SP26-144 Beyond Compliance: Building Neuroaffirming Autism Classes

Dates:   Thursday 14th & 21st May 2026
Time:     7.00 - 8.00 pm
Venue:  Online via Zoom

Target Audience: 

New and existing Primary Autism Class Teachers / Principals/ SNA’s / SET

These webinars will focus on:

• Establishing an Autism class that will prioritise supporting children through a regulation-first, child-led
  approach.
• How autistic children learn. 
• Creating safe, predictable, regulating, classroom environments that will support children’s individual needs and learning styles.
• Planning effectively without relying on rigid timetables or compliance systems.
• The importance of building strong partnerships with families.
• Aligning practice to NCSE Relate framework.

Bio of Presenter: Jane O' Neill

Jane O’Neill is an autism class teacher committed to child-led, play-based and neurodiversity-affirming practice. Her approach is rooted in the belief that respect, consent and autonomy are essential foundations of any meaningful educational environment.

She critically challenges behaviourist frameworks within schools, advocating for the removal of compliance based practices. Jane works to cultivate learning environments where autistic children are supported to learn through their interests, rather than being shaped by compliance-driven expectations.

Through her teaching and advocacy, she is dedicated to protecting childhood, amplifying autistic voices and ensuring that neurodivergent learners are understood, respected and empowered to thrive authentically.