Planning for 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, neurodivergent clinical psychologist Lydia Meem encourages educators to anticipate common concerns students have when their routine changes, and to put supports in place early, so students understand what's happening and can confidently join in.

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 neurotypical students too.

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 challenges, finding and working with a buddy or group

  • transitions and having to wait

• How to plan ahead using:

  • visual and written supports so students know what to expect
  • supporting students to find a buddy or group in advance
  • rehearsing skills in a low-stress environment

  • familiar staff supporting groups of students with higher support needs

  • choice and flexibility around engaging in activities, building in recovery time on camp
  • having a clear alternative in case of wet weather
    

• 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 out-of-routine school activities

• Plan proactive supports that promote inclusion and emotional regulation

• Prepare neurodivergent students in ways that reduce anxiety and overwhelm

• Strengthen communication with families around upcoming events

• Create planning templates that can be reused for incursions and excursions

• 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, including the Supporting Autistic Students online course and customised training for schools.

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.