Autism Matters Theatre
Hear leading autism specialists explore key topics and offer trusted advice in the Autism Matters Theatre.
Dr Joanna Grace, Founder of The Sensory Projects, examining how hidden sensory differences can impact access to education and wellbeing; Dr Naomi Fisher, Clinical Psychologist, speaking on understanding and working with demand avoidant children; Simon Birch, Assistant Principal (Curriculum) at Ambitious College, discussing preparing autistic students for employment; and Rebecca Duffus, Specialist Autism Teacher and Consultant, looking at how you can support a young person to have a positive understanding of their autistic identity.
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.
Friday 20th June 2025
| Time | Presentation Title | Speaker | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.50 – 10.30 | Autopia – my vision of an autistic utopia for the future | Dr Luke Beardon, Senior Lecturer in Autism at Sheffield Hallam University | |
| 10.40 – 11.20 | Hidden sensory differences: how these can impact access to education and wellbeing for autistic people | Dr Joanna Grace, Sensory Engagement and Inclusion Specialist, and Founder of The Sensory Projects | |
| 11.30 – 12.10 | Strategies to support students with PDA in the classroom | Steph Curtis, Blogger and Author of ‘PDA in the Family’ | |
| 12.20 – 13.00 | A new way forward: acceptance-based support for autistic students | Aaron Yorke, Education Consultant and Founder of Accepting Behaviour | |
| 13.10 – 13.50 | Preparing autistic students for employment | Simon Birch, Assistant Principal (Curriculum), and Gemma Mullan, Assistant Principal for Vocational Learning, at Ambitious College | |
| 14.00 – 14.40 | Working with students who are struggling to engage with or reluctant to discuss support strategies | Amanda Hind, Autistic Speaker, Trainer and Consultant | |
| 14.50 – 15.30 | Beyond behaviour: understanding and working with demand avoidant children | Dr Naomi Fisher, Clinical Psychologist and EMDR-Europe Accredited Trainer, and Eliza Fricker, Advocate and Consultant for PDA, autism and learning | |
| 15.40 – 16.20 | Beyond the surface: meeting the needs of autistic girls in education | Carly Steel, Autism Specialist, Qualified Teacher and Experienced Neurodivergent Leader |
Saturday 21st June 2025
| Time | Presentation title | Speaker | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.20 – 11.00 | Supporting your child with anxiety in the round – the interplay between sensory differences, anxiety and the environment | Dr Ann Ozsivadjian, Principal Clinical Psychologist, and Annemarie Sims, Clinical Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist, at Evelina London Children’s Hospital | |
| 11.10 – 11.50 | Why do they always say no? Understanding and helping your demand avoidant child | Dr Naomi Fisher, Clinical Psychologist and EMDR-Europe Accredited Trainer, and Eliza Fricker, Advocate and Consultant for PDA, autism and learning | |
| 12.00 – 12.40 | A different way to learn language: understanding gestalt language processing and how this can support early language development | Libby Hill, Consultant Speech and Language Therapist at Small Talk SLT | |
| 12.50 – 13.30 | Responsive communication – building on common ground to connect with autistic people | Dr Rorie Fulton and Emma Reardon, Directors of Autism Wellbeing | |
| 13.40 – 14.20 | Supporting a young person to have a positive understanding of their autistic identity | Rebecca Duffus, Specialist Autism Teacher and Consultant | |
| 14.30 – 15.10 | Supporting PDA children for families | Tom Crellin, Trainer and Lived Experience Speaker at the PDA Society | |
| 15.15 – 15.55 | Building skills and relationships through LEGO play – how to support your child, Brick-by-Brick® | Dr Gina Gomez de la Cuesta, Founder and Director of Play Included |
