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 next year’s highlights include talks from Caroline Stevens, Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society; Prof Andy McDonnell, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Director of Studio III Clinical Services; Tomas Ashley, Assistant Director of Inclusion at Birmingham Education Partnership; Dr Georgia Pavlopoulou, Senior Teaching Fellow in Developmental Psychology and Mental Health with post Doc research in sleep, and Lead Autism Trainer at Anna Freud Centre; Dr Prithvi Perepa, Lecturer in Autism Studies at University of Birmingham; and Chris Bonnello, Special Needs Tutor with Asperger Syndrome, Former Teacher and Multi-Award Winning Author.
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 | Caroline Stevens, Chief Executive of National Autistic Society |
| 11.20 - 12.00 | Minimising anxiety and supporting mental health of autistic pupils | Chris Bonnello, Special Needs Tutor with Asperger Syndrome, Former Teacher and Multi-Award Winning Author |
| 12.10 - 12.45 | Classroom interventions for social and communication difficulties | Aaron Yorke, Autism Teacher and Advisor at Birmingham Council Communication and Autism Team |
| 12.55 - 13.30 | “I can’t go to school but I want to learn”: Providing a secure base and reducing barriers to learning | Tessa Morton and Jane Gurnett, Founders of Act for Autism |
| 13.40 - 14.20 | Making the sensory environment work for autistic pupils | Paul Isaacs, Trainer, Consultant and Author |
| 14.30 - 15.10 | Positive approaches to teaching and school leadership | Tomas Ashley, Assistant Director of Inclusion at Birmingham Education Partnership |
| 15.20 - 15.50 | Understanding distressed behaviour and minimising the triggers at school | Prof Andy McDonnell, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Director of Studio III Clinical Services |
| Time | Title | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 10.30 - 11.10 | Updates and initiatives: a round-up of current Issues in autism research, policy and practice | David MacKenzie, Senior Policy and Public Affairs officer at National Autistic Society |
| 11.20 - 12.00 | Making the sensory environment work for autistic children and young people | Paul Isaacs, Trainer, Consultant and Author |
| 12.10 - 12.45 | Understanding the needs of children with multiple diagnosis - taking a hollistic approach | Dr Prithvi Perepa, Lecturer in Autism Studies at University of Birmingham |
| 12.55 - 13.30 | How social media can benefit autistic people | Connor Ward, Autistic Speaker, Consultant and Vlogger, Dan Jones (The Aspie World), Autistic YouTuber, Kevin Chapman, Autism Family YouTuber and Ella Tabb (Purple Ella), Autistic Speaker and Content Creator |
| 13.40 - 14.20 | Sleep and mental health in autism: learning from autistic adolescents | Dr Georgia Pavlopoulou, Senior Teaching Fellow in Developmental Psychology and Mental Health with post Doc research in sleep, and Lead Autism Trainer at Anna Freud Centre |
| 14.30 - 15.05 | Distressed behaviour - understanding your child | Prof Andy McDonnell, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Director of Studio III Clinical Services |
| 15.15 - 15.50 | Minimising anxiety for children in a neurotypical world | Pete Wharmby, Autistic Teacher and Parent |
Thank you to our partners
