Neurodiversity & Autism - Affirming Practices in Education
Course Overview
This course offers a foundational and practical exploration of neurodiversity, with a focus on autism and affirming approaches that support inclusive, compassionate, and responsive educational environments.
Participants will
- Build a strong understanding of neurodiversity and autistic neurology.
- Learn to shift from deficit-based models to strengths-based, child-centered practices.
- Explore the psychological and emotional safety needs of autistic children.
- Understand the role of nervous system regulation in learning and engagement.
- Gain tools to support communication and social-emotional development.
- Discover how to use individual strengths and interests to foster participation—from personal care to academic tasks.
- Through real-life case studies and reflective practice, teachers and ANAs/SNAs will be empowered to create meaningful, supportive relationships and learning environments that meet each child where they are.
By the end of the course, participants will feel confident in applying neurodiversity-affirming strategies and will be guided toward further professional development in this area.
About the Author
Roisin Doherty-Brady
Roisin has a BE’d Hons Degree in Education (1998) and a Postgraduate degree in SEN (2014). She has worked in mainstream primary, special school and autism specific school settings for over 20 years. Roisin facilitates webinars through the Education Support Centres of Ireland network and is passionate about supporting communities of teachers and SNAs in adopting neurodiversity informed practices.
She currently works for the Intensive Interaction Training Team and is an Advanced Practitioner in Attention Autism. Roisin’s autistic children have deepened her understanding of autistic lived experiences. She works to educate and enlighten families, teachers, SNAs and peers in both home and school environments to support autistic children’s wellbeing and quality of life through meaningful interactions and participation.
Her values driven practices are inclusive of neurodevelopmental research and embedded in autistic perspectives. Roisin's love of learning about neurodiversity informed practices has led her to begin her advanced training in The Curiosity Programme. She enjoys talking to and reflecting with other informed practitioners.
Course Access & Certification
Access & Dates:
This course is now open for enrolments.
Enrolment lasts for 90 days from the day of purchase.
Certification:
This course is NOT approved for E.P.V. certification by the Department of Education and Youth.
A certificate of completion is downloadable upon successful course completion.
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