Toys, Technology and Training 2019 - Kildare Library and Arts Services Free Talks and Workshops - Kildare.ie
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Kildare Library and Arts Services
Toys, Technology
and Training 2019
Free Talks and Workshops
kildarecountyLibraryService kildarelibrary
www.kildare.ie/libraryThis series of TTT talks and workshops has been organised by Kildare Library Service as part of our Toys, Technology and Training Project and is funded by Kildare County Council. What is the TTT Project? Kildare Library Services would like to inform you about our specialised Toys,Technology and Training Project. The collection is designed to offer support to children and adults with learning difficulties, disabilities or more significant needs. Based in Athy, Leixlip and Naas Libraries this specialised collection of toys and assistive equipment can be accessed free of charge in branches throughout the county and can be borrowed or utilised by joining up at any Kildare library. Items in the catalogue can be requested or renewed online and collected by the borrower at their nearest branch library. Membership is free to any individual who lives, works or goes to school in County Kildare. Contact the libraries listed below for further terms and conditions of use. This Toy and Technology collection have been chosen by the staff of Kildare Library Service in partnership with therapists working in the community. The Project also includes the Training element of “TTT” which is our annual series of free lectures and workshops. These events offer further guidance, support and networking opportunities for parents, teachers and healthcare professionals. For up to date details of future talks and events relating to the TTT Project please email us and ask to join our mailing list at leixliplib@kildarecoco.ie Attendance at all of the events is free of charge and open to everyone but advance booking is required. Please contact the library where the talk/ workshop is happening to book your place. Athy Library: Naas Library: Tel: 059 980555 Tel: 045 879111 email: athylib@kildarecoco.ie email: naaslib@kildarecoco.ie kildare Town Library: Newbridge Library: Tel: 045 520235 Tel: 045 448353 email: kildarelib@kildarecoco.ie email: newbridgelib@kildarecoco.ie Leixlip Library: Tel: 01 6060050 email: leixliplib@kildarecoco.ie
NeW ToyS, TecHNoLogy AND TrAiNiNg cATALogue & book coLLecTioN NoW AVAiLAbLe!
continuous Professional Development
certificates of Attendance are available for all
TTT talks/workshops in 2019.
These certs will only be given in person on the
evening/day of the event.
So please remember to ask for your cert before
you leave as we will not be able to provide them
at a later date.Watch out for our Multi-Sensory
Garden Project during 2019
at Leixlip Community Library!
The creation of this garden will
include ASD friendly planting
workshops during the Summer
months!
Film Screening
‘This is Nicholas – Living with Autism Spectrum
Disorder’ (2018)
Nicholas Ryan-Purcell was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome aged
thirteen. He was also faced with mental health challenges, brought on by
an early childhood trauma which triggered a lengthy depression. Nicholas
overcame a series of obstacles to complete his Leaving Certificate and
then undertake and graduate from a three-year course in TV Production
at Ballyfermot College Dublin.
Now aged 28 Nicholas’s mental health challenges are a thing of the past.
He has made this documentary to chronicle his experience of living with
Asperger Syndrome and depression and to celebrate the invaluable
support of his family, his teachers and his neighbours in the village of
Emly, Co Tipperary.
This is a brave and inspirational piece of work, made with clarity and
insight by an insider, to greatly enhance our understanding of Asperger
Syndrome.
Leixlip Library: : Thursday 7th February 7pmHelium Arts’ Pop Up Picnic Friendly buzzy bees … dancing oranges … fluttering songbirds … a picnic full of magical delights! Helium Arts’ Pop Up Picnic is a feast of multi- sensory play, relaxation and surprise for young children with complex needs and their families. A soothing world of music, sound, puppetry, movement and tactile fun is waiting to be discovered in this enchanting, interactive performance. ‘A wonderful, magical experience that helped to stimulate my daughter in a multi-sensory way.’ - Parent Pop Up Picnic is a Helium Arts production created in partnership with the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. Devised by musician Thomas Johnston, puppeteer Niamh Lawlor and director Joanna Williams, and now also featuring performer Roseanne Lynch and musician Julie Tiernan, the project development phase was mentored by Tim Webb of Oily Cart. Pop Up Picnic is suitable for children aged 5 and under with profound disabilities. Each performance is designed for a small number of children and their families. Places are limited and must be booked in advance. ‘This should be everywhere – all of our children should get to experience this.’ - Liaison Nurse, Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation Please contact Hellium Arts directly at bookings@helium.ie to book a place. Leixlip Library: Saturday 6th April (Performance at 10:30am, 12:30pm & 3pm)
AsIAm Autism Experience Exhibition Have you ever wondered what it is like to be autistic? AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity invite you to do just that. Come visit our Autism Experience Exhibition where you will travel through a series of interactive experiences that will enable you to ‘Step into the Shoes’ of a person on the autism spectrum. Your journey through a range of exhibits will cover all of the senses, and you will discover some of the challenges in communication, social interaction, and sensory processing, all of which the autism community faces on a daily basis. Upon leaving you will be encouraged to make one change in your community to help make the world a more neuro-diverse and understanding place. Join us in our mission towards building a more inclusive Ireland. Leixlip Library: Saturday 27th April 10am – 4pm
ASD-Friendly Sensory Story Time at Leixlip & Naas Library Join Sharon Curran (MSEN, BA Mont Ed, Dip Hort) at both Leixlip and Naas Library for a fun, interactive, sensory story time, tailored specially to meet the needs of children with ASD, and incorporating assistive technology and toys from the library’s TTT collection. Leixlip Library: Naas Library: Saturday 23rd February 10am Saturday 30th March 11am Saturday 23rd March 10am Saturday 25th May 11am Saturday 13th April 10am Saturday 19th October 11am Saturday 11th May 10am Saturday 9th November 11am Saturday 14th September 10am Saturday 12th October 10am Saturday 16th November 10am Saturday 14th December 10am ASD-Friendly LEGO Workshops These workshops for children with ASD and their siblings are designed to focus on improving children’s strengths in a social context and to make learning fun. They aim to improve motivation to initiate social contact and sustain inter-action. Kildare Town Library: Saturday 23rd February 10am Leixlip Library: Saturday 30th March 10am Athy Library: Saturday 6th April 2:30pm Newbridge Library: Saturday 21st September 10am Naas Library: Saturday 28th September 11am
HEALTH AND WELL BEING talks & WORKSHOPS Sports clubs/ programmes available throughout County Kildare with Pádraig Healy (KCC Sports Inclusion Disability Officer) Pádraig will speak about the importance of people with a disability engaging in regular physical activity. He will speak about the clubs and programmes available throughout County Kildare for children and adults with a disability and the potential growth of Kildare Sports Ability over the coming years. Leixlip Library: : Thursday 7th March 7pm Naas Library: Thursday 28th March 7pm Exploring the benefits of multi sensory play for children with complex disabilities with Margaret McGrath and Eimear Quinlan (Enable Ireland) This presentation explores how play experiences can be supported at every level of ability, especially with those who have complex needs. Play is the way in which children learn about themselves and the world around them; enabling meaningful play opportunities is important to support learning and development. The talk will demonstrate strategies to support play with children who have complex disabilities. Naas Library: Thursday 7th March 7pm Leixlip Library: Thursday 14th November 7pm Nutrition for Children with Special Needs with Rina Whyte A presentation of researched based nutritional information for parents, guardians and carers of children with specific needs. This talk looks at food as more than ‘fuel’ and the benefits of nutrition on attention span, concentration, emotional response and mood. The talk will look at foods and nutrients that are particularly beneficial and those that may not be. Newbridge Library: Tuesday 26th March 7pm Kildare Town Library: Thursday 24th October 7pm
Yoga Workshop for Children with Additional Needs and their Parents with Nicola Foxe Yoga as a therapeutic process can help children who have a special needs diagnosis gain additional coping skills for day to day life management. Yoga can help the child become strong in mind and in body, helping to build resilience and hone coping skills and mechanisms. Yoga may also help nurture children who have diagnosed with a particular condition, find a place in themselves where they can feel safe and at ease.This interactive workshop will show parents and children some techniques designed to self calm and regulate which with practice can help children learn to reduce the added anxiety both parents and children may be feeling. Naas Library: Saturday 23rd February 11am Newbridge Library: Saturday 28th September 10am Leixlip Library: Saturday 5th October 10am Athy Library: Saturday 12th October 2:30pm Kildare Town Library: Saturday 19th October 10am Assistive Technology to aid everyday living - for people with Memory Impairment & Dementia and their families with Anna McMahon and Mary Kinsella (Primary Care in Kildare and West Wicklow) An information talk about memory impairment and some equipment and applications that can help manage memory difficulties in everyday living at home. An opportunity to see and learn about a range of products and free computer based programmes and applications, from low to hi tech, to aid : • Independent living • Continuing leisure activities and interests • Home safety • Promoting brain health Leixlip Library: Thursday 4th April 7pm Newbridge Library: Tuesday 5th November 7pm
Puberty, Adolescence and ASD - A Guide to Understanding with Brigeeta Mulvihill This talk will discuss puberty, adolescence and changes teenagers with ASD undergo during this period. Using specific visual strategies and tools, this practical talk will support parents, teachers and caregivers in assisting adolescents to develop techniques to increase self-management. This talk will cover: • Changes adolescents with ASD undergo through puberty • Conversation scripts • Self-care and hygiene tips • Visual aids for showering • Staying safe tips • Scripts on strangers, secrets and touch • Social stories on public and private behaviour Leixlip Library: Thursday 14th March 7pm Newbridge Library: Tuesday 8th October 7pm Effective Parenting for Children with Additional Needs with Patricia Fitzpatrick All children have strengths but too often, we are encouraged to focus on their challenges. This workshop will focus on the following: • What are your child’s strengths? • What challenges does your child face? • Has your child a clinical diagnosis? • What does this tell you and your child? • What areas does your child need support in? • Life outside home, school and community – What is your role? Naas Library: Thursday 14th March 7pm Leixlip Library: Thursday 24th October 7pm
ADHD Talks with Ken Kilbride CEO of ADHD Ireland ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) ADHD, while it affects 5% of the population (or one in 20) is still very much a misunderstood condition. ADHD when identified and treated is a very manageable condition, however the rates for un-diagnosed ADHD in both children and adults is very high in Ireland. This talk will explain what ADHD is and what it is not, what are the treatment routes and tips on how to manage with the condition. This talk is suitable for both parents of children with ADHD and adults living with the condition. Kildare Town Library: Thursday 28th February 7pm Athy Library: Tuesday 7th May 7pm Leixlip Library: Thursday 10th October 7pm
Counselling and Mental Health with Michael Ryan Negotiating mainstream life as a Teen/Adult with a hidden disability (ASD/ADHD/MGLD/ODD/Dyspraxia/Dyslexia etc.) In this talk we will look at challenges and strategies for dealing with School Life, College Life, Accommodation Tips, Interview Skills, Work Life, Friendships, Relationship’s/Family Life along with some General Life Skills. Naas Library: Thursday 28th February 7pm Exam Stress – Strategies for Students with ASD and their families In this talk we look at how students with ASD can organise and prepare for exams. We look at ways that they can manage stress and remain calm. We explore how families can best support the student and how they can provide the ideal environment to help them. Newbridge Library: Tuesday 12th March 7pm Acceptance of a Diagnoses for You and/or a Family Member “Labels are for jars not people” – but the school system requires “labels” in order to provide services. This talk will explore the ways in which Children/Teenagers (and their families) can handle their diagnoses. We will look at ways to boost their self-esteem and confidence and allow them to come to a place of ownership and acceptance of their diagnoses - while ensuring that they do not define themselves by their “labels”. We also look at what happens if we deny/reject our true selves and explore the paths towards inner harmony with whatever life throws at us. Athy Library: Tuesday 14th May 7pm
Managing Worry and Anxiety in Children/Teens with ASD In this talk we will look at the challenges around Anxiety for Children and Teens with ASD and their Parents, look at an overview of Anxiety Disorders and outline some Coping Mechanisms and Prevention Tips. Kildare Town Library: Thursday 23rd May 7pm Making Friends and Positive Play for Children and Teens with ASD In this talk we look at some strategies for children and Teens with ASD who find it difficult to make or keep friends. We will explore practical tips and strategies that will encourage them to begin or broaden their friendship circles. Leixlip Library: Thursday 12th September 7pm School Avoiders - Children and Teenagers with ASD/ Asperger’s School avoidance is a frequent challenge for students with ASD and this talk will cover the reasons and the risks involved, along with strategies around supporting students who refuse to attend school and explore ways to deal with the situation. We look at what can be done by the students, the parents and the school to resolve the challenges. Newbridge Library: Tuesday 17th September 7pm Mental Health management for People with hidden disabilities (ASD/ADHD/MGLD/ODD/Dyspraxia/Dyslexia etc.) In this talk we look at An Overview of the main mental health conditions, the Signs and Symptoms of Mental Ill-Health and when to become concerned. We focus on ways of overcoming and preventing anxiety and depression along with some tips on Caregiver Self-Care. Athy Library: Thursday 7th November 7pm
Counselling Talks with Fiona Hall The Process of Coping With Your Child’s Diagnosis The talk looks at the emotional processes parents go through when waiting on or having received an ASD, ADHD, Dyspraxia or related diagnosis for their children. Often the primary focus is on getting supports for the children. However, it is also really important to realise what is going on internally with you as a parent so you can successfully navigate your thoughts and the emotional rollercoaster that can come with a diagnosis. Newbridge Library: Tuesday 9th April 7pm Who do we tell, how do we tell, how to manage the process. Following an ASD, ADHD, Dyspraxia or related diagnosis, parents can feel overwhelmed with so many questions, stresses and worries. An issue that comes up time and time again is about “telling”. Who should you tell? Have you told your child? How can you manage this process effectively? This talk looks at helping you answer these questions so you can decide what is best for you and your family. Newbridge Library: Tuesday 14th May 7pm
Behavioural Therapy with Audrey Cully Visual Strategies and Self-Management: This talk provides information on the use of visual strategies as a tool to aid understanding of daily/weekly activities, the sequence of when these activities will occur, and strategies that will promote self-management of the individual’s behaviour. Visual aids have been proven to be very effective with individual’s who find language difficult to understand. The use of visual aids can be very beneficial both in the classroom and the home environment, often leading to an increase in positive behaviour in both settings. Leixlip Library: Thursday 28th February 7pm Naas Library: Thursday 12th September 7pm Autism Spectrum Disorder As the prevalence of ASD has risen over time we will explore what it is, what its characteristics are and how it presents itself differently in individuals. Some parents notice differences from a very young age but for some it’s a bit later. If you’re unsure whether your own child or a child you work with has Autism, or if you just want to increase your knowledge on the condition, this talk will be beneficial. Included also, will be a guide as to what steps can be taken to access a formal assessment. Athy Library: Tuesday 19th March 7pm Leixlip Library: Thursday 7th November 7pm
Challenging Behaviour
This talk will include all aspects related to challenging behaviour, why it
occurs and how to deal with it. Challenging behaviour does not occur
for no reason, it has a communicative function. Using specific strategies
and tools it is possible to find out why problematic behaviour occurs.
During this talk Audrey will cover:
• Why challenging behaviour occurs
• Functional assessment/analysis
• Reinforcement of challenging of behaviour
• Preventative Strategies
• Strategies on how to respond to challenging behaviour when it
occurs
• Teaching appropriate skills that serve the same function as the
challenging behaviour.
Kildare Town Library: Thursday 17th October 7pm
Naas Library: Thursday 14th November 7pmOccupational Therapy - the Sunflower Clinic Sensory Processing and your child This talk deals with the concept of Sensory Processing and how important it is in a child’s normal development. Sensory Processing Disorder is a recognised condition which can have a very profound effect on a child’s ability to deal and manage a wide variety of sensory input which can result in quite significant changes in a child’s ability to learn and also their overall behaviour in school and in the home. Some of the typically observed behaviours of children who have sensory processing issues are: • Constant fidgeting in class • Lethargic and dreamy • Slow to start work and constantly missing cues • Poor coordination and balance • Difficulty organising self • Has difficulty paying attention The talk will address the following main themes: • What are our senses? • What is Sensory Processing Disorder? • Case studies of examples • Demonstration of appropriate equipment Athy Library: Tuesday 26th March 7pm
Sensory Integration and ASD – An effective approach
Our senses are how we perceive the world and difficulties with sensory
processing can have a huge impact on our behaviour and response to
the world, particularly in children with ASD, who tend to be affected
more strongly.
• Every child is a unique individual with a range of sensory
thresholds for events in daily life
• What may be calming for one child, may be alerting or stimulating
for another
• Find out what type of behavioural character is your child i.e.
Tigger, Rabbit, Eeyore or Piglet
• Some children are a mix of two or more characters and need a
mix of coping strategies
• Learn what regulation strategies work best for your child and then
teach them these strategies so that they can learn to self-regulate
Kildare Town Library: Thursday 11th April 7pm
Transitioning to secondary school for children with ASD
Children with ASD can find change difficult, as they rely on routine to
sign-post them through social encounters in everyday life. One of the
biggest changes is in moving from primary school to secondary school at
a time when they are just coming to terms with adapting to normal, busy
life. This talk aims to explore the most common issues faced by children
and examine some practical and useful tips for parents to help their children
make the transition in a controlled and safe and enjoyable manner.
The talk will address the following points:
• Before starting school
• Ten Ways to Help Your Child Get Organised
• Going to school – Do’s and Don’ts
• During School – using daily checklist/timetable
• Before Coming Home – Check, Check, Check
• Homework Routine - using weekly checklist/timetable
• Handy Tables/Checklists (handouts on the night)
Leixlip Library: Thursday 2nd May 7pmUsing Social Stories to help children with ASD under-
stand and interact with others
One of the biggest challenges faced by children on the ASD spectrum
can be their lack of comprehension with changing social and emotional
situations in life. Some children find it simply impossible to naturally
understand the difference between two seemingly obvious social
scenes and can often react in a socially inappropriate manner. This talk
aims to explore some of the reasons for these issues and go through
series of Social Stories specifically designed to help children understand
and more appropriately deal with various social scenes.
The Talk will address the following issues:
• Children with ASD rely heavily on the use of Visual learning
• Children’s senses can often be overwhelmed by sensory input
which can lead to reactions
• How to use social stories to explain social situations
• Examples and recommendations
Naas Library: Tuesday 24th September 7pmHelping children/ adolescents with executive function
problems to organise themselves
Human beings have a built-in capacity to meet challenges and
accomplish goals through the use of high-level cognitive functions
called executive skills. These skills begin to develop in early infancy and
continue to develop well into adolescence and early adulthood. These
skills are necessary to select and achieve goals or to develop problem
solutions.
This talk will look at these skills and how to develop strategies to help
children/adolescents who struggle with them:
• Planning: The ability to create a map to reach a goal or complete
a task. This also includes the ability to make decisions about what
is important and what is not.
• Organisation: The ability to design and maintain systems for
keeping track of information or materials.
• Time management: The capacity to understand the importance
of time and have the ability to estimate the amount of time
available, how to allocate it to different projects, and how to
remain within time limits.
• Working memory: The ability to hold information in mind while
performing complex tasks.
• Metacognition: The ability to take a step back and review one’s
progress, using self-monitoring and self-evaluative skills, e.g.
“How am I doing?”, “How did I do?”.
Newbridge Library: Tuesday 1st October 7pmDyslexia Talks - Amy Smyth, Information Officer from Dyslexia Association of Ireland What is Dyslexia? In this talk, we will discover what Dyslexia is, the causes and what we can do to make life easier for someone with Dyslexia. We will also cover how to get an assessment for a child or adult with Dyslexia, common indicators of Dyslexia, Dyslexia in school and technology that may help dyslexic children in their day to day and school life. There will also be lots of time put aside for participants to ask our Information Officer any questions that they may have about Dyslexia. Newbridge Library: Tuesday 30th April 7pm Dyslexia and Tips for Self Esteem Dyslexia can affect a child’s self-esteem. This talk will take us through hints and tips on talking about dyslexia with your child, helping with self- esteem and self care. Athy Library: Thursday 9th May 7pm Dyslexia and the Transition to Secondary School The transition to secondary school can be a difficult time for any child but can cause specific issues for children with dyslexia. In this talk, we will cover some organisational hints and tips, speaking to teachers, subject choice and Reasonable Accommodations in State examinations. Kildare Town Library: Thursday 16th May 7pm
App Technology and Dyslexia This talk will cover how apps for iPad and tablets can be used as a cheap and user-friendly way to help people with dyslexia. We will discuss apps that help children, young people and adults. These apps range from fun games, speech to text, text to speech and study tools. Athy Library: Thursday 26th September 7pm Assistive Technology and Dyslexia This talk will give an introduction to assistive technology for people with dyslexia. In this talk we will cover the types of assistive technology that can be put on laptops and tablets as well as hardware that can be used to help people with dyslexia with issues around literacy, reading and writing speed and grammar issues. Naas Library: Tuesday 15th October 7pm
DCD/ Dyspraxia Talks – Dyspraxia/ DCD Ireland DCD/ Dyspraxia during the Teenage Years/ In Secondary School Secondary school/ the teenage years presents new challenges as there is a need to be more self-directed and organised which can highlight some of the difficulties encountered by young people with DCD/ Dyspraxia. This talk will focus on these challenges and also look at the issue of peer relationships and self esteem. Kildare Town Library: Thursday 14th March 7pm App Technology and DCD/ Dyspraxia This talk will focus on how apps for iPad and tablets can be used to help people with DCD/ Dyspraxia and will look at the numerous apps available. Leixlip Library: Thursday 23rd May 7pm DCD/ Dyspraxia in Primary School Children in primary school who have DCD/ Dyspraxia can face many challenges such as problems with handwriting, challenges joining in games and difficulties organising themselves. These problems can impact their self-esteem unless strategies are put in place. This talk will help participants understand this condition and discuss methods for helping these children. Athy Library: Thursday 19th September 7pm
Occupational Therapy with
Sarah Butler
Strategies for supporting children with DCD/Dyspraxia
This workshop shares information on DCD and dyspraxia, how it presents
and ways of supporting children with DCD or dyspraxia.
The workshop is an opportunity to:
• Experience the impact of not being able to make your body do
what you want it to do.
• Learn strategies and approaches that are effective in helping a
child with DCD or dyspraxia.
• Discuss when to avoid an activity that is challenging for a child
and when to keep working at it.
Workshop designed for parents, teachers, SNAs, coaches who work with
children who have DCD or dyspraxia.
Athy Library: Thursday 21st March 7pm
Adjusting Tasks to support and develop a child’s ability
This workshop shares strategies to help a child who is having difficulty
doing daily activities (such as writing, buttons, zips, cutlery, scissors,
colouring, sports activities).
The workshop is an opportunity to:
• Learn about the factors which influence a child’s performance.
• Explore what changes can be made to make the activity easier or
improve the child’s skills.
• Understand why a child is having difficulty with a specific activity.
Workshop designed for parents, teachers, SNAs, coaches who work with
children who have difficulty completing some activities.
Leixlip Library: Thursday 26th September 7pmRecognising and Supporting sensory behaviour
This workshop helps adults understand sensory processing and how it
influences our behaviour.
The workshop is an opportunity to:
• Learn how behaviour can show us which sensory inputs a person
is seeking out or avoiding.
• Problem solve how to help someone meet their sensory needs
at home, in the community and at school or work. Explore how
activities influence our body’s sensory systems.
Workshop designed for parents, teachers, SNAs, coaches who work with
children with sensory processing difficulties and for adults with sensory
processing difficulties.
Naas Library: Tuesday 22nd October 7pmSpeech and Language Therapy Lectures with CAINT Speech Therapy Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia Children with Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia (also referred to as Childhood Apraxia of Speech) have difficulties in making and coordinating the sounds required to form the sounds for words. This results in the child’s speech being very difficult to understand. Tips and strategies to help your child learn speech sounds will be discussed on the night. Parents and teachers welcome. Naas Library: Thursday 25th April 7pm The building blocks of language How does language develop? What strategies can I use to encourage my child’s language development? These are some of the questions that will be answered at this interactive talk. Information regarding early language and communication milestones will be demonstrated. It also focuses on the way in which children’s language develops and the importance of play in the child’s development. Lots of fun and practical ideas for language development will also be provided and modelled at this talk making it engaging and applicable to your everyday interaction with your child. Parents and early educators welcome! Kildare Town Library: Thursday 26th September 7pm
Using visuals and objects to support independence Independence is an important concept in our everyday life through which we make choices, communicate thoughts, opinions and emotions and simple make requests. For those with significant language difficulties, independence can be more difficult to obtain. However, visuals and objects are a very useful tool in providing the individual to both understand what is occurring or being said and expressing thoughts, opinions and requests. This talk will focus on the ways in which we can support our communication partners using visual aids and objects in order to support their independence. Objects of reference, visual schedules, and emotion cards are some items which will be covered in this talk. This talk may appeal to a wide audience including, parents, educators and those working in social care. Athy Library: Tuesday 5th November 7pm Supporting communication in non-verbal and minimally verbal children Children can have difficulties in their early language acquisition for many different reasons. Children often communicate with us in non- verbal ways by taking us by the hand, pointing, gesturing and making eye-contact (to name but a few!). This talk aims to demonstrate how children can communicate with us in this way and how we can interpret and respond to these communicative attempts. This talk will also focus on ways to support comprehension and encourage the frequency of communicative attempts. This talk is aimed towards parents and educators. Newbridge Library: Tuesday 19th November 7pm
Bios:
AsIAm Audrey Cully
AsIAm.ie aims to provide a one-stop shop Audrey Cully is a Behavioural Consultant
for the Autism community in Ireland. From with many years experience working in
providing the public and those with the the field of special needs with a strong
condition to a portal of information about background in Autism. She has worked
Autism, to serving a platform for people with children from 2 years old up to 18
affected by Autism to share their stories years in special schools, Autism Units
and views, to providing a strong voice for and mainstream settings and works with
the concerns of the community. children with Autism and related disorders
in their homes. Audrey worked as a
Sarah Butler Behaviour Specialist in a special school
Sarah Butler is an Occupational Therapist and works as a Behavioural Consultant. She
with 12 years’ experience of working with has designed and overseen many IEP’s and
people who have difficulty doing activities. Behaviour Support Plans and has extensive
She is committed to giving parents and experience in dealing with crisis episodes
teachers the information they need to of behaviour. Audrey has a Master’s Degree
understand why a child finds activities in Applied Behaviour Analysis and is trained
hard, and to providing strategies that make as an instructor of Professional Crisis
those activities easier for the child. Having Management.
previously worked for HSE and Enable
Ireland she now operates a small private Sharon Curran
practice based in Kildangan, Co Kildare. Sharon Curran (MSEN, BA Mont Ed, Dip
Hort) is a Special Educational Needs
CAINT teacher specialising in autism spectrum
CAINT is a multidisciplinary service of SLT,
disorder, she has a background in
OT and psychology services. CAINT takes
Montessori education and a wealth of
a holistic view of the client by exploring
experience in teaching children with a wide
speech and language function, their
range of learning disabilities.
abilities to participate in daily activities
(Occupational Therapy), and their
overall development and educational Dyspraxia/ DCD Ireland
attainment (Psychology). CAINT provides Formed in 1995 by parents of children with
individualised therapy programmes which Dyspraxia/DCD, the organisation aims to
are devised in conjunction with parents raise awareness of Dyspraxia/DCD in Ireland
and others involved in the care of the and create a better understanding of the
client. Programmes are designed to meet difficulties people with Dyspraxia/DCD
the individual’s goals and reach their best and their families face. Ensure adequate
potential. CAINT adheres to the highest resources are available to support the
standards of evidence based practice, needs of people with Dyspraxia/DCD and
using the most recent therapy principles provide an information and sharing and
and programmes. All therapists are support network for people with Dyspraxia/
registered with the necessary governing DCD and their families.
body to ensure the highest standard of
service is provided.Enable Ireland - Joanne Fine
Margaret McGrath Joanne Fine is a speech & Language
& Eimear Quinlan Therapist working in a private capacity
Margaret holds a BSc(Hons) Occupational in DLR (Buttercup Speech & Language
Therapy from University of Ulster. She is a therapy). She is parent to 8 year old twins
Senior Occupational Therapist on the Early with an ASC and a founding member of
Services Team (0-5 years) at Enable Ireland PRISM (Parent Resource & Information
Sandymount and Lead Occupational Support Meeting needs), a focused family
Therapist on the Motor Management support group run by parents to provide
Team. Margaret has worked with children information and support for families and
aged 0-18 with a wide range of motor and carers of children/adolescents with an ASC
sensory needs. or other neuro-developmental condition in
a confidential and safe setting.
Margaret’s skills and training include
use of motor-based interventions to Patricia FitzPatrick
develop functional hand use, postural For over 13 years, psychologist Patricia
management and assistive technology, FitzPatrick has been guiding parents and
sensory integration, use of sensory diets carers on their journey through parenthood.
and infant massage. Margaret was involved Patricia has particularly enjoyed working
in establishing the Upper Limb Motor with parents whose children have additional
Management service in Sandymount and challenges, such as Autism Spectrum
is the Chair is the National Upper Limb Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Network. Disorder. Patricia retired from the HSE in
January 2017 and since then has written
Eimear holds a BSc (Hons) Occupational and recently published ‘Effective Parenting;
Science and Occupational Therapy from A Simple Guide for a Happy Home’. During
University College Cork. She is a Senior her time with the HSE, Patricia delivered
Occupational Therapist on a HSE Early parenting programmes for parents of
Intervention team and previously worked young children, teenagers, children on
on the Early Services Team at Enable the autism spectrum and children whose
Ireland Sandymount. parents are separated or divorced. It is her
experience and firm belief that regardless
Eimear has a special interest in early of the challenges faced by the child or the
intervention, upper limb function and parent/s, building a positive relationship
sensory processing. She developed a with the child is the fundamental building
resource for use with children to support block towards a raising a happy and a
functional age-appropriate sensory healthy child.
experiences. Eimear has worked closely
with the Laura Lynn foundation to create
functional and family-centered sensory
stories. Eimear and Margaret were
commended by the Health Management
Institute for their project ‘Supporting the
Functional Hand Use of Children with
Cerebral Palsy’Nicola Foxe (Yo-Yo Yoga) Pádraig Healy
Nicola Foxe has been teaching yoga to Pádraig is Sports Inclusion Disability Officer with
children and adults since 2011. Nicola Kildare Sports Partnership since September
traveled to India to study and train as a 2018. He previously worked as Sports Inclusion
yoga teacher and found herself connected Disability Officer with Cork Sports Partnership
with children with special needs, as the and as a Social Care Worker with Brothers
Ashram was closely linked to a school is to a of Charity Cork. Kildare Sports Partnership
school for children with special educational work with national governing bodies of sport,
needs. Nicola specialised in children’s yoga community groups and schools to increase
and traveled to Nepal to spend time in physical activity opportunities across county
a children’s yoga Ashram in Kathmandu. Kildare. Pádraig’s role in particular is to increase
Nicola’s yogic name is Ma Neha (Mother physical activity for adults and children with
Earth) and her passion for helping children, a disability. He collaborates with disability
teens and young adults fulfill their absolute services, special schools and communities to
potential lead her to qualify in mindfulness establish physical activity programmes, clubs
for children and yoga for children with and events that are sustainable. A big part of his
special needs. Nicola (a mother of two) role is to increase awareness of disability sport
further trained with YTI, Rainbow Kids and across the county and to support mainstream
Special Yoga London but is also a qualified clubs to be more inclusive.
Special Needs Assistant while also holds
qualifications in child psychology, childcare, Hellium Arts
paediatric first aid and has worked with Helium Arts is the national children’s arts
children, teens and young adults of all ages and health organisation, supporting children
and abilities for many years. facing lifelong medical conditions through
their creativity and the arts. www.helium.ie
Fiona Hall
Fiona Hall MIACP is a qualified and Ken Kilbride
accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist, Ken is CEO of ADHD Ireland and their mission
a public speaker in the area of mental is to make life better for people in Ireland living
health and owner of Consciously Clearing, with ADHD. Ken has over 20 year’s experience
a mindful decluttering service. Fiona in senior managements positions in a wide
presents talks on a variety of mental range of both very large and very small not for
health issues for South Dublin County profit organisations in Ireland.
Council, Fingal County Council, Dublin
City Council and Kildare County Council. Anna McMahon & Mary Kinsella
These talks have a particular emphasis Mary Kinsella (MSc Occupational Therapy) and
on working with parents of children with Anna McMahon (BSc Occupational Therapy,
a diagnosis, the impact of clutter on our PG Dip Rehabilitation of the Older Person) are
mental health as well as exploring how Senior Occupational Therapist working in Primary
our thoughts and behaviours can affect Care in Kildare and West Wicklow. Both have
our daily lives. In addition, to working in completed training in the area of Dementia and
private practice, Fiona also works with Assistive technology and have a keen interest
clients in their own homes to help them in supporting people to live as independently as
declutter and let go of what is holding them possible in their homes. and views, to providing a
back so they can move on with their lives. strong voice for the concerns of the community.Brigeeta Mulvihill Amy Smyth
Brigeeta Mulvihill is a Special Educational The Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI)
Needs teacher with over 13 years’ works with and for people affected by
experience teaching students with a wide dyslexia, by providing information, offering
range of learning difficulties. Brigeeta’s areas appropriate support services, engaging
of interest are Autism Spectrum Disorder in advocacy and raising awareness of
(ASD), Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) dyslexia. Amy is the Information and
and Behaviour support. She has a Masters in Advocacy Coordinator with the DAI. Amy
Special and Inclusive Education, an honours has a background in law and has previously
postgraduate degree in Psychology, worked for organisations in the area of
a Graduate Certificate in ASD and an widening access to education for young
honours degree in Primary and Secondary people. Amy is herself Dyslexic and relishes
education. Brigeeta strongly believes in the opportunity to raise awareness of
equipping parents, teachers and caregivers Dyslexia. Amy has a specific interest in the
with tools and strategies to support student issue of a lack of self-confidence in Dyslexic
behaviour, learning, independence and self- young people and adults.
management.
The Sunflower Clinic
Michael Ryan The Sunflower Clinic is an independent
Michael Ryan (MIACP) is a Counsellor/ children’s Occupational Therapy service
Psychotherapist and Author who works with 6 clinic locations in Munster and
with children and teenagers in primary Leinster. We specialise in Sensory
& secondary schools as well as having a Processing, Motor Coordination and
private practice for adults in west Dublin. Autistic Spectrum Disorders for children
He occasionally provides training and hosts and adolescents. We are the largest
workshops on positive Mental Health. He independent Occupational Therapy
regularly contributes to media debate on service in Ireland with a team of highly
these subjects and has spoken at regional experienced therapists dedicated to
and national conferences on topics related providing a caring and supportive service
to Mental Health, Wellness, and Autism and all of our therapy clinics are fully
Spectrum Disorder/Asperger’s (ASD). equipped for Sensory Integration therapy.
Nicholas Ryan-Purcell Rina Whyte
Nicholas Ryan-Purcell is an autistic Rina Whyte has been involved in the area of
filmmaker from Co. Tipperary. His latest Nutrition for over 20 years. As well as seeing
film is called This is Nicholas – Living individual clients, Rina gives seminars
With Autism, a documentary about his and workshops on Nutrition and Healthy
experiences of growing up in Tipperary with Eating. Specialised areas of interest are in
autism and depression. preventative medicine, managing chronic
illness and promoting optimal health by
improving the physiological function of
a number of bodily systems, including
the digestive, immune, endocrine and
cardiovascular systems.Table of Events
‘This is Nicholas’ Film Screening Thurs 7th Feb 7pm Leixlip Library
Hellium Arts’ Pop Up Picnic Sat 6th Apr 10:30am Leixlip Library
12:30pm
3pm
AsIAm Autism Experience Exhibition Sat 27th Apr 10am- Leixlip Library
4pm
ASD-Friendly Sensory Story Time Throughout Leixlip Library
2019 Naas Library
ASD-Friendly LEGO Workshops Sat 23rd Feb 10am Kildare Library
Sat 30th Mar 10am Leixlip Library
Sat 6th Apr 2:30pm Athy Library
Sat 21st Sep 10am Newbridge Library
Sat 26th Sep 11am Naas Library
Health & Well Being: Pádraig Healy (KCC) – Sport Clubs/ Thur 7th Mar 7pm Leixlip Library
Programmes available in Co. Kildare Thur 28th Mar 7pm Naas Library
Health & Well Being: Enable Ireland – Exploring the Benefits Thur 7th Mar 7pm Naas Library
of Multi Sensory Play Thur 14th Nov 7pm Leixlip Library
Health & Well Being: Rina Whyte – Nutrition for Children Tue 26th Mar 7pm Newbridge Library
with Special Needs Thur 24th Oct 7pm Kildare Library
Health & Well Being: Nicola Foxe – Yoga Workshop for Sat 23rd Feb 11am Naas Library
children with additional needs and their parents Sat 28th Sep 10am Newbridge Library
Sat 5th Oct 10am Leixlip Library
Sat 12th Oct 2:30pm Athy Library
Sat 19th Oct 10am Kildare Library
Health & Well Being: Primary Care Kildare & West Wicklow – Thur 4th Apr 7pm Leixlip Library
Assistive Technology for people with Memory Impairment Tue 5th Nov 7pm Newbridge Library
& Dementia
Health & Well Being: Brigeeta Mulvihill – Puberty, Thur 14th Mar 7pm Leixlip Library
Adolescence and ASD Tue 8th Oct 7pm Newbridge Library
Health & Well Being: Patricia FitzPatrick – Effective Thur 14th Mar 7pm Naas Library
Parenting for Children with Additional Needs Thur 24th Oct 7pm Leixlip Library
ADHD Talks with Ken Kilbride (ADHD Ireland) Thur 28th Feb 7pm Kildare Library
Tue 7th May 7pm Athy Library
Thur 10th Oct 7pm Leixlip Library
Counselling and Mental Health with Michael Ryan: Negotiating Thur 28th Feb 7pm Naas Library
Mainstream Life as a Teen/Adult with a hidden disability
Counselling and Mental Health with Michael Ryan: Exam Tue 12th Mar 7pm Newbridge Library
Stress - Strategies for Students with ASD and their families
Counselling and Mental Health with Michael Ryan: Tue 14th May 7pm Athy Library
Acceptance of a Diagnoses
Counselling and Mental Health with Michael Ryan: Managing Thur 23rd May 7pm Kildare Library
Worry and Anxiety
Counselling and Mental Health with Michael Ryan: Making Thur 12th Sep 7pm Leixlip Library
Friends and Positive Play
Counselling and Mental Health with Michael Ryan: School Tue 17th Sep 7pm Newbridge Library
Avoiders
Counselling and Mental Health with Michael Ryan: Mental Thur 7th Nov 7pm Athy Library
Health Management
Counselling with Fiona Hall: The Process of Coping with Tue 9th Apr 7pm Newbridge Library
your child’s diagnosisCounselling with Fiona Hall: Who to tell, how do we tell, how Tue 14th May 7pm Newbridge Library to manage the process Behavioural Therapy with Audrey Cully: Visual Strategies Thur 28th Feb 7pm Leixlip Library and Self-Management Thur 12th Sep 7pm Naas Library Behavioural Therapy with Audrey Cully: Autism Spectrum Tue 19th Mar 7pm Athy Library Disorder Thur 7th Nov 7pm Leixlip Library Behavioural Therapy with Audrey Cully: Challenging Thur 17th Oct 7pm Kildare Library Behaviour Thur 14th Nov 7pm Naas Library Occupational Therapy – Sunflower Clinic: Sensory Tue 26th Mar 7pm Athy Library Processing and Your Child Occupational Therapy – Sunflower Clinic: Sensory Thur 11th Apr 7pm Kildare Library Integration and ASD Occupational Therapy – Sunflower Clinic: Transitioning to Thur 2nd May 7pm Leixlip Library Secondary School for children with ASD Occupational Therapy – Sunflower Clinic: Using Social Tue 24th Sep 7pm Naas Library Stories to help children with ASD Occupational Therapy – Sunflower Clinic: Helping children/ Tue 1st Oct 7pm Newbridge Library adolescents with executive function problems Dyslexia Talks – Amy Smyth, Dyslexia Association: What is Tue 30th Apr 7pm Newbridge Library Dyslexia? Dyslexia Talks – Amy Smyth, Dyslexia Association: Dyslexia Thur 9th May 7pm Athy Library and Tips for Self Esteem Dyslexia Talks – Amy Smyth, Dyslexia Association: Dyslexia Thur 16th May 7pm Kildare Library and the Transition to Secondary School Dyslexia Talks – Amy Smyth, Dyslexia Association: App Thur 26th Sep 7pm Athy Library Technology and Dyslexia Dyslexia Talks – Amy Smyth, Dyslexia Association: Assistive Tue 15th Oct 7pm Naas Library Technology and Dyslexia DCD/ Dyspraxia Talks – Dyspraxia/ DCD Ireland: DCD/ Thur 14th Mar 7pm Kildare Library Dyspraxia during the Teenage Years/ Secondary School DCD/ Dyspraxia Talks – Dyspraxia/ DCD Ireland: App Thur 23rd May 7pm Leixlip Library Technology and DCD/ Dyspraxia DCD/ Dyspraxia Talks – Dyspraxia/ DCD Ireland: DCD/ Thur 19th Sep 7pm Athy Library Dyspraxia in Primary School Occupational Therapy - Sarah Butler: Strategies for Thur 21st Mar 7pm Athy Library supporting children with DCD/ Dyspraxia Occupational Therapy - Sarah Butler: Adjusting Tasks to Thur 26th Sep 7pm Leixlip Library support and develop a child’s ability Occupational Therapy - Sarah Butler: Recognising and Tue 22nd Oct 7pm Naas Library Supporting sensory behaviour Speech and Language Therapy with CAINT: Developmental Thur 25th Apr 7pm Naas Library Verbal Dyspraxia Speech and Language Therapy with CAINT: The Building Thur 26th Sep 7pm Kildare Library Blocks of Language Speech and Language Therapy with CAINT: Using visuals Tue 5th Nov 7pm Athy Library and objects to support independence Speech and Language Therapy with CAINT: Supporting Tue 19th Nov 7pm Newbridge Library communication in non-verbal and minimally verbal children
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