Summerhill College

A.S.D. Unit

Ms. Martins Heavey (Head of A.S.D. Unit)

The Autistic Disorders Spectrum unit in Summerhill is now an established part of college life. The unit is a self-contained facility with a kitchen, bathroom, classroom and relaxation /tv room. The main aim for students is inclusion and integration into a mainstream school environment and system where possible.
The students are gradually introduced to the school system.

Visits are arranged with the boys' primary school teacher and parents on numerous occasions.

Appropriate classes were chosen for the boys to attend (class size being an important factor).
In the Base class the core subjects of English, Maths, CSPE, Social Training and Geography etc are taught.

These are taught at a level appropriate to each student.

There are two classroom teachers. One of these, Ms. Martina Heavey is a full-time teacher with the boys while Ms. Natasha Donlon is on half hours. Ms. Mandy McCarthy is a full-time S.N.A.

The advantages of having two teachers is that a wide variety of subjects and teaching techniques can be brought to the classroom.

Social training aims to provide the students with the skills necessary for day to day living. This involves trips to the post office, bank, bus station, Tesco etc. During these trips the boys get opportunities to assert their independence by purchasing groceries, stamps etc. The boys are integrated into mainstream classes for Woodwork, Art, PE and Religion.