Editor’s Note – December 2022

I will start the DECEMBER edition with SNAs WELLNESS ZONE as I have interviewed the most incredible granddaughter of the well-known Granny Nancy – Louise Coghlan. She is sharing the prescription on how to live 107 years in a happy life with us. Sharing some of Granny’s wisdom and life approaches which can be used in the New Year. Sometimes we are looking for inspirations abroad, but we have a few pearls here in Ireland and one of them is Lou and her Granny Nancy’s legacy.

When it comes to the professional aspect of our work, I feel that through upskilling or reading professional literature we can learn new things and we can share the knowledge with school staff to help students. I visited an event about assistive technology and I’m sharing what I’ve learned there from AVENTIDO.

I have also gathered different topics for you to consider while working with students with additional needs. Laura Crowley, an Autism Consultant, is sharing her insights about autistic anxiety and the triggers or the lack of triggers. She asked us to remember a few great points which will help us in supporting autistic individuals, both in primary and secondary school. Lisa Galley, who is a qualified Speech and Language Therapist, is taking us into the world of speech patterns of autistic children. We will learn about palilalia, verbal stimming and echolalia. If you want to see the world through the eyes of someone who is living with Autism, you have to read this book called ‘’Anything is Possible’’ by Nicholas Ryan Purcell. 

In this book he tells us his story of his struggles with life and how he has overcome them. In the interview with Nicholas I am asking him what school staff can do to truly help students. Sarah Murray, who is Paediatric Behaviour Analyst, explains the rules of using visual supports in the classroom and she tells us about the importance of consistency and predictability. If you work with students with dyslexia or those who are struggling readers, you need to read about the Reading Wand Pace Pointer. A simple tool with many benefits.

During those four months with the magazine I had my ups and downs, I made a few spelling mistakes and I was overwhelmed with the positive comments. I never thought you can be overwhelmed with something that is positive. I would think rather you could be overwhelmed with the negativity, but thankfully I didn’t get much! With the support of my experts and my readers I can say ‘’I did it’’. I made a great magazine to serve SNAs working in

Ireland and many more as this magazine can be shared with Special Ed Teachers and parents too. It seems like I started the magazine focusing on autism and I’m finishing with autism related topics. But the New Year means new ideas, new approaches and new topics for AMYGDALA. As Nicholas would say ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE – remember that in the upcoming NEW YEAR! December is the 12th chapter of this year which means we are at the end of this book. I wish you a Merry Christmas and A SUPER HAPPY NEW YEAR. Please stay with me for the next 12 chapters 😉 And as Lou would say ‘’I’m just a line away always’’

– Yours EDITOR

December Contents:

Granny Nancy. Ireland’s oldest lady. By Louise Coghlan.

The Not-So-Secret Diary by Claire Brady.

The Not-So-Secret Diary – Number 1 Tip! By Stephanie, Derek, Noreen and Claire.

The Not-So-Secret Diary – The Life Motto! By Stephanie, Derek, Noreen and Claire.

Technology in Education: OrCam, Pro-Study, LightKey, FindMyFlow, TextAid.

The problem with autistic anxiety. By Laura Crowley.

Beyond words: Understanding the speech patterns of autistic children. By Lisa Galley.

Anything is Possible! By Nicholas Ryan-Purcell.

Visual Supports in the classroom. By Sarah Murray.

Pacer Pointer – The Reading Wand. By Dean Hodgson.

SNA First Aid Zone and Treating a choking child in school. By Siobhán Butler.

SNA Book Zone by Magdalena Landziak

SNA News & Updates by Magdalena Landziak

SNA Christmas Zone by Magdalena Landziak

SNA Fashion Zone by Magdalena Landziak

SNA Travel Zone – Curraghchase Forest Park by Magdalena Landziak