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 Prof Andy McDonnell, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Director of Studio III Clinical Services; Alexandra Sturrock, Clinical Lecturer and Highly Specialist SALT at University of Manchester; Reece Coker, SEND Workshops and Training Manager at POINT; Tessa Morton and Jane Gurnett, Founders of Act for Autism; 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 | Carol Povey, Director of the Centre for Autism at the National Autistic Society |
| 11.20 - 12.00 | How to make school a positive and supportive environment for autistic pupils | Alex Manners, Asperger's Champion, Author and Presenter |
| 12.10 - 12.45 | Classroom interventions for social and communication difficulties | Reece Coker, SEND Workshops and Training Manager at POINT |
| 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 | Improving the sensory environment for autistic pupils | Sara Kennard, Advanced OT and SIP at National Autistic Society |
| 14.30 - 15.10 | Understanding distressed behaviour and minimising the triggers at school | Prof Andy McDonnell, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Director of Studio III Clinical Services |
| 15.20 - 15.50 | Social and communication strategies for the classroom | Alexandra Sturrock, Clinical Lecturer and Highly Specialist SALT at University of Manchester, and Etienne Randolfi, Specialist SALT, autistic advocate and trainer |
| 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 - 12.00 | Ways to reduce anxiety for children and young people | Reece Coker, SEND Workshops and Training Manager at POINT |
| 12.10 - 12.45 | Ten things I wish I’d learned as a child with Asperger’s | Chris Bonnello, Special Needs Tutor, Former School Teacher and Multi-Award Winning Writer |
| 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 Tyla Grant (Adulting Autistic), Autism Content Creator |
| 13.40 - 14.20 | Transition and preparing for change | Rachel Babbidge, Transition Support Coordinator at National Autistic Society |
| 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 | What we can learn from research about wellbeing in autistic children and their families | Dr Kathy Leadbitter, Research Fellow at University of Manchester |
Thank you to our partners
