Conference: Parents, professionals and students are to learn skills that can assist autistic people in making transitions at various stages of their lives at a conference on applied behaviour analysis and autism this weekend.
The conference, which is organised by the Red Door school for autistic children, will focus on issues such as the transition from special to mainstream education, the development of social skills and the handling of challenging behaviour.
During the two days, speakers from Ireland, Britain and the US will take workshops that implement the latest scientific research.
Sessions and workshops do not apply exclusively to children. Many deal with autism at different stages of life, with some focusing on preparing people for the workplace.
Martina Boylan, director of education at Red Door, said the conference was based on interaction. "The idea is that people will come along and learn skills, it's very hands on," said Ms Boylan.
She said the conference was about working on the "common deficits" that can exclude autistic people from mainstream society. The conference will also highlight the need for people to continue to look at autism in new ways.
"If you're working with these children there are things you can still learn. With research-based intervention you can still learn and you can still teach," she added.
The conference takes place from 8.30am to 5.30pm in Trinity College Dublin each day. Further details at www.thereddoorautismconference.com.