Neurodiversity Ireland

Julie Holmes is an experienced speech and language therapist who works in the private sector to identity autism and provide therapy and supports for autistic children and their families. Over recent years Julie’s interest in neurodiversity affirming practices has grown. She is eager to share her knowledge and support professionals and families to learn more about gestalt language processing. Applying this to her own work has transformed her practice and resulted in amazing outcomes. During this session Julie will provide some introductory information on what gestalt language processing is, describe the Natural Language acquisition framework and give you some initial tools and strategies to support your own child.

Some children experience and interact with the world differently to many of their peers. Standard educational systems often fail to adapt to their unique strengths and ways of learning. School, and even the act of learning, can become a source of great anxiety and trauma. Self-directed education offers an alternative to traditional schools that can help neurodivergent children develop at their own pace and thrive.

Blending theory, practical advice and lived experience, clinical psychologist Naomi Fisher introduces the world of self-directed learning and tailoring the learning environment to your child.