Geoff Evans - Monday 16th November

'What works when supporting autistic children and young people?'

In this presentation Geoff draws on more than thirty-six-years’ experience of supporting autistic children and young people and their families to outline what he believes works when supporting autistic young people. He argues that underpinning all we do is an understanding of how autism impacts on the individual, listening and learning from the autistic person and those who know them and a willingness to use all the ethical approaches and resources available. Areas covered includes working with strengths and abilities, the need for consistency, managing environment, promoting happiness and how the eight senses. impact on the person. Throughout the presentation Geoff will offer a range of approaches to support the above areas on a day to day basis. 

https://geoffevansautism.com

Andrew Whitehouse - Tuesday 17th November
'Diagnosis: Will it make a difference?' 
 
For this presentation, Andrew Whitehouse, SEN Consultant will discuss the pros and cons of gaining a diagnosis for children with neurodiversities and in particular Autism.  In order to investigate this complex question, Andrew will be looking at 

• The SEND Code of Practice
• Funding
• The Equality Act
• Lifelong stigma
• Lifelong relief
• Preconceptions
• Misconceptions
• Misdiagnosis

http://www.peoplefirsteducation.co.uk/

Clare Truman - Wednesday 18th November
'Supporting Siblings of Autistic Children' 

Clare Truman is big sister to her 31 year old autistic brother. She is also a teacher specialising in autism and is studying for a PhD at the Centre for Research in Autism and Education at UCL London. She draws both on her personal experience and her experience of helping the families of her students in this talk. She believes that growing up alongside an autistic sibling has been a positive experience and she will highlight these positives while also providing practical strategies to address some of the challenges that siblings of autistic people may experience in day to day life, both in childhood and as they plan for their adult lives. 

http://www.spectrumspace.co.uk/

Rebecca Duffus - Thursday 19th November
'Small changes that make a positive difference to our autistic students in the classroom'

Rebecca is an experienced Advisory Teacher with a Psychology Degree and a Masters in Autism and Education. She has many years of experience working in both mainstream and specialist education settings as well as within local council and education services. Rebecca has been a speaker at conferences across the UK including the TES SEN Show, Education People Show and Schools & Academies Show.

In this presentation Rebecca explores the underlying potential differences for autistic students in the classroom and suggests small changes that can support young people to access the curriculum. 

This will include maximising the way you communicate, using visual supports, adapting the environment and working with the student and their interests.
Rebecca believes that all young people should be understood for their unique strengths and differences.

In her career she has found autistic pupils to be some of the most interesting and feels their strengths should be celebrated.

http://www.cognus.org.uk/

Paul Hughes - Friday 20th November
'Osama, Obama and finding Nirvana...Special Needs Required!' 

...a journey of self discovery and an appreciation of having a different way of thinking and being to the norm, which in reality has given me a great advantage in life! Hop onboard the Paul mindset bus and discover the real you!

http://www.phinterim.com/

Itinerary


Monday 16th November

Guest Speaker: Geoff Evans
'What works when supporting autistic children and young people?' 
Time: 10.00 - 11.00am & again at 7.00 - 8.00pm

Tuesday 17th November

Guest Speaker: Andrew Whitehouse
'Diagnosis: Will it make a difference?'
Time: 10.00 - 11.00am & again at 7.00 - 8.00pm

Wednesday 18th November

Guest Speaker: Clare Truman
'Supporting Siblings of Autistic Children'
Time: 10.00 - 11.00am & again at 7.00 - 8.00pm

Thursday 19th November 

Guest Speaker: Rebecca Duffus
'Small changes that make a positive difference to our autistic students in the classroom'
Time: 10.00 - 11.00am & again at 7.00 - 8.00pm

Friday 20th November

Guest Speaker: Paul Hughes
'Osama, Obama and finding Nirvana...Special Needs Required!'
Time: 10.00 - 11.00am & again at 7.00 - 8.00pm

Prices


This year, PAACT are requesting donations of between £5 and £15 per Guest Speaker.
If you are interested in accessing all five speakers, a minimum donation of £20 can be made.

Please make payment by BACS, PayPal or by cheque.
 
BACS (HSBC banking details)
Sort Code - 40 28 20
Account Number - 53831612
Account Name - PAACT

PayPal: Click on the PayPal logo below

Cheques made payable to 'PAACT'


PLEASE REFERENCE YOUR PAYMENT WITH 'CONF20'
 

To book your place

Please email Gordon Forsyth at paactsupport@hotmail.co.uk to book.
You will need to confirm the following in your email:

• The guest speaker/s you would like to book and the time slot (please note that the access code will be different for each speaker and each time slot)
• The number of places required
• The number of workshops along with confirmation that payment has been made, using 'CONF20' as your Booking Reference