Autism and the Use of Visual Supports in Mainstream Education

Tracey is a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist dedicated to supporting autistic children and young learners Communication. With nearly 30 years of experience across special educational needs (SEN), primary, and early years settings, she is passionate about helping to encourage and support opportunities for autistic communication and engagement across all environments.
Throughout her career, she has worked extensively within and across health and education, conducting comprehensive assessments and delivering tailored therapeutic supports. Additionally, she has designed and supported the delivery of training and guidance programmes within Middletown Centre for Autism, empowering educators, support staff, families, and peers, with practical tools within a Neuro affirmative framework.

Claire Smyton is Specialist Teacher in Middletown Centre for Autism and has 20 years’ experience working with autistic children and young people. Prior to this, Claire worked as a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator in a Post Primary School.  Claire has also taught in an Autism Learning Support Class, within a Mainstream Primary School and in the Autism Advisory and Intervention Service, as a Support Teacher.  Claire is also a parent of an autistic child.  Through Claire’s experiences as a parent and teacher, she has gained extensive experience in developing and using resources and varied teaching approaches with autistic children and young people. Claire also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Autism and has a particular interest and experience in 'whole school' strategic planning in best autism practice across all settings.