"I was really happy that I was able to get an education"

National Learning Network has supported almost 800 people with autism and Asperger’s 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 supports to promote student success in personal, vocational, and occupational goals.

To coincide with World Autism month, NLN training centres nationwide, including NLN Tullamore, Co. Offaly, are hosting a National Open Day on Wednesday, April 5 at 11am, focusing on autism support.

In recent years, significant progress has been made in increasing awareness and acceptance of autism. However, autistic people 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.”

“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,” said Lucianne

Jack Sheehy is currently a student on the Transition course at NLN Tullamore.

Jack says: “I learn different modules, like communications skills, application of numbers and career preparation. I was diagnosed with autism when I was around 4 years old. When I was younger, I couldn't handle being in secondary school and I had to leave. I had a hard time figuring out some things, like maths. I didn't do the Leaving Certificate. I tried some different courses after school but they didn't work out. It was a tough time for me. It was absolutely depressing because I couldn't really do anything.

“When I went to NLN, I told the staff what I would like to achieve, and it was a good conversation. I was curious to see what they were going to teach me. I was really happy that I was able to get an education. It's been really good since. I am able to learn different subjects and I am able to take my time with them. I like that NLN focusses on me as an individual. I feel I am able to broaden my social skills in NLN.”

“With my behavioural and sensory issues, I am a lot better now than I was years ago. I can talk about it and get an understanding of what it is that I need. I am able to communicate a lot more than I was when I was a teenager. Back then, I was quite reclusive, and I didn't really have anyone I could talk to. It was very stressful for me but I have a lot less stress now. Whenever I feel a little down in myself, I always go to the therapist that works in NLN, I am able to talk to them.

“I would like to become an animator. I also like doing creative writing. That's what I love most about NLN, it allows me to do my own creative writing as well as doing the modules. The instructors help me to get my work done, but they also give me some independence, so I feel that it's done in a positive way," added Jack.

Lucianne added: “Autistic students are not just following their own paths. They are headed to different destinations, and NLN staff work in a student-centred way to help autistic students reach their chosen destinations. We also work with important stakeholders in the community, such as employers, to promote an understanding of neurodiversity in the workplace.”

If you are looking for an autism-friendly route to pursue your career goals, drop into your nearest National Learning Network centre on April 5th at 11am, meet the staff and find out how NLN supports autistic students to gain qualifications, progress to further education, get jobs and pursue careers.

Contact the team at NLN Tullamore by emailing: tullamore@nln.ie or visit: www.nln.ie to find out more.