Occupational Therapy Workshops with Kevin Prior, Everyday OT

Understanding Autism: A Neuroaffirmative Guide for Parents with Kevin Prior, Everyday OT

Tuesday 17^th February at 6.00pm-8.00pm in Naas Library & Cultural Centre

Designed and delivered by Kevin Prior, Senior Paediatric OT and Áine Curtin (Paediatric OTA & Autism Advocate), this workshop offers a warm, practical and neuroaffirmative understanding of Autism and how to support Autistic children in everyday life.

Learning Outcomes
1.Describe key areas of difference in Autism and recognise how individual profiles and processing
differences shape each child’s experience.
2.Explain Autistic sensory processing and feel confident talking with their child about their Autistic
identity in a positive, affirming way.
3.Recognise Autistic communication styles and use practical strategies — including visuals — to
support communication at home and in school.
4.Support daily living skills, including sleep routines, eating, toileting/hygiene and dressing, using
child-centred and neuroaffirmative approaches.
5.Promote their child’s wellbeing by understanding self-esteem, stress, anxiety and helping their
child make sense of feelings.
6.Strengthen connections and relationships by working collaboratively with professionals,
supporting siblings, understanding family dynamics and advocating for reasonable adjustments
in education.

This session is ideal for parents, educators and caregivers who want to feel informed, supported and empowered. By attending, you’ll gain confidence in helping create environments where Autistic children feel understood, capable and free to thrive at home and in school.

Let’s Play! Nurturing Essential Play and Gross Motor Skills in Children with Kevin Prior, Everyday OT

Tuesday 3^rd March at 6.30pm-8.00pm in Celbridge Library

Designed and delivered by Kevin Prior, Senior Paediatric OT, this workshop explores the foundations of play, movement and gross motor development, and how these skills shape a child’s confidence, coordination and everyday independence.

Learning Outcomes
Understand the role of play in supporting motor development, regulation and social-emotional
growth.
Identify key gross motor milestones and recognise when children may need additional support.

Use practical, play-based activities to build core strength, coordination, balance and bilateral
integration.

Support children who avoid movement, seek movement or become overwhelmed by physical
tasks.

Create simple, low-cost play opportunities at home or in school that encourage exploration,
confidence and independence.

Adapt environments and expectations to meet individual sensory and motor needs in a
neuroaffirmative way.

This session is ideal for parents, educators and caregivers who want to better understand how movement and play shape a child’s daily life. By attending, you’ll gain confidence in using practical strategies that nurture children’s motor skills, support their development and help them thrive through meaningful, joyful play.

Movement, Brain and Sensory Breaks: Understanding what a child needs and when

Tuesday 10th March 6.30pm-8.30pm in Leixlip Library

This workshop, presented by Kevin Prior, Senior Paediatric OT, focuses on supporting children's self-regulation through practical tools and strategies. It provides an in-depth exploration of the benefits of incorporating Movement, Brain, and Sensory Breaks into educational and home environments.

Learning Outcomes:
1.Understanding Self-Regulation: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding
of self-regulation, including its components: emotional regulation, executive functioning,
and sensory processing.
2.Identifying Needs: Participants will learn to identify the specific type of break a child
may need based on their individual challenges and circumstances.
3.Implementing Breaks: The session will explore various types of breaks, Movement,
Brain, and Sensory Breaks and their respective benefits, equipping participants with the
knowledge to choose the appropriate break for different situations.
4.Enhancing Learning and Participation: Participants will understand how regular breaks
can enhance children's academic performance, motivation, and overall engagement in
learning activities.
5.Practical Strategies: The workshop will provide practical strategies and examples of
activities that can be easily implemented in classrooms or at home to support children's
self-regulation and learning.

This workshop is ideal for educators, parents, and professionals seeking to create a supportive environment for children’s learning and emotional well-being.

Understand, Explore & Learn about all things Assistive Technology for your child with Dyslexia or DCD (dyspraxia)

Tuesday 28^th April at 6.30pm-8.30pm in Leixlip Library

Designed and delivered by Kevin (Senior Paediatric OT) this workshop gives parents, caregivers and educators a clear, practical, and confidence-building introduction to Assistive Technology (AT) for children with Dyslexia or DCD. The session focuses on helping adults understand how AT supports learning, independence, self-esteem and participation — both at home and in school. 

Learning Outcomes
Understand the role of Assistive Technology in supporting children with Dyslexia and DCD, and
how it can meaningfully remove barriers to learning.

Identify key AT tools such as reading supports, writing tools, organisation apps, fine motor
alternatives, and accessibility features built into everyday devices.

Recognise signs that a child may benefit from AT and link these supports to individual strengths,
needs, and learning styles.

Use practical AT strategies to support handwriting difficulties, reading challenges, spelling, notetaking, planning, and classroom participation.

Support children in building independence through digital accessibility tools, step-by-step
routines, and confidence with technology.

Collaborate effectively with schools, understanding reasonable adjustments, the SET/Resource
model, and how to advocate for appropriate AT supports through the education system.

This workshop is ideal for parents