TOGETHER WITH AUTISM CONFERENCES 2024

In 2024, Act for Autism, in partnership with Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council and Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Integrated Care Board delivered three public conferences aimed at supporting the autistic community to find out more about services available for them, speak to service representatives and participate in interactive themed workshops.

These events engaged both parents and practitioners, providing key insights, resources, and networking opportunities. The conferences were held at Meadow Park School in Coventry on September 14th with 180 attendees, North Warwickshire College in Nuneaton on November 9th with 217 attendees, and North Leamington School on December 7th with 160 attendees, present.

The primary goal of the conferences was to connect the local community with support services, enable people to share the challenges they face with services present on the day, and to offer opportunities to participate in a range of themed workshops. Additionally, the conferences were aimed at encouraging connections among parents to reduce isolation and foster a sense of support and belonging.

The conferences followed a structured format. The morning sessions included a welcome and introduction by the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care System representatives, a keynote presentation by Jess Garner on co-regulation, and the screening of a film about masking, followed by a Q&A session with young autistic advocates. In the afternoon, attendees participated in their choice of twelve available workshops and to speak with local service representatives who hosted stalls, providing valuable information, resources and an opportunity to have a conversation.

A quiet room was set up at each venue for those attendees who needed a calm space.

The events were well-received, with meaningful engagement from all attendees, highlighting the importance of interactive collaboration with autistic individuals and those who support them in order to foster connection, share knowledge and build trusted community links between autistic people, parents/carers, professionals and service providers.