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Ciara's journey in working with young children began over 15 years ago, igniting a passion that has guided her career ever since. With experience in schools, early intervention, and in-home supports, Ciara has developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals and their families. She firmly believes that neurodiverse people can be disabled by environmental factors can impact the well-being of neurodiverse individuals and that all behaviours are a form of communication. Ciara's mission is to help individuals and families understand the "why" behind behaviours so they can provide effective support.
As both a neurodiverse individual and a parent of a neurodiverse teenager, Ciara has firsthand experience with the diagnosis process and the challenges that come with it. She has supported numerous families on their journey and provided post-diagnosis support. Ciara understands the uphill battle that parents often face when advocating for support in areas such as schools and services. She is dedicated to supporting families and adults in a positive and empowering manner.
Ciara excels in collaborating with schools and teachers to create supportive environments for children. She offers customized training for professionals working with children of all ages, along with consultations to ensure they have the knowledge and tools to meet each child's unique needs.
Education has been a prime focus of Ciara's professional growth. She holds a BSc Honors in Psychology and a Postgraduate Certificate in Autism Studies. Her training includes certifications in Lámh, PEC's, and TEACCH. She has also received specialized training with the Middleton Centre for Autism in PEP-3 Psychoeducational Profile. Throughout her journey, Ciara has worked closely with occupational therapists and speech and language therapists, eagerly absorbing knowledge from these invaluable partnerships.
While working with numerous families, Ciara recognized the need for support within the home environment. She is passionate about providing parents with clear understanding and guidance on how to best support their children. This realization inspired the creation of Autism Supports, with the aim of empowering parents and professionals with the knowledge and tools to effectively support autistic children.
Navigating the challenges of parenting and professional support can be overwhelming. Ciara is here to guide you every step of the way, offering a welcoming and friendly approach that puts your needs first.