Middletown Centre for Autism in conjunction with Gallen Community School held a conference on Saturday 9th March in Gallen CS.
Focusing on Transitions for 16+ Education and Employment, Adam Harris was the principal speaker . Adam gave generously of his time and spent two hours with the participants , speaking about his understanding of Autism growing up as a child into adulthood which led him to set up the organisation AsIAm. He talked about focusing on one’s strengths and differences as something positive and not to always see the difficulties in having Autism. AsIAm now advocates for education, understanding and awareness of Autism in every sphere of Irish life including all education and work settings.
Mrs Finnegan spoke briefly on the opportunities for students with Autism to transition to Further & Higher education & other services provided by LOETB, the National Learning Network, HSE funded Rehab services and St Hilda’s Voluntary Services Athlone.
After lunch Adam spent time with the students in our own Autism Centre while the adults stayed in the General-Purpose Area where they had presentations from Bernie Hendry from Moate Business College, Bernie Langtry from AIT Disability’s Office, Petrina Murray, Programme Development Officer with the National Learning Network and David Whelan Occupational Guidance HSE . Lots of question time was provided for parents . Middletown’ s Majella Nugent thanked Mrs Finnegan and all the staff in Gallen CS for hosting this conference and of course huge thanks was expressed to Adam Harris who gave so generously of his time .
