For many children, learning how to relate to others doesn’t come easily. Whether due to developmental differences, social communication difficulties or the impacts of trauma, some students need extra support to build the skills that help them feel connected, confident and understood.
This online workshop, led by clinical psychologist Heather Irvine-Rundle, explores how social skills develop in the early and primary years. Including what educators can do when that development doesn’t follow the usual path.
Blending psychological insight with day-to-day experiences, this session will help you better recognise what’s happening beneath the surface of social difficulties and respond in ways that are supportive, practical and developmentally appropriate.
Workshop details
During this online workshop, we will cover:
- The ways in which neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, ODD and trauma influence children’s social understanding.
- The crucial role that non-verbal communication plays in building trust, belonging and mutual understanding.
- What psychologists look for when assessing and supporting social development, and how those strategies translate into the classroom.
- How to support students by:
– Establishing safe, predictable environments.
– Explicitly teaching social rules, expectations and roles.
– Using role play, modelling and feedback to build confidence.
– Recognising when a child needs more scaffolding or one-on-one support.
– Working collaboratively with families to support social learning across settings.
Details
Date: Friday, 22 August 2025
Time: 9:30am to 1pm AEST
Location: Online webinar, attendees will receive their access details the week of the webinar
Speaker: Heather Irvine-Rundle, senior clinical psychologist and director of The READ Clinic
Ticket price: $200 per person (including GST)
Booking form: Download the booking form
Tickets: Purchase tickets
If you would like to purchase via bank transfer, please contact the team by email info@committedtochildcareconferences.com
Who is this professional learning suitable for?
This online workshop is suitable for teachers, educators, SLSOs and staff working with children in early childhood and primary schools.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers
This presentation may meet the following Australian Professional Standards for Teachers:
Standard 4 – Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments.
Standard 6 – Engage in professional learning.
What’s included?
All participants will receive a copy of the slides and a certificate of completion.
About the speaker
Heather Irvine-Rundle
Senior clinical psychologist, Conjoint Professor of Practice, School of Psychology at the University of Newcastle and director of The READ Clinic
Heather is a senior clinical psychologist and the director of The Read Clinic, which is one of the largest psychology practises in Australia. As well as practising in Australia, Heather has also spent three years in the UK working with some of the most deprived families in Liverpool and London. She also led a service providing advice and consultations on mental health to all the schools in the South London area.
As well as practicing for over two decades Heather has also found time to become a published author with her latest book Hello Baby. Heather speaks regularly on local ABC radio, has appeared on a number of television shows including 60 Minutes, and writes regular articles for print and digital media.
In 2019, Heather was appointed as Conjoint Professor of Practice in the School of Psychology at the University of Newcastle, NSW.
Registration policy
Read our registration policy.