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; Dr Luke Beardon, Senior Lecturer in Autism at Sheffield Hallam University, looking at how anxiety affects autistic students and strategies to help manage and reduce it; Stephanie Batey, Trainer at the ADHD Foundation – The Neurodiversity Charity, discussing the strategies for teaching students 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 Moffat Makomo, Occupational Therapist at Trafford Children’s Therapy Service, helping us understand the connection between sensory processing and distressed behaviour in autism.
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 | Practical strategies for engaging and supporting autistic students | Katie Goodwin, Director of SEND and Assistant Head Teacher at The Rudheath Senior Academy |
| 10.40 - 11.20 | A panel discussion: empowering autistic talent to start, stay and succeed at work | Dr Louise Morpeth, CEO at Brain in Hand ; Rachel Babbidge, Senior Engagement Manager at Brain in Hand; a Brain in Hand user; and an autistic speaker from Hub Theatre 1 |
| 11.30 - 12.10 | Strategies for teaching students with autism and ADHD | Stephanie Batey, Trainer at the ADHD Foundation - The Neurodiversity Charity |
| 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 | Lynn McCann, Autism Specialist Teacher, Trainer and Author at Reachout ASC |
| 14.00 - 14.40 | How does anxiety affect autistic students and strategies to help manage and reduce it | Dr Luke Beardon, Senior Lecturer in Autism at Sheffield Hallam University. |
| 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 - 10.50 | Overcoming/living with mental health challenges and anxiety - perspectives from a late diagnosed adult | Brian Bird, Public Speaker, Autistic Writer and Blogger at Autism Support Community |
| 11.00 - 11.40 | A panel discussion: transition from autistic teenager to autistic adult: education, independent living and more | Connor Ward, Hub Theatre 1 Manager; Rachel Babbidge, Senior Engagement Manager at Brain in Hand; a Brain in Hand user; and an autistic speaker from Hub Theatre 1 |
| 11.50 - 12.30 | Reducing anxiety and supporting wellness via a low demand strategy | Laura Hellfeld, Nurse and Sleep Consultant at Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting |
| 12.40 - 13.20 | 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 |
| 13.30 - 14.10 | Meltdowns and the search for the magic wand in autism and ADHD | Andrew Whitehouse, SEND Consultant, Trainer and TEDx Speaker |
| 14.20 - 15.00 | Navigating sensory storms: exploring the connection between sensory processing and distressed behaviour in autism | Moffat Makomo, Occupational Therapist at Trafford Children’s Therapy Service |
| 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
