On Friday, March 22nd, Kilkenny played host to a timely and powerful conference exploring one of the most pressing topics in education today — the impact of trauma on neurodivergent children and young people.
The event, titled Neurodiversity in Education: The Trauma Connection, brought together educators, SNAs, mental health professionals, parents, and carers for a full day of learning and discussion focused on building more effective trauma-informed practice across Irish education settings.
Organised by TSK Academy, the conference created space to examine how trauma and neurodivergence often intersect — and how understanding this overlap can lead to more compassionate, informed, and effective support for the children in our care.
Keynote speakers and expert panelists shared insights grounded in current research and lived experience, highlighting the importance of recognising trauma responses, understanding nervous system regulation, and shifting away from behaviourist models that rely on compliance and control. Instead, the conference advocated for approaches that prioritise safety, co-regulation, and trust — particularly when working with children who have experienced adversity or are navigating unmet sensory, emotional, or communication needs.
Workshops throughout the day offered practical tools for attendees to take back to their schools, services, and homes — including strategies for recognising hidden trauma, creating safe learning environments, and supporting children who may be misunderstood as “disruptive” or “withdrawn.”
A strong message throughout the day was the need to listen closely to neurodivergent voices and to build systems that don’t just accommodate difference — but truly value it.
This conference marked a growing shift across education and care sectors in Ireland: one that recognises that we cannot support learning or development unless we first support regulation, relationship, and recovery.
TSK Academy extends heartfelt thanks to all who attended and contributed to the day’s success. For those who missed out, more events are in the pipeline — all designed to empower professionals with the tools and understanding needed to better support neurodivergent children and young people.
