Time:      6pm-8pm

Format: In person

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

What the presentation will cover:

Aoife 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.

Aoife is a Speech and Language Therapist with the Children’s Disability Network Team. 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.

We would kindly ask that if you book a place you commit to coming to the presentation, otherwise other who want to attend may miss out.

Thank You

]]> https://educate.shineireland.com/course/thrive-outside-occupational-therapy-presentation/ Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:21:23 +0000 https://educate.shineireland.com/?post_type=product&p=5329 Thrive Outside – Occupational Therapy Presentation Read More »

When: 29th September, 2025

Time: 6.30pm -8.00 pm

Where: The Shine Centre

Cost: €15.00

This presentation for parents only introduces yoga for autistic children and teens.

The course will cover:

• Developing an understanding of how to use yoga in bringing the physical and emotional body into balance.
• Regulation tools.
• Breathing techniques.
• Story massage/ using nursery rhymes, props, songs and stories.
• Understanding how yoga can be used to restore health and well- being, improve digestion and enhancing immune function.
• Understand the use of yoga as a daily “sensory diet”.

Children with Autism can often present a state of low or high energy, therefore are usually in a disorganised state.

Benefits and aims of this therapeutic practice include:

• Developing head and neck control
• Improving motor planning and control
• Improved self-awareness in both body and mind
• Developing the ability to self-regulate
• Improving immune function
• Improving quality and quantity of sleep
• Enhancing respiratory ability and capacity
• Enhancing a sense of wellbeing, calm and peace

About Jen

My name is Jen and up to recently I worked as a class teacher in the Shine Early Intervention classes for over 10 years and I am also a home tutor. I first started doing yoga therapy back in 2021 after completing my training in children’s and teen yoga and mindfulness as I wanted to focus on yoga techniques to help parents and teachers to assist children with additional needs in the classroom and at home. I also currently run weekly yoga sessions in Kinsale on a 1:1 basis for neurodiverse children and teens and I also run yoga workshops in the Down Syndrome Centre in Cork and with families on a 1:1 basis.

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.

​

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.

Stronger Together is a parent support and wellbeing group facilitated  by the Shine Centre.

Why the Stronger Together Support Group?

The Stronger Together Support Group has come about because of the feedback we have received from parents who have told us that they want to engage, share and talk with other parents who face similar experiences and challenges.

They want to become Stronger Together!!

How does the programme work?

• There are 6 sessions (1 per month for 6 months).
• The group will meet on a  Tuesday evening 7.30pm to 9.30pm approx.
• Part of each session will focus on a specific area of wellbeing. These elements will be delivered by a group of qualified and experienced coaches, facilitators and therapists.

What areas are covered in the programme?

• Open group discussions/shared experiences.
• Talk therapy.
• Anxiety management techniques.
• Acceptance, gratitude and savouring.
• Readiness for change and positive change.
• Emotional self-care skills.
• We also want to have some fun, can’t be serious all the time!!

How much does it cost?

The programme is free to participants, but we do ask that once you book your place that you commit to attending as others who wish to attend will miss out.

Dates:

• Session 1: 15th October 2024
• Session 2: 19th November, 2024
• Session 3: 17th December, 2024
• Session 4: 14th January, 2025
• Session 5: 18th February, 2025
• Session 6: 18th March, 2025

How do I join the programme?

There are 12 places available in this group. Just click on the link at the top of the page to book your place.

Meetings will take place at the Shine Centre in Carrigaline – P43 E392

What is the Stronger Together Support Group?

Stronger Together is a parent support and wellbeing group facilitated  by the Shine Centre.

Why the Stronger Together Support Group?

The Stronger Together Support Group has come about because of the feedback we have received from parents who have told us that they want to engage, share and talk with other parents who face similar experiences and challenges.

They want to become Stronger Together!!

How does the programme work?

• There are 6 sessions (1 per month for 6 months).
• The group will meet on a  Tuesday evening 7.30pm to 9.30pm approx.
• Part of each session will focus on a specific area of wellbeing. These elements will be delivered by a group of qualified and experienced coaches, facilitators and therapists.

What areas are covered in the programme?

• Open group discussions/shared experiences.
• Talk therapy.
• Anxiety management techniques.
• Acceptance, gratitude and savouring.
• Readiness for change and positive change.
• Emotional self-care skills.
• We also want to have some fun, can’t be serious all the time!!

How much does it cost?

The programme is free to participants, but we do ask that once you book your place that you commit to attending as others who wish to attend will miss out.

Dates:

• Session 1: 08th October 2024
• Session 2: 12th November, 2024
• Session 3: 10th December, 2024
• Session 4: 07th January, 2025
• Session 5: 11th February, 2025
• Session 6: 11th March, 2025

How do I join the programme?

There are 12 places available in this group. Just click on the link at the top of the page to book your place.

Meetings will take place at the Shine Centre in Carrigaline – P43 E392

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.