Professional Learning Day - Supporting Non-Speaking Students in an Autism Classroom: A Teacher’s Perspective
Theme: Supporting Non-Speaking Students in an Autism Classroom
Purpose:
This professional learning day focuses on practical, evidence-informed strategies to support non-speaking autistic students. Participants will deepen their understanding of communication, engagement, and inclusive teaching practices that empower every child to participate meaningfully in learning.
Audience:
Primary SNAs, Teachers, and school support staff working with autistic learners.
Recording & Cert of Attendance: A recording will be shared with all registrants for a period of 4 weeks after the webinar. It will be emailed to you the following morning along with a cert of attendance for 3.5hrs. This can be used against your Croke Park hours.
Session Details
Session 1: AAC and a Total Communication Approach
Learning Objectives
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Understand what AAC is and the range of AAC systems (from low-tech to high-tech).
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Recognise the principles of a total communication approach and why multimodal communication is essential for non-speaking students.
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Build confidence in modelling AAC and responding to all communication attempts.
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Identify opportunities to support expressive and receptive communication throughout daily classroom routines.
Takeaway Tools
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Printable ‘play time’ communication boards
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Printable ‘meal times’ communication board
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‘A Total Communication approach’ staff room poster
Session 2: Creating Communicative Classrooms: Visual Supports and Structure
Learning Objectives
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Understand how visual supports enhance comprehension, independence, and engagement.
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Learn to design structured environments that increase predictability and reduce cognitive load.
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Identify ways to embed communication opportunities into daily routines and classroom systems.
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Develop strategies for creating effective visual supports tailored to individual learners.
Takeaway Tools
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First–then board template
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Visual choice board templates
- Visual recipe samples
Session 3: Individualised Goals and Differentiated Instruction for Non-Speaking Students
Learning Objectives
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Understand how to create meaningful, measurable, and achievable individualised goals.
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Align goals with each student’s communication profile, strengths, interests, and sensory needs.
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Learn how to differentiate instruction and embed AAC across academic and functional learning.
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Identify diverse ways for non-speaking students to demonstrate understanding beyond verbal or written responses.
Takeaway Tools
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Progress monitoring tool/template
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Sample social stories
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Sample AAC goals
Jessie is a Deputy Principal in a Special School for Autistic children who have complex needs. She has almost 13 years experience working with and teaching Autistic children and teenagers. Jessie has worked in a range of roles including home tutor, autism preschool tutor, SNA and Special class teacher. Jessie completed an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2012 and qualified as a primary school teacher with Hibernia College in 2019. Jessie recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate in the Education of Students on the Autism Spectrum at DCU. Jessie is passionate about educating Autistic students to their fullest potential. She runs the Instagram page ‘InspiredbyAutism’..
Event Information
| Event Date | 24-01-2026 9:30 am |
| Event End Date | 24-01-2026 1:00 pm |
| Cut off date | 24-01-2026 10:00 am |
| Individual Price | €20.00 |
| Location | Online Webinar |
Group Rate
| #Registrants | Rate/Person (€) |
|---|---|
| 5 | 19.00 |
| 6 | 19.00 |
| 7 | 19.00 |
| 8 | 18.00 |
| 9 | 18.00 |
| 10 | 17.00 |