The Autism Matters Theatre

Hear the UK’s leading autism professionals, researchers and campaigners discussing the latest news and views on the condition in The Autism Matters Theatre in partnership with The National Autistic Society.
Just some of this year’s highlights include talks from Nigel Thompson, Head of Inspections – Children’s Health and Justice at the Care Quality Commission; Dr Olga Bogdashina, Co-founder, Programme Leader and Lecturer at the UK branch of the International Autism Institute; Freddy Adu, Headteacher at Queensmill School; Lauri Love, Computer Scientist, Political Activist and Autistic Individual; and Actors Travis Smith and Lucy Gaskell from BBC’s The A Word.
Sound is relayed to the audience through wireless headsets to reduce noise levels in the hall.
Places are offered on a first come, first served basis so please arrive at the theatre as early as possible before the session you wish to attend to save disappointment.
Friday 15th June 2018
Updates and Initiatives: A Round-up of Current Issues in Autism Research, Policy and Practice
Carol Povey, Director of the Centre for Autism at The National Autistic Society
What Should Schools be Doing to Support the Mental Health of Autistic Students: The CQC New Recommendations
Nigel Thompson, Head of Inspections - Children’s Health and Justice at the Care Quality Commission
Managing Stress and Anxiety in the Classroom – How to Recognise the Signs in Autistic Students and Strategies to Help
Freddy Adu, Headteacher at Queensmill School
Meeting the Needs of Pupils with Autism and Learning Difficulties in Mainstream Schools
Dr Rona Tutt, OBE, Independent Consultant
Developing Social Skills Successfully at School and at Home
Kate Nixon, Lead Resource Centre Manager at The National Autistic Society
How Sensory Difficulties can Impact on Behaviour and How to Help
Dr Olga Bogdashina, Co-founder, Programme Leader and Lecturer at the UK Branch of the International Autism Institute
Cybercrime and Autism: My Story
Lauri Love, Computer Scientist, Political Activist and Autistic Individual
Saturday 16th June 2018
Updates and Initiatives: A Round-up of Current Issues in Autism Research, Policy and Practice
Jane Harris, Director of External Affairs and Social Change at The National Autistic Society
Recognising the Signs of Anxiety and Mental Health Issues in Teens and Strategies to Help
Pam Breslin, Manager at ASSIST (Autism Spectrum Service for Information, Support & Training) and CAN (Children with Additional Needs) Network Co-ordinator for The NAS's EarlyBird Programmes at Wokingham Borough Council
Communicating with Autistic People who Find Language Difficult Using Intensive Interaction
Dave Hewett, Director of the Intensive Interaction Institute
Supporting Autistic Children with Transition into Primary and from Primary to Secondary School
Freddy Adu, Headteacher at Queensmill School
Playing to Your Strengths, Not Focussing on Perceived Weaknesses
Interview with Travis Smith, Actor who plays Mark in BBC's The A Word, Singer and Autism Advocate, and Lucy Gaskell, Actor who plays Mark's mum Sophie in BBC's The A Word
Challenging Behaviour in Young Autistic Children: Identifying and Preventing Triggers
Natalie Ellison, Licensed EarlyBird Trainer and Early Years Autism Specialist at Lanterns Nursery and Children's Centre