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 TV presenter and leading vocal coach Carrie Grant, and her actress daughter Talia Grant; Tessa Morton and Jane Gurnett, Founders of Act for Autism; Dr Jacqui Shepherd, Lecturer in Education and Director of Student Experience at University of Sussex; Dr Ann Ozsivadjian, Principal Clinical Psychologist at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust; and Dr Georgia Pavlopolou, Senior Teaching Fellow in Sleep and Mental Health at UCL.
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 as early as possible before the session you wish to attend to save disappointment.
| Time | Title | Speaker |
| 10.30 - 11.10 | 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 |
| 11.20 - 12.00 | Reducing anxiety and improving mental health in autistic pupils | Pete Wharmby, Autistic Teacher and Parent |
| 12.10 - 12.45 | Managing change and transitions in education | Dr Jacqui Shepherd, Lecturer in Education, and Director of Student Experience at University of Sussex |
| 12.55 - 13.30 | “I struggle at school but I want to learn”: Providing a secure base and reducing barriers to learning | Tessa Morton and Jane Gurnett, Founders of Act for Autism |
| 13.40 - 14.20 | Improving the sensory environment for autistic pupils | Anna Hamlet, Occupational Therapist at National Autistic Society's The Anderson School |
| 14.30 - 15.10 | Inclusive education for autistic children: Helping children and young people to learn and flourish in the classroom | Dr Rebecca Wood, Senior Lecturer in Special Education at University of East London |
| 15.20 - 15.50 | Understanding distressed behaviour and minimising the triggers at school | Justin Price, Headteacher at Freemantle School |
| Time | Title | Speaker |
| 10.30 - 11.10 | 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 |
| 11.20 - 12.00 | Ways to help children and young people cope with anxiety | Dr Ann Ozsivadjian, Principal Clinical Psychologist at Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust |
| 12.10 - 12.45 | Understanding the needs of children with multiple diagnosis - taking a holistic approach | Dr Prithvi Perepa, Lecturer in Autism Studies at University of Birmingham |
| 12.55 - 13.30 | How social media can benefit autistic people | Connor Ward, Autistic Speaker, Consultant and Vlogger; Dan Jones (The Aspie World) and Autistic YouTuber; Kevin Chapman, Autism Family YouTuber; and Holly Smith (Holly Vlogs), Autistic Entrepreneur and Vlogger |
| 13.40 - 14.15 | Sleep and mental health in autism: Learning from autistic adolescents | Dr Georgia Pavlopolou, Senior Teaching Fellow in Sleep and Mental Health at UCL |
| 14.25 - 15.00 | Managing change and transitions in education | Dr Jacqui Shepherd, Lecturer in Education, and Director of Student Experience at University of Sussex |
| 15.10 - 15.55 | Wonderful madness: bringing up four children with SEN and being the first autistic woman to appear in a UK drama | Carrie Grant, TV presenter and one of the UK's best known vocal coaches, and daughter Talia Grant, actress on Hollyoaks |
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