The Autism Matters Theatre

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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; Colin Foley, National Training Director 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.

TimePresentation TitleSpeaker
9.50 - 10.30Practical strategies for engaging and supporting autistic studentsKatie Goodwin, Director of SEND and Assistant Head Teacher at The Rudheath Senior Academy
10.40 - 11.20Smoothing the path: strategies for successful transitions in education and life - a panel discussionRachel Babbidge, Senior Engagement Manager at Brain in Hand
11.30 - 12.10Strategies for teaching students with autism and ADHDColin Foley, National Training Director at the ADHD Foundation - The Neurodiversity Charity
12.20 - 13.00Sensory processing and distressed behaviour in autistic students: adaptations to reduce distress and support learningAlison Neal, Consultant Occupational Therapist at Midlands Occupational Therapy
13.10 - 13.50Strategies for supporting PDA-ers in the classroomLynn McCann, Autism Specialist Teacher, Trainer and Author at Reachout ASC
14.00 - 14.40How does anxiety affect autistic students and strategies to help manage and reduce itDr Luke Beardon, Senior Lecturer in Autism at Sheffield Hallam University.
14.50 - 15.30How to be the best champion for your autistic children! Empowering parents to have a voice and access support after diagnosisLaura Henry-Allain MBE, Producer, Storyteller, Educationalist and Consultant
TimePresentation TitleSpeaker
10.10 - 10.50Overcoming/living with mental health challenges and anxiety - perspectives from a late diagnosed adultBrian Bird, Public Speaker, Autistic Writter and Blogger at Autism Support Community
11.00 - 11.40 Empowering autistic talent to start, stay and succeed at workRachel Babbidge, Senior Engagement Manager at Brain in Hand
11.50 - 12.30Reducing anxiety and supporting wellness via a Low Demand strategyLaura Hellfeld, Nurse and Sleep Consultant at Neurodivergent Nurse Consulting
12.40 - 13.20The cost of fitting in – masking, camouflaging and the impact on mental health and wellbeingHelen Ellis, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Co-ordinator at the National Autistic Society
13.30 - 14.10Meltdowns and the search for the magic wand in autism and ADHDAndrew Whitehouse, SEND Consultant, Trainer and TEDx Speaker
14.20 - 15.00Navigating sensory storms: exploring the connection between sensory processing and distressed behaviour in autismMoffat Makomo, Occupational Therapist at Trafford Children’s Therapy Service
15.10 - 15.50Understanding anxiety for PDA-ers and what you can do to helpTigger Pritchard, Neurodivergent Advocate, Consultant and Trainer at Tigger Training

Thank you to our partners