The core philosophy behind Rachel’s practice, and indeed the CONTiGO approach, is to foster growth and address developmental needs in a manner that is inherently natural, engaging, and enjoyable for children. By integrating the therapeutic benefits of the outdoors with structured occupational therapy techniques, Rachel creates a dynamic and supportive space where children can thrive.

When: 20^th November, 2025

Time: 6.30pm-8pm

Where: The Shine CentreCost: €15 p.p.

Date: Wednesday 30th April, 2025.

Time: 6pm – 8pm

Venue: Shine Centre – P43 E392

This presentation is free of charge. We would kindly ask that you attend the event if you book a ticket, otherwise you will prevent others from attending. Thank you. 

What the presentation will cover: Aileen and Colette will share knowledge & tips on supporting your child’s communication, including key information about Gestalt Language Processing, using AAC and visuals, supporting your child’s play and modelling language for your child.

Aileen is a Senior Speech and Language Therapist with the Children’s Disability Network Team, covering Network 13 (Kinsale, Carrigaline, Bandon). In her role, she aims to provide support for parents, teachers and others in a child’s world, through promoting understanding of the child’s individual communication needs. She aims to help those in the child’s life support their communication development through play and every day routines, so that positive relationships can be fostered.

Colette is a Senior Speech & Language Therapist with over 20 years of experience working in a variety of settings. For the past four years Colette has been working in a primary care autism post. This role involves creating and delivering new neuro-affirming primary care pathways for autistic children across Cork & Kerry. Colette has both a personal and professional interest in supporting autistic children and their families so that everyday life can be more enjoyable for the whole family and parents can fully enjoy their remarkable autistic children.

Date: Thursday 20th of March 2025

Time: 7.00pm – 8.30pm

Format: In person

Cost: € 20 per person

Venue: The Shine Centre, Carrigaline, Co Cork P43 E39

About Laura Crowley:

I am a Mother of two children (one neurodivergent child and one neurotypical child), Author, Lecturer and Autism Consultant, with over 24 years’ experience working with young people in a variety of specialist settings. I was identified as autistic at the age of 40 and my lifelong struggle navigating social scenarios, and Generalised and Social Anxiety prompted me to create the Social Connect Series of resources and Training opportunities. My experience designing and delivering programmes for tweens and teens on the Autistic Spectrum adds a practical user centred focus to my resources and training.

As a parent and educator, I understand the need for easy to follow resources, which are accessible to all regardless of training, and so I have placed heavy emphasis on the accessibility of my training and resources for parents and teachers alike.

My primary goal is to design practical supports, positive resources and effective training opportunities for children, parents and professionals. I am passionate about inspiring and empowering young people to overcome their barriers and allow them to connect to their peers and the wider community.

I believe that children’s mental health is as important as their physical health and the impact of providing a positive foundation for dealing with difficult emotions, will be felt throughout life.

Time: 7.00pm – 8.30pm

Format: In person

Cost: € 15 per person

Venue: The Shine Centre, Carrigaline, Co Cork (P43 E392)

What the presentation will cover: 

The presentation will focus on the importance of healthy gut and how dietary changes can impact on autism-related behaviours, sleep patterns etc.

Amy will be offering some practical tips and ideas how parents can implement the changes and answer any questions you may have.

Who will present this course

Dr Amy Herlihy is a Medical Doctor, an Author, an Autism expert, and a mother to her 3 children. She developed special interest in nutrition and biomedical interventions many years ago as she witnessed firsthand the profound impact that dietary changes can have on autism-related behaviors, speech delay, and sleep patterns. Since then, she has dedicated herself to in-depth studies of biomedical treatments for Autism.

Dr. Amy Herlihy’s dedication to her medical profession, her expertise in Autism, and her commitment to improving the lives of children with special needs make her an exceptional figure in her field.

In 2014, Dr. Herlihy established the Special Kids Medical Clinic, which became a leading provider of specialized services for children with special needs in Ireland. The clinic focused on offering expert consultations on diet and nutrition, providing a unique and invaluable resource for parents seeking hope and support.

As the clinic continued to evolve (it is also now serving adults with a diverse range of diseases who seek to explore the underlying causes of their illnesses) the decision was taken to name it: Nutridoc.

with Behavioural Specialist Alma Carroll

Thursday 05th December 2024 from 6.30pm – 8pm

Venue: Shine Centre, Carrigaline, Co Cork

What the presentation will cover: 

• What is behaviour?
• Understanding why behaviour occurs.
• Explore different functions of behaviour.
• The power of positive re-enforcement.
• Offer some strategies to address behaviours that may challenge.
• Q&A

Who will present this course

Alma Carroll has been working with children on the Autism Spectrum for 25 years. Alma works as a Behavioural Specialist in Early Years at the Shine Centre having previously held the position of Deputy Manager of the Shine Early Intervention Unit. Alma also worked in an ABA school for 7 years where she received extensive training in Applied Behaviour Analysis and held the position of Supervising Class Teacher. She holds a MSc in Personal & Management Coaching, a BA degree in Psychology and Sociology and a Higher Diploma in Coaching Psychology all from University College Cork. She also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Social Science from the Open University.

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Alma has also completed courses in PECS, Lámh, Autism Studies and Occupational Therapy. Alma has a particular interest in Behaviour Management and has lectured on both Early Intervention and Behaviour Management on the Autism Studies course in the College of Commerce. She also delivers workshops on Behaviour Management in Autism for parents and educators and Autism Awareness workshops for companies and organisations in Cork.

Designed for a diverse audience, including parents, teachers, SNA’s, educational professionals, social workers, childcare professionals, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists, this course is your gateway to enhancing your knowledge and practical skills in supporting autistic individuals. What sets this course apart is the expertise of our autistic trainer, having amassed over 24 years of experience in providing unwavering support and guidance to autistic individuals. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of autism and make a positive impact in your field. Register today and be part of this transformative learning experience.

The programme will cover the following topics

• Autism- a spectrum of alternative neurology
• Autistic anxiety- cause, identification and management
• Understanding Sensory Profiling
• Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoidance
• The Sensory Environment
• To identify behaviours that might challenge
• Understand why the behaviours are happening and what is driving them
• Strategies to prevent, reduce or eliminate behaviours that might challenge
• How to build skills that promote positive behaviour

Each session will also have opportunity for questions and also allow time for parents to connect. This programme serves to empower parents with not only knowledge but the safety of a supportive community of fellow parents to learn from also.

Dates –

16th March 7.30pm-9pm

23rd March 7.30pm-9pm

30th March 7.30pm-9pm

6th April 7.30pm-9pm

Venue- Shine Centre, Carrigaline

While each week will focus on different things/areas, the purpose of the course is for siblings to connect with others, learn about autism, share experiences, learn about themselves and how to build on their coping skills and first and foremost have fun while doing it.

Some topics that we will cover:

Week 1: What does autism mean to you? We will be talking about similarities and differences that exists between people. We will find out their own and their siblings ‘superpowers’. Team building exercise and why it’s important to work as a team. We will focus on 5 senses why they matter (short games where they can experiment with their own senses) and what can happen when their senses are over or under stimulated. We will look at some relaxation techniques/activities that might help them when they feel sad/angry/lonely etc.

Week 2: It’s all about communication! How do we communicate and what happens when we can’t communicate effectively? We will explore how do they communicate? Is there ways they can communicate more effectively with their parents/siblings (What do they need? How they feel?) e.g. can they use their ‘super powers’ from week 1 to help them with communication? Problem solving exercises.

Week 3:  Focus is on emotions/feelings! How do their siblings express their feelings? (especially if they have no words) How do they express their feelings? Why expressing your emotion/feelings matters? Etc.

Week 4: Siblings rock! We will look at what they have achieved. It’s all about them, having fun! We will be doing activities that they want to do

The programme will cover the following topics

• Autism- a spectrum of alternative neurology
• Autistic anxiety- cause, identification and management
• Understanding Sensory Profiling
• Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoidance
• The Sensory Environment
• To identify behaviours that might challenge
• Understand why the behaviours are happening and what is driving them
• Strategies to prevent, reduce or eliminate behaviours that might challenge
• How to build skills that promote positive behaviour

Each session will also have opportunity for questions and also allow time for parents to connect. This programme serves to empower parents with not only knowledge but the safety of a supportive community of fellow parents to learn from also.

Dates –

27th Oct 7.30pm-9pm

3rd Nov 7.30pm-9pm

10th Nov 7.30pm-9pm

17th Nov 7.30pm-9pm

Venue- Shine Centre, Carrigaline

The programme will cover the following topics

• Autism- a spectrum of alternative neurology
• Autistic anxiety- cause, identification and management
• Understanding Sensory Profiling
• Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoidance
• The Sensory Environment
• To identify behaviours that might challenge
• Understand why the behaviours are happening and what is driving them
• Strategies to prevent, reduce or eliminate behaviours that might challenge
• How to build skills that promote positive behaviour

Each session will also have opportunity for questions and also allow time for parents to connect. This programme serves to empower parents with not only knowledge but the safety of a supportive community of fellow parents to learn from also.