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Monaghan Community Special School, Castleblayney, Monaghan
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Autism and Understanding Anxiety: Autistic Children and Young People with High Care and Education Needs Anxiety is a common and understandable response for many autistic children and young people, particularly in environments that are unpredictable, sensory intense, or socially demanding. Anxiety is not a weakness; it is a signal that something in the environment or expectation is not aligned with the child's needs. Parents and family members, as the people who know their child best, are often the first to notice subtle changes that indicate rising stress. Collaboration between home and school is essential in responding to anxiety in a way that maintains trust and safety. This session introduces neuroaffirming supports that are responsive rather than reactive. Parents and family members will: Learn to recognise individual signs of escalating anxiety and stress responses. Develop proactive, regulation supportive strategies that reduce the likelihood of distress escalating. Gain an introduction to cognitively based supports that can be adapted to be developmentally appropriate, flexible, and respectful of autistic processing styles.
Location
Monaghan Community Special School
Dublin Road
Castleblayney
Monaghan
A75 PV02
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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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Start Time
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Monaghan Community Special School , Castleblayney , Monaghan