This webinar will examine ways we, as teachers and SNAs, can prepare to ease the transition back to school for students with SEN. This may be particularly difficult for students with ASD and for this reason we will look at strategies for ASD that can also be used for other students with SEN. We will look at ways parents can begin preparing their child for the return to school. We will examine visual supports and other strategies that teachers and SNAs can use to support children with SEN as they return to school after a prolonged absence. We will also look at ways to lower anxiety levels for students and staff.

Biography

Dr Michele Dunleavy BA, PGCE (UK), PGD (Trinity), PGD (UK), M.St (SEN), D.Ed (SEN) Trinty

Michele has a number of years’ experience teaching in a primary, special class and special school setting. Michele was seconded as an Advisor to the Special Education Support Service (SESS) where she worked with teachers in primary, post primary, special classes and special schools. In addition, Michele worked as a Part-Time and Guest lecturer in a number of Colleges including NUIG, UCC, and Trinity College Dublin.

Michele has vast experience in many areas of special education. However, she has a particular interest in Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Inclusion. She completed her Masters and Doctoral research in these areas. Michele has presented at many conferences, both nationally and internationally, on the topic of ASD and inclusion and continues to conduct research in the area of special education. Michele is a member of the National Executive of the Irish Learning Support Association (ILSA) and has held many positions including that of Chairperson. Michele is a member of the editorial committee of the Learn Journal.