Tipperary training centre to host open day to coincide with World Autism Awareness month

Specialist education body National Learning Network has supported almost 800 people with autism and Aspergers into employment or further education in the last five years. 

National Learning Network (NLN) is the education and training division of the Rehab Group. NLN provides inclusive  education and training opportunities with specialist student supports to promote student success in personal, vocational and  occupational goals.  
 
To coincide with World Autism Awareness month, NLN training centres nationwide, including NLN Clonmel, are hosting a National Open Day on this Wednesday, April 5 at 11 am, focusing on autism support.

NLN Clonmel is located at Roseville, Western Road, Clonmel. 

People can visit NLN locations in every county to see the various learning options with pathways to further education, higher education and jobs.  

In recent years, significant progress has been made in increasing awareness and acceptance of autism.  However, autistic people are said to still face discrimination and barriers to access and participation in all aspects of society, including education and work in Ireland.  NLN has a large autistic community, with almost 40% of the student population identifying as autistic.  
 
Lucianne Bird, Director of the National Learning Network, says: "NLN training centres adopt a neurodiversity affirmative approach in working with all students. Put simply, this means we respect that students vary in how their brains take in, process and respond to information.  

"It's just what makes each of us unique – staff and students.  And the difference between people in how we learn is natural.  There is no one better way to learn or no correct way to be, all neuro-types are equally valued," explained Ms Bird.  
 
“Autistic individuals have a wide range of abilities and needs, and NLN staff are skilled at providing the specific support required; of course, the type and level of support varies from person to person.  

"In NLN, we often meet autistic people who have been masking personal traits in order to fit in with people around them. This can be exhausting and negatively impact on mental health and wellbeing.  

"In all our training centres, we welcome and support people to be their true and authentic selves without pressure to conform to traditional social norms,” added Ms Bird.