Hear leading autism specialists explore key topics and offer trusted advice in the Autism Matters Theatre.
Just some of this year’s highlights include Louise Morpeth, Chief Executive Officer at Brain in Hand, speaking on strategies for successful transitions in education and life; Dame Stephanie Shirley CH, Founding Patron of Prior’s Court, looking at how our understanding of education for autistic children with high support needs has grown, and the decisions we all now face; Arron Hutchinson, Therapeutic Practitioner and Trainer at the ADHD Foundation – The Neurodiversity Charity, discussing understanding and supporting young people with autism and ADHD; Helen Ellis, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Co-ordinator at the National Autistic Society, examining masking, camouflaging and the impact on mental health and wellbeing; and Pete Wharmby, Autistic Speaker, Writer and Advocate, unravelling the sensory needs of autistic pupils to reduce anxiety and distress.
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 | Presentation Title | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 9.50 - 10.30 | How to be the best champion for your autistic children! Empowering parents to have a voice and access support after diagnosis | Laura Henry-Allain MBE, Producer, Storyteller and Educationalist and Consultant |
| 10.40 - 11.20 | Smoothing the path: strategies for successful transitions in education and life - a panel discussion | Louise Morpeth, Chief Executive Officer at Brain in Hand |
| 11.30 - 12.10 | Strategies for supporting PDA-ers in the classroom | Laura Kerbey, Founder of PAST (Positive Assessments Education Support and Training) and Author of ‘The Educator’s Experience of PDA’ |
| 12.20 - 13.00 | Understanding autistic burnout and how that can impact on a student's learning and school experience | Viv Dawes, Lived Experience Advocate, Trainer and Author |
| 13.10 - 13.50 | Learning together: how our understanding of education for autistic children with high support needs has grown, and the decisions we all now face | Dame Stephanie Shirley CH, Founding Patron of Prior’s Court; Ryan Campbell, Chief Executive Officer at Prior’s Court; and Sue Piper, Director of Learning at Prior’s Court |
| 14.00 - 14.40 | Moving beyond "autism-friendly": how we can support and include autistic students better | Justin Price, Executive Head Teacher at Freemantles School |
| 14.50 - 15.30 | Connecting and communicating with your autistic verbal or pre-verbal child: the Attention Autism and Curiosity programmes | Lorraine Scott, Co-Owner and Director of Attention Autism |
| 15.40 - 16.20 | Understanding the sensory needs of autistic pupils to reduce anxiety and distress | Pete Wharmby, Autistic Speaker, Writer and Advocate |
| Time | Presentation Title | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 10.10 - 10.50 | Understanding anxiety for PDA-ers and what you can do to help | Tigger Pritchard, Neurodivergent Advocate, Consultant and Trainer at Tigger Training |
| 10.55 - 11.35 | Empowering autistic talent to start, stay and succeed at work | Louise Morpeth, Chief Executive Officer at Brain in Hand |
| 11.40 - 12.20 | Reducing anxiety and supporting wellness via a low demand strategy | Laura Hellfeld, Nurse and Sleep Consultant at Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting |
| 12.25 - 13.05 | Understanding and supporting young people with autism and ADHD | Arron Hutchinson, Therapeutic Practitioner and Trainer at the ADHD Foundation - The Neurodiversity Charity |
| 13.10 - 13.50 | The cost of fitting in – masking, camouflaging and the impact on mental health and wellbeing | Helen Ellis, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Co-ordinator at the National Autistic Society |
| 13.55 - 14.25 | My wild journey: my experiences of growing up with ASD, a generalised anxiety disorder and an obsession with the natural world | Alfie Bowen, Autistic Wildlife Photographer, Author and Activist |
| 14.30 - 15.10 | Understanding mental health issues and self-harm in autistic people | Dr Rachel Moseley, Principal Academic In Psychology at the University of Bournemouth |
| 15.30 - 15.55 | Game, Dance, Repeat | A film showing of the Artistes For Autism project, with a live introduction and Q&A, led by MovementWorks |
Thank you to our partners
