain differences in autistic and non-autistic communication, including monotropism and gestalt language processing, with clear links to classroom learning and play. Reflect on their own communication styles, questioning routines, and implicit expectations, and how these may either support or constrain autistic children's participation. Learn respectful, practical strategies to support both understanding and expression, prioritising access to communication over verbal performance or compliance. Develop confidence in adapting adult language to be clearer, slower, more predictable, and supportive across lessons, social times, and transitions.
Location
St John the Baptist Boys' National School
Downey Street, Pennywell,
Garryowen
Limerick
V94 FA44
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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
St John the Baptist Boys' National School , Garryowen , Limerick