Hear leading autism specialists explore key topics and offer trusted advice in the Autism Matters Theatre.
Just some of this year’s highlights include Rachel Babbidge, Senior Engagement Manager at Brain in Hand, speaking on strategies for successful transitions in education and life; Gareth Morewood, Educational Advisor at Studio III, looking at how we can reduce stress for autistic students in the classroom and wider school environment; Maria Stebbing, Specialist Counsellor 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 Tigger Pritchard, Neurodivergent Advocate, Consultant and Trainer at Tigger Training, helping us understand anxiety for PDA-ers and what we can do to help.
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 | Empowering autistic students to find their voices, identity and the confidence to self-advocate: the Autism and Me project | Zoe Taylor, Assistant Service Lead in the Communication and Autism Team at Birmingham City Council |
| 10.40 - 11.20 | Smoothing the path: strategies for successful transitions in education and life - a panel discussion | Rachel Babbidge, Senior Engagement Manager at Brain in Hand |
| 11.30 - 12.10 | Meltdowns and the search for the magic wand in autism and ADHD | Andrew Whitehouse, SEND Consultant, Trainer and TEDx Speaker |
| 12.20 - 13.00 | Sensory processing and distressed behaviour in autistic students: adaptations to reduce distress and support learning | Alison Neal, Consultant Occupational Therapist at Midlands Occupational Therapy |
| 13.10 - 13.50 | Strategies for supporting PDA-ers in the classroom | Clare Truman, Founder of Spectrum Space Education, Training and Consultancy |
| 14.00 - 14.40 | Reducing stress for autistic students in the classroom and wider school environment | Gareth D Morewood, Educational Advisor at Studio III |
| 14.50 - 15.30 | 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, Educationalist and Consultant |
| Time | Presentation Title | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 10.10 - 10.40 | Overcoming and living with mental health challenges, depression and anxiety - practical advice from my personal journey | Richie Bow Grace, Managing Director of Awesometistic |
| 10.50 - 11.25 | Missed and misdiagnosed, identifying, understanding and supporting diverse autistic identities | Dr Judy Eaton, Clinical Psychologist and Research Associate at Kings College, London |
| 11.30 - 12.10 | Empowering autistic talent to start, stay and succeed at work | Rachel Babbidge, Senior Engagement Manager at Brain in Hand |
| 12.15 - 12.55 | Understanding and supporting young people with autism and ADHD | Maria Stebbing, Specialist Counsellor and Trainer at the ADHD Foundation - The Neurodiversity Charity |
| 13.00 - 13.40 | 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 |
| 13.45 - 14.25 | 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 |
| 14.30 - 15.00 | My wild journey: my experiences of growing up with ASD, a generalized anxiety disorder and an obsession with the natural world | Alfie Bowen, Autistic Wildlife Photographer, Author and Activist |
| 15.10 - 15.50 | Understanding anxiety for PDA-ers and what you can do to help | Tigger Pritchard, Neurodivergent Advocate, Consultant and Trainer at Tigger Training |
Thank you to our partners
