Demystifying Autism: Building Practical Toolkits for Home, School and Healthcare Settings

This evening course is designed to break down barriers around autism by providing evidence-based, autism-informed strategies to help participants better understand and support autistic children and young adults.

As part of our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme, this certified course provides practical tools for anyone living with, caring for, or working alongside autistic individuals.

You will not just leave this course with a certificate. You will leave with both a physical and digital toolkit. Each week, you will receive learning materials that build into a personalised roadmap to support you now and into the future.

Your Toolkit Includes

Module Presentations: Full printed and digital copies of all class presentations for future reference.
Resource Links: A curated list of trusted local services, support groups and recommended websites.
Practical Checklists: Easy-to-use templates for daily routines, sensory supports and school transition planning.

What Makes This Course Unique?

Many autism courses focus primarily on explaining autism. This course goes a step further by showing you how to plan for the future. You will learn how to build practical, person-centred roadmaps that evolve as the individual grows and their needs change.

Person-Centred Planning

Learn how to place the autistic individual at the centre of their own life planning. Rather than focusing solely on needs, you will learn how to develop goals around their strengths, preferences, interests and aspirations.

Future Planning & Transitions

Gain practical, step-by-step tools to prepare for significant life transitions, including:

Moving from primary to secondary school
Transitioning into adulthood
Preparing for further education, employment and independent living

Core Focus: The Three Pillars of Impact

Parents, educators and professionals face unique challenges every day. This course explores how autism influences everyday life across three key areas.

1. The Impact on the Individual

Sensory Processing: Understanding how the brain processes sights, sounds, textures and other sensory information.
Communication and Learning Styles: Exploring non-verbal communication, literal thinking, social understanding and hidden communication needs.
Energy Levels: Recognising social fatigue and learning strategies to reduce sensory overload and prevent meltdowns.

2. The Impact on the Family

Daily Routines: Creating home environments that feel safe, predictable and supportive.
Sibling Relationships: Balancing the needs of autistic children and their neurotypical siblings.
Community Life: Reducing isolation and building stronger support networks for the whole family.

3. The Transition to Adulthood

Leaving School: Understanding the significant transition beyond the secondary school system.
Further Education & Employment: Exploring college pathways, training opportunities and autism-friendly workplaces.
Independent Living: Developing practical life skills, including money management, public transport and self-advocacy.

Who Is This Course For?
Parents & Guardians: Gain greater confidence, practical strategies and a deeper understanding of how to support your child and family.

Educators & SNAs: Develop practical approaches to creating inclusive classrooms and supporting Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

Healthcare & Care Professionals: Strengthen your professional practice through person-centred, neuro-affirming approaches to care and support.

About the Course Creator & Facilitator

Geraldine Graydon is Learning & Development Coordinator with ASSERT Ireland, an independent autism support and family advocacy network.

She holds an M.Sc. in Equality Studies (UCD), a Higher Certificate in Advocacy (ATU Sligo), and has completed international autism accreditations with Scottish Autism, Studio III, and the Geneva Centre for Autism (Toronto).

A former ASDAN Consultant for Ireland and a certified Conflict Resolution and Person-Centred Planning facilitator, Geraldine designs and delivers CPD programmes that bridge the gap between families, schools, healthcare services and legal systems.

For more information about the course email Geraldine assertireland@gmail.com or PH +353 1 2889717 nights@bfei.ie