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 | Managing Stress and Anxiety in the Classroom – How to Recognise the Signs in Autistic Students and Strategies to Help | Caroline Lavin and Dr Helga Abernethy, Special Occupational Therapists at NAS Radlett Lodge School |
| 12.20 - 13.10 | How Sensory Difficulties can Impact on Behaviour at School and How to Help | Helen Ellis, Autistic Advocate |
| 13.20 - 14.00 | Supporting Pupils with Autism and Learning Disabilities in the Mainstream Classroom | Rebecca Hitchins, Communication and Autism Team at Birmingham City Council |
| 14.10 - 14.50 | Teaching Approaches for Children with PDA | Jilly Davis, Senior Specialist Teacher at NAS Robert Ogden School |
| 15.00 -15.50 | Playing to our Strengths, not Focussing on Perceived Weaknesses | Q&A with Travis Smith, Actor who plays Mark in BBC's The A Word, Singer and Autism Advocate |
| 16.00 - 16.45 | Inclusion - what does this really mean? Best practice guidelines for true inclusion of autistic pupils | Lorraine Petersen, Education Consultant specialising in SEND and previously Chief Executive of NASEN |
| Time | Title | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 10.45 - 11.25 | 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 |
| 11.35 - 12.15 | Autism and Mental Health: Strategies and Support | Ella Tabb, Blogger, Youtuber and Autism Speaker |
| 12.25 - 13.15 | Supporting Autistic Children with Transition into Primary and from Primary to Secondary School | Wendy Peel, Communication and Autism Team at Birmingham City Council |
| 13.25 - 14.00 | Autism and Gluten/Casein-Free Diets | Emma Jordan, Community Paediatric Dietitian and Chair of the British Dietetic Association Autism sub-group |
| 14.10 - 15.00 | Communicating with Autistic People who find Language Difficult using Intensive Interaction | Dave Hewett, Trainer and Consultant; Director at the Intensive Interaction Institute |
| 15.10 - 15.50 | Managing Challenging Behaviour at Home: Identifying and Preventing Triggers | Sadie Martin, Behaviour Coordinator from the NAS Positive Behaviour Support Team |
Thank you to our partners and sponsors
