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 this year’s highlights include talks from Caroline Stevens, Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society; Prof Karen Guldberg, Director of the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER) at the University of Birmingham University; Dr Elizabeth Shea, Consultant for Neurodevelopmental Services at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust; Wendy Peel and Jo Clifford, Communication and Autism Team in the Education and Skills Directorate at Birmingham City Council; and Dr Prithvi Perepa, Lecturer in Autism Studies at the University of Birmingham.
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 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? | Paul Isaacs, Trainer, Consultant and Author |
| 12.10 - 12.50 | Creating positive environments at school to minimise distressed behaviours | Wendy Peel and Jo Clifford, Communication and Autism Team in the Education and Skills Directorate at Birmingham City Council |
| 13.00 - 13.40 | Sensory trauma: autism, sensory difference and the daily experience of fear | Emma Reardon, Director, and Dr Rorie Fulton, Founding Director, of Autism Wellbeing |
| 13.50 - 14.30 | Supporting autistic individuals and their families from BAME communities | Dr Prithvi Perepa, Lecturer in Autism Studies and a member of the Autism Centre for Education Research (ACER) at the University of Birmingham |
| 14.40 - 15.15 | How to use acceptance as an effective approach to support autistic children | Aaron Yorke, Specialist Teacher and Autism Advisor |
| 15.20 - 15.55 | Supporting autistic girls at school | Sharonne Horlock, Former SENCO at Impington Village College |
| 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 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 3 and Visiting Lecturer at the University of Chester |
| 12.10 - 12.50 | From meltdown to calm: distressed behaviour: crisis management, de-escalation and stress reduction using the low arousal approach | Professor Andy McDonnell, CEO of Studio 3 |
| 13.00 - 13.40 | Understanding and managing eating challenges in autism – a talk for parents/carers and young people | Dr Elizabeth Shea, Consultant for Neurodevelopmental Services at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust |
| 13.50 - 14.30 | Causes and implications of exclusion for autistic children and young people | Prof Karen Guldberg, Professor of Autism Studies; Director of the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER); and Head of the Department of Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs at the University of Birmingham |
| 14.40 - 15.15 | Interoception: why is it crucial to self-regulation and understanding your mental health? | Alison Neal, Consultant Occupational Therapist and Advanced Practitioner in Sensory Integration Therapy at Midlands Occupational Therapy |
| 15.20 - 15.55 | Autism and selective mutism | Libby Hill, Consultant Speech and Language Therapist at Small Talk Speech and Language Therapy |
Thank you to our partners
