Hear the UK’s leading autism professionals, researchers and campaigners discussing the latest news and views on the condition in The Autism Matters Theatre.
Just some of this year’s highlights include talks from Melanie Sykes, Broadcaster and Founder/Editor-in-Chief of Frank magazine; Dr Carrie Grant MBE, BAFTA award-winning broadcaster; Dr Sebastian Gaigg, Deputy Head of Department in the Autism Research Group at City, University of London; Dr Georgia Pavlopoulou, Lecturer in Developmental Psychology and Mental Health at UCL, and Senior Research Associate and Autism Workforce Trainer Lead at the Anna Freud Centre; and Dr Judy Eaton, Clinical Psychologist and Research Associate at Kings College, London.
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 | An extraordinary 60 years... let's make the next 60 count | Dr Steve Ladyman, Chair of the National Autistic Society |
| 11.20 - 12.00 | Anxiety in autism: how common is it, what causes it, and what strategies might help to manage and reduce it? | Dr Sebastian Gaigg, Deputy Head of Department in the Autism Research Group at City, University of London |
| 12.10 - 12.50 | Autism and masking: how and why people do it, and the impact it can have | Helen Ellis, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Co-ordinator at the National Autistic Society |
| 13.00 - 13.40 | Raising aspirations, changing thinking: improving inclusion for autistic students in mainstream schools | Alex Russell, CEO of Bourne Education Trust, and Mary Rome, Headteacher of Philip Southcote School |
| 13.50 - 14.30 | Experiences of autism as a parent and as a late diagnosed person: a conversation with Melanie Sykes | Melanie Sykes, Broadcaster and Founder/Editor-in-Chief of Frank Magazine, and Harry Thompson, Autistic and PDA Writer, Public Speaker, Educator, Self-Advocate, and Consultant |
| 14.40 - 15.15 | Understanding sensory processing and the sensory challenges learning environments present | Laura Graham, Occupational Therapist and Advanced Practitioner in Sensory Integration |
| 15.20 -15.55 | Steps to encourage inclusion and avoid the exclusion of autistic children and young people | Andy Cutting, Education Rights Lead at the National Autistic Society, and Dean Da Conceicao, Programme Manager at the Autism Education Trust |
| Time | Title | Speaker |
| 10.30 - 11.10 | An extraordinary 60 years... let's make the next 60 count | Peter Watt, Managing Director of National Programmes at the National Autistic Society |
| 11.20 - 12.00 | Championing your autistic teen at senior school: a collaborative approach between parents and schools | Debby Elley, Co-Founder of AuKids Magazine and Gareth D Morewood, Educational Advisor to Studio III and Visiting Lecturer at the University of Chester |
| 12.10 - 12.50 | Getting past survival mode - shapeshifter parenting, being seen and heard and finding ourselves again | Dr Carrie Grant MBE, BAFTA Award-Winning Broadcaster |
| 13.00 - 13.40 | Why race and ethnicity matters when supporting autistic individuals and their families | Reena Anand, Writer and Speaker on Autism in BAME Communities |
| 13.50 - 14.30 | Sensory trauma: autism, sensory difference and the daily experience of fear | Emma Reardon, Director of Autism Wellbeing, and Dr Rorie Fulton, Founding Director of Autism Wellbeing |
| 14.40 - 15.15 | Family mental health and siblings' experiences, needs and wellbeing | Dr Georgia Pavlopoulou, Lecturer in Developmental Psychology and Mental Health at UCL, and Senior Research Associate and Autism Workforce Trainer Lead at the Anna Freud Centre |
| 15.20 - 15.55 | Navigating the CAMHS minefield | Dr Judy Eaton, Clinical Psychologist and Research Associate at Kings College, London |
Thank you to our partners
