Bonus material

More than your usual EPV day course!

  • Live Zoom sessions with Marie Byrne

    Each week Marie will host a live zoom session addressing the key questions and issues arising from the Q& A and discussion sections of the course. These sessions are optional and not required for EPV certificate.

  • Extended Access to Content

    All course participants will have extended access to recorded content and resources until Dec 2026 to support you through your first term in your Autism class. You will be automatically enrolled onto an extended access version of the course after the closing date for your EPV approved course.

  • Personalised specific feedback

    Course numbers are limited to allow Marie to provide personal and specific feedback and advice to each participant throughout the course vis assignments, discussions and email. Assignments are designed to support you to plan and design your autism friendly classroom enviornment and lesson planning as you move through the course. Previous participants report feeling more confident and better equipped to take on your new role.

EARLY BIRD OFFER

Book before May 31st 2026 for 4 months free access to our new community. This includess a live monthly Q&A session with Marie to support you through your first term.

  • €99,00

    Book before May 31st 2026 for bonus offer

    Buy now

Course Content

The Autism Perspective

An online self directed comprehensive introduction to teaching children in a special classroom for Autism.

We introduce the Autism perspective and consider how to create a structured, safe and happy classroom environment that celebrates neurodiversity and meets the needs of every student.  

Module 1: Introducing Autism

  • Learn about autism and the diagnostic criteria used.
  • Identify and understand neurodivergence  and the implications for teaching and learning.
  • Explore a range of teaching and learning methodologies and strategies.


Module 2: The Teaching and Learning Environment

  • Learn to create a structured interest-led, motivating  classroom environment.
  • Promote student engagement through effective classroom management practices.
  • Identify and support Sensory Processing issues
  • Examine strategies to minimise their impact on student engagement and wellbeing.


Module 3: Social Communication, Engagement and Relationship. 

  • Explore the concept of social communication and the double empathy problem 
  • Discuss the development of play and links to language development.
  • Consider the role of the teacher in developing social communication and engagement.  
  • Reflect on inclusion within the wider school context.


Module 4: Reframing "Challenging" Behaviour

  • Review key characteristics and challenges that may impact on behaviour.
  • Reflect on neuro-biological processes and the Autism Perspective
  • Examine strategies to support wellbeing and regulation.
  • Recognising behaviour as communication  and how to support students.
  • Managing the challenge faced by the student 


Module 5: Assessment and Planning

  • Explore assessment in the special class and examine a range of specific assessments to support planning for autistic students
  • Examining the importance of planning to meet the student's developmental stages and interests. 
  • Consider effective long and short -term planning for the group and the individual.
  • Explore digital learning tools and Apps to support literacy and numeracy.

 

 

Instructor(s)

Education Consultant

Marie Byrne

Marie is a highly qualified tutor with a wealth of experience working with, living with and loving Autistic people. From 2008 - 2019 she was seconded to the SESS ( then NCSE) as an Autism Advisor where she delivered specialised and individualised training and onsite support to teachers. principals and schools as they established Special classes in their schools. When her secondment ended in 2019 she returned to her first love of working directly with young children with Autism. and established her successful consultancy business to continue to offer training and supports to schools , and also to parents. Qualifications Marie holds undergraduate degrees in teaching and in psychology. She completed a number of postgraduate studies in Autism, Special Educational Needs , PlayTherapy and Child Development. She holds two Masters level Qualifications M.Ed in Equality and Diversity focussing on inclusion of all children in schools, especially those who pose a challenge to the existing system MA in Humansitic and Integrative Psychotherapy and Playtherapy : her thesis focussed on the importance of relationship building play in developing social communication skills in young children with Autism . She has presented a training course for parents based on the model of intervention she developed during her MA.