Co Regulation Have You Got What it Takes ? Professional Learning Day to Support Neurodivergent Students as an SNA in a Primary School Setting

Session 1 - 9.30 - 10.40am: Safe Nervous Systems for Students
Explore how to become a safe and supportive presence for learners by understanding the role of nervous system regulation through use of the PACE model. We will focus on the power of connection and attunement, while practicing sensory and emotional regulation strategies that foster trust and wellbeing.

Session 2 - 10.50 - 11.50am: Sensory Profiles & Co-Regulation
Gain insight into the sensory profiles of your students and learn how to support them as a co-regulator. This session will introduce sensory checklists and highlight common patterns, offering practical interpretations. Real-life scenarios will be shared to illustrate how empathetic, supportive responses make a difference.

Session 3 - 12- 1.00pm: Practical Resources for Schools
Discover practical tools and resources designed to support sensory and emotional regulation in the classroom. We will explore approaches that can be seamlessly integrated into the school environment to better support neurodivergent learners in their daily experiences.

Bio of Presenter: 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.