Career Opportunities

The A2Z Autism CPD Course is an evidence-based, trauma practice informed training programme held at the Dublin College of Further Education & Training Blackrock.

This course  bridges the gap between medical theory and real-world application across the human lifespan.

When: Tuesday evenings from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Starts 22nd Sept for 10 weeks

Cost: €120

 

Target Audience

This course is designed for anyone looking to understand how autism impacts individuals, and how external environments and actions affect them:

• Families: Parents seeking or adjusting to an early or late diagnosis, grandparents, and caregivers.
• Professionals: Educators, service providers, healthcare/HSE staff, and care assistants.

Core Learning Modules

• The Lifespan Profile: Examines how autism affects executive functioning, communication under stress, and processing speed from childhood to adulthood.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Teaches how to identify sensory overload, masking, and trauma triggers to prevent profound autistic burnout.
• Transition Planning: Focuses on building "Circles of Support" and using life-skills metrics for educational, residential, and employment changes.
• Conflict Resolution: Provides practical de-escalation strategies to maintain safe, regulated environments during behavioural crises.
• Rights & Compliance: Navigating Irish frameworks like education, healthcare, employment system, service provision post 18  and the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act.  

Key Benefits

• For Educators: Immediate, actionable classroom inclusion strategies.
• For Healthcare Providers: Tools to meet person-centred HSE compliance metrics.
• For Families: A clear roadmap to navigate lifelong services with dignity.

About the Instructor - Geraldine Graydon, M.Sc. H. Cert Advocacy.

• Role: Learning & Development Coordinator at ASSERT Ireland (an independent autism support and family advocacy network).
• Education: M.Sc. in Equality Studies (UCD) and Higher Certificate in Advocacy (IT Sligo).
• Accreditations: Certified by National College Ireland, Scottish Autism, Studio 3, and the Geneva Centre for Autism (Toronto). Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (BC Canada)
• Expertise: Coordinator of the Partners in Policymaking Course – Rehab Care,   Coordinator of the Family Initiative Project – Autism Initiatives.   Former ASDAN Consultant for Ireland, and certified specialist in conflict resolution and person-centred planning.

 

For further information about the content of the course

Email Geraldine – assertireland@gmail.com