Autism Matters Theatre
Hear leading professionals explore key autism topics and offer trusted advice in the Autism Matters Theatre.
Highlights this year include Gurur Deniz Uyanık, Senior Researcher at ATech Policy Lab, Policy Connect, discussing accessible and assistive technology for autistic learners; Phil Wroe, Autistic Autism Consultant and Specialist Teacher at Squarepeg SEN, examining why eating can be difficult for neurodivergent people and what helps; and Sarah Stewart, Lead Trainer at the PDA Society, looking at practical strategies for supporting PDA at home.
Sound is relayed to the audience through wireless headsets to reduce noise levels in the hall.
Places are offered free to ticket holders 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 19th June 2026
| Time | Presentation Title | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 9.50 – 10.30 | Accessible and assistive technology (ATech) for autistic learners | Gurur Deniz Uyanık, Senior Researcher at ATech Policy Lab, Policy Connect |
| 10.40 – 11.20 | Beyond inclusion: belonging, equity and relational practice with autistic students | Justin Price, Executive Head Teacher at Freemantles School |
| 11.40 – 12.20 | Understanding behaviour through the lens of trauma: practical approaches and strategies that can support with trauma at school | Geoff Evans, Independent Autism Trainer and Consultant |
| 12.30 – 13.10 | Working effectively with students with a PDA profile | Sarah Stewart, Lead Trainer at the PDA Society |
| 13.30 – 14.10 | Play on our terms: understanding and supporting autistic play in the classroom | Simon Airey, Autistic Educator, Trainer and Advocate |
| 14.20 – 15.00 | Rethinking autism in girls: insights from the neuroscience | Professor Gina Rippon, Professor Emeritus of Cognitive NeuroImaging at Aston University and Bestselling Author |
| 15.20 – 16.00 | The art of accommodation: insights from an autistic teacher | Chris Bonnello, Autistic Author, Speaker, Advocate and Former Teacher |
Saturday 20th June 2026
| Time | Presentation Title | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 10.10 – 10.50 | Making sense of sensory: supporting autistic children with regulation and self-regulation | Beth Smithson, Director of Lifelong Learning, Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner and Occupational Therapist at Sensory Inclusive Schools |
| 11.00 – 11.40 | “It’s part of his autism”. Exploring the intersection between autism and selective/situational mutism | Libby Hill, Consultant Speech and Language Therapist at Small Talk SLT |
| 11.50 – 12.30 | When school doesn’t fit: supporting your neurodivergent child to survive and thrive | Pete Wharmby, Neurodiversity Speaker, Author, Advocate and Former Teacher |
| 12.40 – 13.20 | Why eating can be difficult for neurodivergent people and what helps | Phil Wroe, Autistic Autism Consultant and Specialist Teacher at Squarepeg SEN – Support and Education for Neurodiversity |
| 13.30 – 14.10 | Practical strategies for supporting PDA at home | Sarah Stewart, Lead Trainer at the PDA Society |
| 14.20 – 15.00 | Understanding and supporting autistic burnout in children and young people | Jodie Clarke, Children’s Well-being Practitioner and Autism Specialist, Author, and Trainer |
| 15.10 – 15.50 | SEND reforms unpacked: what the proposed changes mean for families and schools | Cathy Wassell, CEO and Founder of the Autistic Girls Network |