Planning Ahead for Successful Excursions and Incursions with Neurodivergent Students

Live webinar: Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pm AEST (Sydney)
Duration: 1 hour
Presenter: Lydia Meem, Clinical Psychologist, Autism Understanding
CPE: 1 hour (certificate provided)
Access: Live attendance + recording and resources

Webinar Summary

Excursions and incursions are often memorable highlights of the school year—but for many neurodivergent students, they can also be overwhelming, unpredictable, and exhausting.

This webinar focuses on proactive planning that supports participation, regulation, and inclusion before challenges arise. Rather than reacting to distress on the day, Lydia Meem guides educators through practical ways to anticipate sensory, social, and cognitive demands and put supports in place early.

Designed for classroom teachers, learning support staff, and school leaders, this session helps schools move away from last-minute adjustments and towards thoughtful, student-centred planning that benefits neurodivergent learners—and often improves the experience for everyone involved.

This Webinar Covers

• Why excursions and incursions can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent students

• Common triggers related to:

  • unpredictability and changes in routine

  • sensory overload

  • social and communication demands

  • transitions and waiting periods

• How to plan ahead using:

  • clear information and preparation

  • visual and written supports

  • choice and flexibility

  • regulation strategies before, during, and after events

• Supporting students without excluding them from shared experiences

• Collaborating effectively with families and support staff

• Reducing reliance on withdrawal or “opt-out” approaches through better planning

Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Identify potential barriers to participation in excursions and incursions

• Understand the sensory, social, and regulatory demands of off-routine school activities

• Plan proactive supports that promote inclusion and regulation

• Prepare neurodivergent students in ways that reduce anxiety and overwhelm

• Strengthen communication with families around upcoming events

• Increase confidence in supporting diverse learners during whole-school activities

About Lydia Meem

Lydia Meem is a neurodivergent clinical psychologist and founder of Autism Understanding, specialising in neurodiversity-affirming assessment, education, and professional training. A Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists, Lydia has worked with neurodivergent individuals since 1998 and is an internationally recognised speaker on autism and neurodiversity. She provides training and clinical supervision for psychologists and educators and is the author of Beyond IQ Scores, a handbook on neurodiversity-affirming cognitive and developmental assessment.

Access & Pricing

• Individual webinar access: $99 incl. GST

• Full 10-part series: $550 incl. GST
  (Includes this webinar plus nine additional sessions in the Engaging Neurodivergent Learners series)

All participants receive access to the webinar recording, downloadable resources, and a CPE certificate upon completion.

REGISTER NOW

Please note: This event is only accessible to people who have paid for registration. Inviting additional staff or persons to watch with you is strictly prohibited without additional registration. For large group registrations, please contact us for group pricing.