Training Packages - Middletown Centre For Autism

Event summary

Date

Monday 5 Oct 2026

Start Time

15:15

End Time

17:15

Holy Evangelists' Primary School and Nursery Class, Dunmurry, Antrim

Booking closes

Friday 2 Oct 2026 3pm

Autism and Sensory Processing This session centres sensory processing as a core aspect of autistic experience and identity, rather than a difficulty to be fixed or managed. Sensory differences are explored as access needs that significantly shape autistic childrens participation in learning, relationships, and daily school life. The session supports educators to critically examine how typical primary school environments, noise, movement, visual clutter, transitions, and pace, can either support presence or act as barriers that overwhelm or exclude. Primary School Professionals will be supported to: Understand sensory processing differences across all sensory systems, including interoception, with clear links to classroom learning and behaviour. Recognise how mainstream classroom environments often privilege certain nervous systems while marginalising others. Reframe withdrawal, shutdown,, distress, or reduced engagement as sensory communication, not misbehaviour. Identify and implement practical, respectful environmental and routine based adjustments that support regulation, dignity, and sustained participation across the school day.

Location

Holy Evangelists' Primary School and Nursery Class
Glasvey Drive
Dunmurry
Antrim
BT17 0DB
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Gemma O'Neill

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.