Event summary

Date

Start Time

End Time

Steeple Nursery School, Antrim, Antrim

Closed

Autism, Understanding Anxiety and Reframing Behaviour

This training course will help parents and education professionals understand the stresses autistic children experience, particularly within the Early Years environment.  We will discuss the external environmental demands and stress experienced by many autistic children which can contribute to anxiety experiences.

This training will also introduce participants to the ongoing paradigm shift in understanding behaviour from a physiological perspective, drawing on research from neuroscience, psychology, and interpersonal neurobiology. 

Participants will understand:

  • The relationship between autism and anxiety, and how anxiety affects our body and mind and thus the impact on the young child’s behaviour.
  • Furthermore, participants will be supported to understand the underlying factors contributing to distressed behaviours, and how supporting professionals can help. 

Participants will be supported to consider behavioural differences that are authentic to the autistic young child and their invaluable role in maintaining joy in their lives. 

During the course, we will explore a range of supports and resources which can be used to support an autistic young child.

Location

Steeple Nursery School
Steeple Road
Antrim
Antrim
BT41 1AF
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Gemma O'Neill

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.

Event summary

Date

Start Time

End Time

Steeple Nursery School , Antrim , Antrim

Closed