NEW Practical Approaches to Supporting Pupils with Autism within the Mainstream Setting SOUTH WALES (Cardiff)

AUTISM - Cheryl Deneen (MA Autism) First Class BA Hons Education (Special Educational Needs) Cheryl has worked in the field of autism for 24 years, including 8 years working as a speech and language therapy assistant for Gwent Health Care Trust and for the last 12 years as an Autism Support Officer and co-lead for implementation of the ASD Strategic Action Plan for Wales. She is a licensed trainer of the National Autistic Society’s EarlyBird, EarlyBird Plus and Healthy Minds; Barnado’s Cygnet Parent/Carers Support Programme, Sibling Support, Puberty and Sexual Wellbeing; Helen Sanderson’s Person Centred Thinking trainer; trained in PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication-Handicapped Children). She continues to work with parents, allied professionals and children in pre-school settings, primary and secondary school. Working in a person centred way bespoke support is given pre and post diagnosis, when undergoing transition, understanding and managing behaviour, managing anxiety, sensory processing differences, social skills, understanding autism and more. Throughout her career Cheryl has delivered training to the University of Wales, social care and Third Sector organisations in the UK. Internationally she has delivered training through European funding to staff at a children’s home in Bulgaria and for a local charity working with the Ministry of Education in Belarus training staff in children’s homes, and professionals within social care, health and education. Empowering parents and professionals with knowledge of autism and practical ideas and strategies has always been an integral part of Cheryl’s day to day practice.

AUTISM  Gemma Bussy B Ed Hons (Primary) Gemma has worked with children with autism for over 15 years. She is currently the Head of Primary and Secondary Autism Special Needs Resource Bases. Gemma also works alongside Cheryl Deneen in providing advice and support for pupils, parents and primary and Secondary schools. Gemma has devised and delivered a range of training for school staff and parents with a view to providing a range of effective and practical strategies for the support of pupils with autism.  She is a licenced trainer of the National Autistic Society’s Early bird Plus and Healthy mind programmes. Gemma is trained in PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), Helen Sanderson’s Person Centred Thinking and TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication- Handicapped Children).  In addition, she has mentored Creative Therapeutic Arts students studying at University Wales Newport and has led a variety of workshops at the university to develop student’s knowledge and understanding of Autism across the primary and secondary phases. Gemma is passionate in supporting both parents and professionals in developing knowledge and successful strategies in order to provide the best possible support and experiences for individuals on the Autism Spectrum.