Autism Reality Experience Helps Build Understanding Across Local Schools

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has welcomed the Autism Reality Experience to the Slieve Gullion and Crotlieve District Electoral Areas, marking World Autism Acceptance Month this April.

Delivered by Training 2 CARE and supported by the Public Health Agency, the Autism Reality Experience offers an immersive, hands-on training session designed to help neurotypical people better understand the sensory and communication challenges experienced by individuals on the autism spectrum.

The training sessions were delivered to staff at St Mark’s High School, Warrenpoint and St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook, providing valuable insight into the day-to-day experiences of pupils with autism and helping to build more supportive and inclusive school environments.

Through the experience, participants gained an understanding of a range of sensory processing challenges, including hypersensitivity to sound and light, feelings of overwhelm, difficulties with language processing, and challenges with balance and spatial awareness. The session also highlighted what it can feel like to navigate environments that are not designed with neurodiverse needs in mind.

Welcoming the initiative, Crotlieve DEA Forum Chairperson Councillor Kate Murphy, “I am delighted that as a Council we have provided funding to bring the Autism Reality Experience to our district.  This training will be invaluable to the staff at St Marks High School and will increase their understanding of Autism which will benefit any pupils at the school who have received this diagnosis. “

Slieve Gullion DEA Forum Chairperson, Councillor Aine Quinn said, “This interactive initiative has given staff at St Paul’s a deeper insight into autism and the challenges that pupils may encounter in their daily lives. It is essential that the wider public develops a greater understanding of how neurodiverse individuals experience different environments, and how we can all play a role in creating a more inclusive society.”