Carlow and Kilkenny Autism Support Network - Supporting Anxious Learners Online Seminar

Carlow and Kilkenny Autism Support Network

Following this online seminar, attendees will be invited to identify further supports for Autism teachers and have the opportunity to participate in, and make suggestions to, the Carlow and Kilkenny Autism Teachers Support Network. This seminar will explore the following;

Conducting a Sensory Audit

Fiona Ferris, AsIAm

A Sensory Audit is a process during which staff assess and create an environment that enables the full participation of learners with Autism. Fiona will give ideas on the ways in which a setting might be altered for learners who have sensory processing difficulties and find it hard or anxiety-provoking to tolerate certain sensations or situations.

Creating Sensory Spaces 

Mary Melvin, Occupational Therapist, National Council for Special Education (NCSE)

Sensory Processing is the ability to ‘take in, sort out, process and make use of the information from the world around us’. Adapting the classroom environment and creating a sensory space in schools can support students self-regulation, ability to access the Curriculum and participation in everyday activities. Sensory spaces can provide students with the appropriate sensory input they need to facilitate mindfulness activities to support students introceptive awareness and social and emotional learning.

Assistive Technology 

James Northridge, UrAbility 

How can teachers support children who have difficulties with reading, writing, maths, and organisational skills? Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia/DCD, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, ADHD, or any other challenge that makes learning difficult will be explored.