'Navigating the Autism Classroom' Webinar Series for Autism Class Teachers
Jessie will be running a fortnightly webinar support series for Autism Class Teachers with Sligo Education Centre starting 27th August 2025.
Sign up here: Primary - Sligo Education Centre CPD Courses
Webinar 1: Building Relationships in the Autism Classroom (27th August)
Strong relationships are at the heart of a successful autism classroom. In this webinar, we'll explore;
· Practical strategies for building trust and connection with students,
· Fostering collaboration within your classroom team,
· Creating positive, supportive partnerships with parents..
Whether you're new to the field or looking to refresh your approach, come join the conversation!
Webinar 2: Developing an Effective Timetable for an Autism Classroom (10th September)
A well-planned timetable can make all the difference in an autism classroom. In this webinar, we’ll dive into tips and strategies for building a schedule that supports student needs, balances routines with flexibility, and helps your day run more smoothly.
Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to fine-tune your current setup, this session will give you practical tools to make your timetable work for you and your students.
24th September: Support Group: Connecting Teachers in Autism Classrooms
Teaching in an autism classroom comes with unique joys and challenges—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. This support group is a space for teachers to connect, share ideas, talk through tough moments, and celebrate wins (big and small). Whether you’re looking for advice, encouragement, or just someone who gets it, come join the conversation and community.
Webinar 3: Assessment in the Autism Classroom (1st October)
Assessment in autism classrooms should be meaningful, manageable, and grounded in evidence. In this webinar, we’ll explore how to use evidence-based assessment tools and strategies to truly understand student progress and guide instruction. We’ll look at both formal and informal approaches, and how to make assessment a natural part of your teaching routine. Ideal for teachers who want to feel more confident and effective in their assessment practices.
Webinar 4: Developing Effective Student Support Plans in the Autism Classroom (15th October)
Every student is unique—so their support plans should be too. In this webinar, we’ll walk through how to create clear, practical, and individualized support plans that truly meet the needs of your students. We’ll cover key elements like setting goals, tracking progress, and working with your team to keep plans meaningful and doable. Perfect for teachers looking to strengthen support for their students in real, day-to-day ways.
5th November Support Group: Connecting Teachers in Autism Classrooms
Teaching in an autism classroom comes with unique joys and challenges—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. This support group is a space for teachers to connect, share ideas, talk through tough moments, and celebrate wins (big and small). Whether you’re looking for advice, encouragement, or just someone who gets it, come join the conversation and community.
Webinar 5: Understanding Behaviour & Regulation in Autistic Students (19th November)
All behaviour is a form of communication—and understanding what’s behind it helps us support our students better. In this webinar, we’ll dive into how autistic students experience self-regulation, what different behaviours might be telling us, and how to respond with empathy and effective strategies. Walk away with a deeper understanding of your student’s experience.
Webinar 6: Promoting Regulation and Positive Behaviour in the Autism Classroom (3rd December)
This webinar will explore practical, evidence-based strategies to promote positive behaviour in autistic students, with a strong focus on understanding and supporting regulation. Learn how to implement proactive supports, foster a sense of emotional safety, and create routines that meet diverse sensory and communication needs. Whether you’re new to supporting autistic learners or looking to deepen your practice, this webinar will provide actionable tools you can use right away.
Sign up here: Primary - Sligo Education Centre CPD Courses
Professional Learning Day - Starting Strong: Setting up for Success in a Primary Autism Classroom
Sign up now at: Professional Learning Day - Starting Strong: Setting up for Success in a Primary Autism Classroom-SNAs - Le Cheile Online Learning
A recording will be shared with all registrants for a period of 4 weeks after the live event. You will receive a cert of attendance for 3.5hrs.
Session 1 - 9.30am - 10.40am: Meeting Your Students for the First Time: Preparing for Meet & Greet, Back-to-School, and Week One in the Autism Classroom
The first few weeks in an autism classroom are crucial for setting the tone and creating a supportive environment. In this informative session, teachers and SNAs will learn how to effectively meet their students for the first time during "Meet & Greet," and how to prepare both students and staff for a smooth back-to-school transition. We’ll explore strategies for building trust, introducing routines, and creating an environment where every student feels safe and engaged from day one.
Key topics include:
Making a positive first impression during the Meet & Greet
Preparing students for back-to-school with visual schedules, social stories, and sensory supports
Structuring Week One to build predictability, reduce anxiety, and foster communication
Setting realistic goals for the first days and weeks, while ensuring individualized support
Navigating challenges and building relationships with students, families, and the support team
Session 2 - 10.50am - 11.50am: Designing an Effective Autism Classroom: Layout, Equipment, and Visual Supports
Creating an environment that promotes learning, safety, and independence is essential in an autism classroom. In this session, teachers and SNAs will explore how to design a space that meets the diverse needs of students with autism. We’ll dive into the key elements of classroom layout, the selection and use of supportive equipment, and the power of visual supports to help students navigate their day with greater ease and confidence.
Key topics include:
Classroom Layout: How to arrange spaces for sensory regulation, quiet zones, and work areas to maximize engagement and minimize distractions
Essential Equipment: Choosing the right tools and resources to support learning, communication, and sensory needs
Visual Supports: Creating and using visual schedules, labels, and cues to enhance predictability and understanding for students
Flexible Spaces: Setting up areas for group work, independent tasks, and sensory breaks to support a range of needs
Practical Tips: Easy-to-implement strategies for organizing materials, setting up behaviour supports, and creating a positive learning environment.
Session 3 - 12pm - 1pm: Designing and Implementing Effective Timetables in the Autism Classroom
A well-structured timetable is essential for providing students with autism the predictability and routine they need to thrive. In this session, teachers and SNAs will learn how to design and implement class timetables that create a sense of security and maximize student engagement. We’ll explore strategies for building clear schedules that support both individual and group needs, while incorporating flexibility to accommodate sensory and emotional needs.
Key topics include:
Designing the Timetable: How to structure the day to balance work, breaks, and sensory needs for students
Incorporating Transitions: Tips for making transitions smoother, using timers and visual cues to promote predictability
Flexible Approaches: Adapting the timetable to individual needs and behaviours without disrupting the overall flow of the day
Collaboration: Working as a class team to implement and monitor the timetable effectively