3 hours with self-directed time 30 minutes. The SNAs can go through this material as a group or in their own time. Please share the link with them after purchasing. There is a certificate of attendance included which needs to be printed and signed on completion of the material. 

Session 1

Use of PACE to shape our responses and support for Neurodivergent Learners (56 minutes)

• Consideration of the PACE model by Dan Hughes (Playfulness ,Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy)

• How can we make school experiences more accommodating and comfortable for our autistic students?

Session 2

Understanding unique sensory profiles  (50 Minutes)

• Understanding the sensory profiles of your students and how you can best support them as a co-regulator.
• We will complete sensory checklists as a group and discuss findings and what they mean.
• We will explore a student self-check which is helpful to empower young people to advocate for their own regulation preferences.

Session 3

Ideas and resources for post primary regulation (80 minutes)

• Exploring how school environments can be adapted to ensure a sense of calm and safety.
• Regulation breaks. Firstly, WE need to be regulated. Exploration of how we can be safe nervous systems for our students.
• Discover the importance of connection and attunement through sensory and emotion regulation strategies for your students.
• Use of regulation resources from Autism Level Up!
• Post primary friendly sensory resources.

Presenter Bio: Aideen Rutledge

Aideen has specialised in the area of autism having worked with Middletown Centre for Autism, the HSE and NHS as an Occupational Therapist (OT) over the past 20 years. She is a certified Sensory Attachment Therapist and holds a Masters in Sensory Integration.

Aideen supports children and young people directly, their families and schools. She also provides specialist training to professionals and parents in the area of regulation and Autism.

Aideen was the winner of the 2022 Eva Duggan Award which celebrated excellence in Children's OT practice. She has had two published peer review papers in the Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy in 2019 and 2024.