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This course explores how behaviour can be a form of communication, helping SNAs and school staff respond with understanding and care. Through practical examples and reflective activities, participants will learn how to spot early signs of dysregulation, use de-escalation techniques, support autistic students and embed positive strategies in the classroom. The course promotes calm, consistent responses that build trust, emotional safety and better outcomes for all students.

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What you will learn:

  • Understand Behaviour as Communication: Recognise that all behaviour sends a message — and learn how to interpret it.
  • Spot Early Signs of Dysregulation: Identify stress signals in students and respond before behaviours escalate.
  • Use De-escalation Techniques Effectively: Apply calm, supportive strategies to reduce challenging moments.
  • Support Autistic Students: Create structure, predictability and understanding to meet sensory and emotional needs.
  • Embed Positive, Preventative Supports: Develop daily strategies that promote emotional safety and positive behaviour.
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Annette Ormond

I am a primary teacher working in schools for the past nineteen years. I am a passionate lifelong learner and am currently completing a Masters in Educational Leadership through Waterford Institute of Technology. I have graduated with a degree in psychology from the Open University. I have completed many different courses in the area of educating students with Additional Needs and I have significant and varied experience in the area including working in SET, special class teaching and as a SENCO. I have worked with many different schools nationwide planning different aspects of the Continuum of Support with them and planning provision in their school for students with additional needs. I believe wholeheartedly in the difference we can make in the lives of people with many
additional needs through our understanding and our knowledge. I worked with the Dyslexia Association of Ireland for eight years, as a tutor on the SNA course with UCD, and as a lecturer with Hibernia College on the Inclusion and Diversity module with the PME students. I was awarded the IATSE Testimonial and Award for excellence in Support Teaching in 2017 when studying in University College Dublin and the Louise Madigan Bursary Award for research in education in 2021. I worked as a member of the ILSA Executive Committee.
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