The Great Big Training 2025 

CPD  by Autistics for EVERYONE 

Minding Autistic Minds Conference - Neurodiversity CPD

Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork

9am to 5.30pm Fri 24th and Sat 25th October 2025

Our community is in crisis. Be part of the solution!
In-person day ticket: €159
In-person two-day ticket: €285

Together, let’s tackle the mental health crisis faced by Autistic adults and children.

CPD details:

IACP recognised

PSI approved 

CPD  awarded in accordance with NMBI guidance

Why is this so important?

Why mind Autistic minds?

“Autistic mental health is the critical topic of discussion in this conference. During our neuro-affirming talks and interactive workshops, we will highlight the need for significant improvements in services, schools, colleges and workplaces. Learn how you can make a significant difference in Autistic people’s lives today.”

Day 1: Fri 24th October

I am autistic msyself

The first day of our conference is designed for professionals working with Autistic adults: from mental health professionals and educators to HR personnel and social workers, this conference is tailored to address the pressing issue of Autistic mental health and well-being. Gain first-hand insights and a practical skillset. Day 1 will also be hugely beneficial to parents and Autistic adults themselves.

Day 2: Sat 25th October

Why mind Autistic minds?

The second day of our conference is designed specifically for schools, parents, caregivers, and professionals working with Autistic children and teens. Discover the crucial role of mental health in the lives of Autistic children, gain valuable insights, and learn practical approaches to support their well-being.

Mind Autistic minds by listening to neuro-affirmative voices

Day 1 25th April – Adult Mental Health 

  • Eoin Stephens, psychotherapist and trainer- Opening Address
  • Grace Harrison, psychotherapist- Eating Disorders and Neurodivergence
  • Dean Beadle, speaker and trainer- Autistic Identity, Empowerment and Wellbeing ** Please note Dean Beadle does not allow recording and so will present live in person and be live streamed but will not be part of recording**
  • Pete Wharmby, author, speaker, former teacher- Let Us Be Monotropic

Morning Workshops (in person delegates will choose one, online attendees can partake in TBC session) 

Maqqi and Jessica K Doyle : Exploring our relationship with our senses and emotions

Grace Harrison: Neurodivergent Students in Third-Level Education

Scott Neilson: Creating Safe Spaces for Autistic Adults

TBC

Afternoon Workshops  (in person delegates will choose one, online attendees will partake in Pete’s session) 

Pete Wharmby: Sensory Audits

Maqqi and Jessica K Doyle : Exploring our relationship with our senses and emotions

Grace Harrison: Neurodivergent Students in Third-Level Education

Scott Neilson: Creating Safe Spaces for Autistic Adults

Day 2 26th April Mental Health of Autistic Children

  • Siobhan Daly, teacher and trainer- Opening Address
  • Gillian Kearns, parent, early childhood educator and co-founder Neuropride Ireland- Neurodivergent Parenting 
  • Dean Beadle, speaker and trainer- Supporting Autistic Young People Through Anxiety ** Please note Dean Beadle does not allow recording and so will present live in person and be live streamed but will not be part of recording
  • Pete Wharmby, author, speaker, former teacher- Let us be Monotropic 

Day 2 Morning Workshops (in person delegates will choose one, online attendees can partake in Grainne Warren’s session) 

Grainne Warren: Emotional Regulation (live stream only, not recorded)

Siobhan Daly: Working Together- parents and schools

Scott Neilson: Creating Safe Spaces for Autistic Children

Jolene Coady: The Autistic Foster Child

Afternoon Workshops  (in person delegates will choose one, online attendees will partake in Pete’s session) 

Pete Wharmby: Sensory Audits

Jolene Coady: The Autistic Foster Child

Siobhan Daly: Working Together- parents and schools

Scott Neilson: Creating Safe Spaces for Autistic Children

  • Gain Expert Insights: Hear from renowned speakers and professionals as they share their expertise and offer practical solutions.
  • Expand Your Network: Connect with like-minded professionals, educators, parents, and caregivers who share a common passion for supporting Autistic mental health and well-being.
  • Make a Difference: Contribute to the urgent discussion surrounding Autistic mental health and equip yourself with actionable strategies to drive positive change.

Where?Osprey Hotel, Naas, Co. Kildare
When? 25th and 26th April 2025, 9am to 5.30pm

Watch a 3D tour of the hotel here.

Book accommodation at the hotel here, if needed.

All participants (in-person and online) will be sent recordings of the presentations and a digital certificate of participation after the conference.

Registration

Registration will take place between 8.20am to 8.50 am.
Conference wil start at 9am sharp. Please allow ample time for parking as the hotel will be busy

Workshops

In-person delegates will sign up for breakout sessions on the morning at registration and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. You will be able to select one morning and one afternoon breakout session to attend.

Food

Included in your day are morning tea/coffee and lunch.
Please advise of any food allergies/ sensitivities / restrictions by emailing us before 22nd April.

Please note: Online Tickets include presentations and access to workshops as outlined in Presentation and Workshop details above. ( basically you can attend the workshop that is on in the main room but you won’t have a choice like in person attendees as they’ll be on in different rooms)

The Zoom Registration will be sent to you a few days prior to the conference but the link to attend will only be sent to you on the morning of the event.  Please keep an eye on your spam folder for conference news and updates. Add hello@ausometraining.com to your contacts to avoid missing emails.

The conference start time is 9.00am.

All times are Irish Summer Time. Convert to your time zone. 

  • Day 1 in person Agenda – Fri 25th April here

  • Day 2 in person Agenda- Sat 26th April here

Some of last year’s attendees share their experiences