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 last year’s highlights included 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; Freddie 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.
This year’s programme will be announced in March. In the meantime you can view the full 2018 programme by clicking on the date tabs below.
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 - 12.10 | 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 |
| 12.20 - 13.10 | 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 |
| 13.20 - 14.00 | Meeting the Needs of Pupils with Autism and Learning Difficulties in Mainstream Schools | Dr Rona Tutt, OBE, Independent Consultant |
| 14.10 - 14.50 | Developing Social Skills Successfully at School and at Home | Kate Nixon, Lead Resource Centre Manager at The National Autistic Society |
| 15.00 - 15.50 | 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 |
| 16.00 - 16.45 | Cybercrime and Autism: My Story | Lauri Love, Computer Scientist, Political Activist and Autistic Individual |
| Time | Title | Speaker |
| 10.45 - 11.25 | 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 |
| 11.35 - 12.15 | Recognising the Signs of Anxiety and Mental Health Issues in Teens and Strategies to Help | Pam Breslin, Manager of ASSIST (Autism Spectrum Service for Information, Support and Training) and CAN (Children with Additional Needs) Network Co-ordinator at Wokingham Borough Council |
| 12.25 - 13.15 | Communicating with Autistic People who find Language Difficult Using Intensive Interaction | Dave Hewett, Director of the Intensive Interaction Institute |
| 13.25 - 14.00 | Supporting Autistic Children with Transition into Primary and from Primary to Secondary School | Freddy Adu, Headteacher at Queensmill School |
| 14.10 - 14.50 | Playing to your Strengths, not Focussing on Perceived Weaknesses | Interview with Travis Smith, Actor, Singer and Autism Advocate, and Lucy Gaskell, Actor, from BBC's The A Word |
| 15.00 - 15.50 | 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 |
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