Educational Needs conference details

The first ever Special Educational Needs conference to be held in Ireland will be hosted by Kildare-based Sensational Kids on 19/20 April, writes Brian Byrne.

Citwest is the venue for the event, which features experts on autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD talking to parents, occupational therapists, teachers, SNAs and play therapists.

The Special Needs Parents Association and websie mummypages.ie are partners in the conference, at which there will also be over 40 exhibitors.

Speakers will include autism/Asbergers expert Professor Tony Attwood and occupational therapist Dr Sidney Chu, as well as other speakers who will discuss matters such as dealing with dyslexia.

A special evening event for parents, students and teachers will feature clinical psychologist Dr Aoife Lyons speaking on 'The impact of having a Special Needs child on the family'. A choice from four workshops on the evening will deal with Fine and Gross Motor activities, practical strategies on Dyslexia, the Secondary School experience with autism, and helping young people to deal with anxiety and stress.

The conference will be opened by Fergus Finlay of Barnardos at 1pm on Tuesday 19 April and there will be a performance by the High Hopes Choir.

Tickets are still available online or by phone on 045 520900. The Facebook page is SensationalKidsIreland and the conference can be followed on Twitter using #SenKidsSENC.