Living & Working with Neurodivergence Conference by Onlinevents

Living & Working with Neurodivergence

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Living & Working with Neurodivergence

Programme Guide

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

CONFERENCE FACILITATORS

Living & Working with Neurodivergence

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

estead Model™:

ng High Masking gent Entrepreneurs, Creatives and Corporates Who Are On The Quest For Deepening Their Understanding Of Their Authentic-Self

Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar

Yasmin will take you on a whistle stop journey of The Homestead Model™ going through its 10 core modules. This workshop will introduce my model of neurodivergent wellbeing and how it can be used to support clients and corporate organisations.

The Homestead Model™ is a holistic, polyvagal-informed, one-to-one 12session program designed for high-masking neurodivergent creatives, entrepreneurs, and corporate organisations.

Created and delivered by neurodivergent relational trauma therapist Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar, it enhances self-understanding through psychoeducation and the mind-body connection.

The goal of The Homestead Model™ is to help neurodivergent individuals develop a better understanding of their authentic selves, paving the way for self-empowerment and profound personal growth.

This approach combines talking therapy, sharing neuroscience theories, self-monitoring, sound therapy, movement, and technology to help the nervous system feel balanced and comfortable.

It's about guiding the nervous system to a place where it feels safe and content, enabling individuals to thrive and feel good again.

Workshop Agenda

1. Introduction to Neurodivergent Wellbeing

Definition and importance.

Goals of the workshop.

2. Overview of The Homestead Model™

Holistic, polyvagal-informed approach.

Tailored for high-masking neurodivergent individuals.

Safe and Sound Protocol

3. Journey Through The Homestead Model™

A brief overview of the 10 core modules.

4. Q&A Session

Interactive discussion and questions.

5. Closing Remarks

Summary of key points.

Next steps and further resources.

Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar is a neurodivergent relational trauma therapist and creator of brands Scribbledeedo®, Neurosloth®, Polyvagal Teen®, The Hearts Whisper® and The Homestead Model™. With a passion for innovative educational tools and mental health awareness, Yasmin is in the early stages of developing Scribbledeedo® into a wellbeing franchise model. A Scribbledeedo® incorporates 5 core elements into te learningScribbles, Doodles, Colours, Shimmies and Shimmers. Polyvagal Teen®, focuses on promoting the understanding of the polyvagal theory within the neurodivergent community delivering trauma sensitive training to schools, blue light workers and youth organisations.

oception: PracticalApplication

Karin Brauner Karin Brauner

Last year I did a presentation and provided a lot of theory on interoception. As we already have the grounding for that and it is in the library for watching on-demand, this year I thought I would grab some of the more practical applications that I briefly presented or mentioned and bring them to you in a way that is easy to follow and apply in your own lives or practices with your clients.

Karin Brauner is a twice published author, a bilingual coach/counsellor/psychotherapist, as well as a supervisor in private practice. She trained in Guatemala and in Brighton, England. Karin has always been interested in many areas, which focus on her training as a therapist, but also her passion for writing and IT. These have led her to have a variety of services and product offerings, which she keeps adding to. These include social media marketing and content creation, as well as website support, tutoring, academic support, and other areas. Karin is passionate about everything she does, and she enjoys seeing her colleagues and clients thrive in their work and lives. This is why she’s offering these workshops (and other courses to come in the near future). She enjoys supporting people be the best they can be, meeting them right where they are, and together figuring out what the best way forward is.

Marketing on social media became a focus of Karin’s back in 2017, when she started blogging. This propelled her practice into moving from 2-4 clients, to a full client list, followed by supervisees and now coaching clients as well. This means she can now offer the learning she’s done in the past few years, to practitioners starting their practices or thinking of growing their practices but needing the practical support to do so. That’s what Karin offers – practical support to get you on the right track to building a successful business (whatever that means to each one of us individually).

uro-Affirming Support Improves Outcomes

Louise Lucas Louise Lucas

In this presentation we will look at what neuro-affirming practices are and how they can support clients to move away from blame and shame towards kindness and compassion and therefore improve overall wellbeing.

This will include consideration for the systems and structures we use to administrate our practice as well as what happens in the therapy room.

Finally we will consider how therapists can be affirming of their own neurodivergence and how this modelling of self-compassion and kindness can support clients to do the same.

Louise is a queer, multiply neurodivergent, therapist, supervisor, and trainer. she works online in private practice where she support neurodivergent clients and practitioners.

You can find out more about her and her work at www.curiosityspot.co.uk

ing Risk for Neurodivergent Clients

Linsey Bailey-Rowles Linsey Bailey-Rowles

This workshop is designed to enhance awareness in mental health professionals who with and / or conduct risk assessments when working with neurodivergent clients. The workshop aims to foster a deeper understanding around the impact of utilising neuro-normative assessment tools by exploring the mainstream practices for risk assessment in counselling. By attending, participants will gain practical skills in effective communication, enhance their professional competencies, and contribute to more inclusive and effective mental health services.

Linsey is a qualified Therapeutic Counsellor & Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, Counselling Tutor and Mental Health Training Facilitator. Working in both private practice and the voluntary sector, she has experience working with adults and young people. Her spectrum of therapeutic work most commonly resides in Compassion Focused Trauma Informed practice supporting Neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+ communities and those with Hidden Disabilities / Chronic illness. She is passionate about equality, equity & social justice both within and outside of the counselling community and provides opportunities for continuing professional development within a broad spectrum of helping professions.

erence, Love, on, Attachmen he Erotic: WorkingwithIntenseRelational ExperiencesforAutisticClients

Erin Stevens Erin Stevens

As an autistic therapist and client, Erin has been in a position to experience the dynamics of intense relational feelings in therapy from both chairs. The feelings between therapist and client are a widely-valued lens for understanding therapeutic process, however little attention is given to the nuances of autistic experiencing; how established theoretical suppositions connected to transference/countertransference, attachment and love in therapy might miss something of the autistic experience, and limit us in our understanding of these processes in our work with autistic clients.

Erin will explore relational dynamics in therapy through and autistic lens, considering where established theory is useful, and where it might be limited; demystifying the process; offering alternative ways to think about and work with intense feelings in therapy; and also, highlighting some common difficulties which can arise in this work, exploring how we as therapists respond to, and feel about, being intensely loved, desired, or idealised.

Erin is a autistic therapist, supervisor, writer and trainer living and working in West Yorkshire. As a therapist, Erin works primarily with people who have been harmed in previous therapy.Erin works to raise awareness of the significantly increased rates of harm for those with marginalised identities, and campaigns for justice for marginalised and minoritised people in the profession and beyond.

ng Space: Calm,Belonging andSolace

Dr Francesca Bernardi Dr Francesca Bernardi

In the hustle and bustle that surrounds our daily lives it can be difficult to truly appreciate the value of solace, tranquillity and calm. Spaces for taking stock, belonging and feeling ─ in silence ─ are often absent. This gentle presentation will offer practical ideas for ‘making space’ in a mindful manner, finding ways to create and reimagine a dedicated place in your home or professional setting, for being, centredness and calm.

Drawing on the group's energy, the workshop will include ideas, small changes and tips that can help achieve making space, to transform a small part of your environment and explore unexpected possibilities.

I will integrate creative and play methods, facilitating creative exercises to embody simple movements and mark-making to enjoy a restorative moment from the comfort of your desk.

Please bring with you: loose paper, card, or a sketchbook, pens, pencils (or any other mark making tools of your choice).

Dr Francesca Bernardi (PhD, QTS, CATA) is a creative coach, artist, writer and dis/ability advocate. She trained in Art and Design education and Art therapy and has worked as a teacher and artist-in-residence in schools, alternative provision and further education. She most consistently engages in multi-disciplinary research, setting up creative environments for critical participatory work with marginalised communities. Francesca volunteers as an international board member of the Disability Without Abuse Project (Los Angeles), is founding chair of the Antonio Gramsci Society UK, Councillor and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) and Associate Member of CATA (Canadian Art Therapy Association).

Francesca is a Visiting Lecturer in Childhood Studies at the Carnegie School of Education (Leeds Beckett University) and Arts Therapies at the University of Roehampton, Francesca is also a translator (QUB; Routledge).

Dr Francesca Bernardi PhD, art practitioner and community artist, scholar, activist and founder of the Antonio Gramsci Society UK

ckle Up!:

TheRoller-CoasterRide

Therapists'Autistic Self-Insights

(While Also Supporting Clients with Theirs)

Beauvais Vauna Beauvais

When a psychotherapist, trained to guide others through the complexities of the human experience, discovers that they themselves are autistic, it sets in motion a profound journey of self-discovery and reevaluation. This realisation, often coming later in life, can be both transformative and challenging for any adult.

As therapists, we are well aware of the profound impact that the journey of self-discovery can have on an autistic adult's selfhood and on their life choices and relationships. The work of piecing everything together, processing huge realisations and feelings, finding and embracing authenticity, gaining supports and strategies, and navigating the challenges of the world is not an easy one, but it is a journey that holds the potential for tremendous growth, resilience, transformation and a better experience of life.

For a therapist, the process of discovering and embracing their autistic self is intimately intertwined with their role as a mental health professional as it requires the therapist to navigate not only the personal implications of their newfound identity but also the professional consequences and responsibilities that come with it. The journey of self-discovery forces them to see the systemic barriers that autistic individuals face within the mental health field and in society at large, and also eventually forces them

Vauna

to confront the gaps in their own professional training and the limitations of the therapeutic approaches not designed for autistic people. We have a unique responsibility to create safe and welcoming spaces for neurodivergent individuals, to listen to and amplify their voices, and to work towards dismantling the systemic barriers that perpetuate stigma and marginalisation and that weight can be heavy to carry while we are also doing our own emotionally impactful work that can sometimes send us reeling. We are but one person, after all.

For relatively newly identifying autistic therapists, the path forward involves self-reflection, discoveries, realisations, realignments, fights for self-advocacy, and learning, learning, learning. While we want to speak out and have the courage to challenge the status quo, to push for more inclusive and neurodiversity-affirming practices within the mental health field, and to serve as a role model and advocate for the autistic community, we are also a person that can be overwhelmed, hurt, enraged, traumatised and very very tired. We can be fired up, hyperfocused, or floored, all within the same week. We want to right the wrongs and give every autistic client the responsiveness and validation that they deserve. And we may hear client stories that may ignite personal insights or trigger trauma responses and we worry about how strong we are, muse over at what point secondary trauma may become unethical, marvel at our therapeutic ability, and yet sometimes even doubt we are good enough. But we can see in our client's faces that we are very much needed. And, at the same time, the rent still needs paying, the neighbour still expects a smile, the dog still needs to go to the vet, and you still have to remain a reasonable human being to loved ones when you might be crushed or confused inside.

In this workshop there will be a presentation about the process of late identification in autistic adults. This will be recorded for the Online Events library. And then the next part invites participants into a safe space together that isn't recorded. There we will share experiences and explore the complex interplay of personal identity, professional practice, and

societal attitudes that shape the journey of an autistic person, and more specifically shape the journey of an autistic therapist who is travelling that while also keeping it all togther in life and work. Through a combination of personal narratives, case studies, and group discussions, we will delve into the emotional impact of late diagnosis, the challenges of navigating professional relationships and responsibilities, and the importance of selfadvocacy and community support. By engaging in this exploration, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the unique experiences of autistic therapists and to feel connected, supported, empowered, and celebrated.

Vauna Beauvais. Autistic person and ADHD-er. I've been seeing clients for 25 years. I work online as a UKCP registered psychotherapist, ADHDcoach, as well as a supervisor. I'm neuroaffirming from head-to-toe, being a trauma-informed therapist, working from a social justice ideology. I am White, Female, and English, with alternative sexuality, and examine more each day my privileges and the barriers that come along with the groups that I am placed within, and believe in anti-oppressive practice with clients, supervisees, and colleagues. In addition to my online therapy practice, I am a trainer at Vanguard Neurodiversity Training, where we enjoy learning together with our therapist delegates on the Certificate in Working Therapeutically with Autistic Adults. Along with my co-presenter, Eoin Stephens, I also chat away most weeks with him, making our podcast, 'Autistically Speaking' that you can find on YouTube and other podcast channels.

Vauna Beauvais: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaunabeauvais/ Vauna’s private practice: https://www.counsellingtherapyonline.com/ Vanguard Neurodiversity Training: https://www.vanguardneurodiversitytraining.com

uide to the ic Process, for Individuals, Families & Clinicians

Dr Emma Taylor Dr Emma Taylor

The pathway from first wondering about neurodivergence to getting a formal diagnosis can be complicated and confusing, whether you're seeking an assessment for yourself or a family member, or you're a clinician considering whether to suggest this for a client. This presentation will walk you through some of the considerations about whether or not to pursue formal diagnosis; your options if you do decide to go ahead; what to expect and how to prepare; and what might come after diagnosis, or what happens if no diagnosis is given. There will be space for discussion of any questions you might have.

Dr Emma Taylor is a Clinical Psychologist, working as a therapist with both neurodivergent and neurotypical adults, using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and attachment-based approaches. She is trained and experienced in assessing for autism and ADHD, specialising in identifying "missed" neurodivergence in adulthood, particularly where a combined presentation (both autism and ADHD) has led to misdiagnosis and/or missed diagnosis. She also works as a supervisor, trainer and researcher, and has published papers on autism, attachment, and ACT. website: www.willowpsychology.co.uk

king with Neurodivergent Students

Tristan Brooks Tristan Brooks

The aim of this session is to pass on knowledge from my own lived experience as a neurodivergent counsellor working in a university counselling service for nearly 3 years. During this time, I have adapted and developed my practice based on the needs of neurodivergent students that I see. Many of these clients are at the start of their understanding having just been diagnosed or are just starting to seek a diagnosis.

This can be an overwhelming time, especially within a backdrop of living away from established support networks, often in a new city. This session will include: The three A’s: Internalised Ableism, Individual Ableism, & Systemic AbleismThe importance of self-disclosureWorking with task and choice paralysisCamouflaging in a university setting

Tris is an NCPS senior accredited psychotherapist and a Pink Therapy advanced accredited GSRD Therapist as well as a Pink Therapy endorsed GSRD aware trainer. They have lived experience as a queer, disabled, AuDHD, non-binary person whose pronouns are they/them. Tris works both in private practice and in a university student counselling service with a special interest in working with clients at the intersection of GSRD and Neurodivergence. Within the university, they are one of 2 Trans specialist counsellors who co-run therapeutic groups for Trans, Non-Binary, Gender

non-conforming and questioning students. They are also the neurodivergent specialist counsellor and have been working with the service to make it more accessible for neurodivergent students. Before being employed by the university, they worked in social care completing care assessments and mental capacity assessments for a learning disability and autism team. It was in this role that Tris first started to understand themselves as autistic, seeing themselves reflected in the service users they were working with. They also realised there was a lack of understanding by many staff members both in social care and within the care agencies when it came to issues of sexuality and gender. At this time Tris was already in private practice and decided to focus on the cross-over of GSRD and Neurodivergence as well as provide training and consulting to people, businesses and organisations who wanted to develop knowledge.

Outside of work, they are currently the head of inclusion access for the national charity Bi Pride UK, having previously been the Vice-chair for almost 4 years before needing to take a break from activism work. They are a long-standing volunteer for the Human Library, founded Colchester Pride and held the position of Chair for 2 years. When not volunteering, they can be found playing board and video games, parlour larping, at the theatre, or snuggled up on the sofa with loved ones and their cat Tia(who often makes appearances whilst working online)

Obstacle is the Way

Dr Liliya Wheatcraft Dr Liliya Wheatcraft

The AuDHD Psychiatrist shares her story of autistic burnout, surviving years of pressure following her whistleblowing in the NHS (including regulatory GMC investigations precipitated by spurious retaliatory referral); retiring on the grounds of ill health aged 39; constructing her own system of mental health recovery and rehabilitation over several years, as she bootstrapped herself out of the abyss of despair, suicidal depression and PTSD; confronting the stigma of autism, ADHD and mental illness among her colleagues; building and developing her own understanding of neurodiversity, from vehement (often offensive) criticism to understanding, support and promoting the concept; and, finally, building on it further with her AUTISTIC Framework and the concept of Neurodevelopmental Asynchrony.

In her early 40s, Dr Wheatcraft has an impressive portfolio with dual expertise in autism & ADHD specifically, as a full Member of Royal College of Psychiatrists AND an adult diagnosed with autism & ADHD in her 4th decade.

D & ADHD

How to Find your Sanity

Hayley Barker-Smith Hayley Barker-Smith

ADHD is a significant risk factor for the development of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a debilitating and potentially life-threatening condition that disproportionately impacts up to 46% of women with ADHD.PMDD is a cyclical hormone sensitivity in the brain that can cause severe mood and functioning issues, irrational and suicidal thoughts, increased meltdowns and shutdowns, a decrease in emotional regulation, extreme sensitivity to rejection, and intrusive thoughts which significantly disrupt daily life and lead to strained relationships.

I struggled with PMDD, from my teens until I discovered Menstrual Cycle Awareness, which helped me to heal the emotional turbulence, hormonal havoc, and pre-menstrual mania, of living with PMDD. Breathwork was also key in helping me to release the shameful rage within me, and work through the trauma of living as a woman with PMDD.

I received my ADHD diagnosis at 56. While I experienced an incredible lightbulb moment and was then able to make links to trauma and PMDD, there was also a period of grief for the years of not having known earlier.

In this session we'll explore; - PMDD and ADHD, and what we - as counsellors, therapists or coaches - need to know about their impact, and how to support our clients through the rollercoaster of emotions that they can bring. - The two inner work approaches; Breathwork and Menstrual Cycle Awareness (MCA) that helped Hayley (and her clients) process overwhelming emotions, attune and align with their body and find their way home.

Hayley Barker-Smith is a person-centred, Accredited ADHD Practitioner, Psychotherapist & Breathwork Facilitator.

As a woman with ADHD, she weaves her own first-hand experience with years of study and training to offer her trauma-informed, compassionate approach to repairing the chaos, unravelling the limiting beliefs, and healing the loss and grief that ADHD can bring.

cting With Yo as Your Mai Source of Self Care

Sarah Weller Sarah Weller

This is mainly an interactive workshop, enabling you to tune into the patterns of your breath using a Breath Awareness meditation with a little bit of breathwork coaching using a poly vagal informed approach. We will then follow on with the introduction of some foundational breathwork techniques that will create balance and flow in the nervous system that have no medical contraindications, which will leave you feeling alert, focused, but at ease. You will gain experience of 3 different breathwork techniques, that you will be able to use everyday as part of your self stewardship, and are particularly useful to help with sensory integration.

You are invited to begin the workshop with some very simple physical stretches, within your own zone of comfort, as a warm up, that you can take seated or standing. Cameras can be on or off, while you are taking part in this nurturing and restorative session.

Sarah is an established Family Relationship Coach in the UK, helping support Neuro divergent parents navigate a journey of parenthood that is authentic and supporting of their needs alongside their children's needs. As part of this journey, Sarah teaches Breathwork and Somatics to her clients to support and sustain their wellbeing. Sarah holds qualifications in Life Coaching, Autism & PDA studies, NLP, Breathwork & Pranyama.Sarah has just celebrated her 35th wedding annivesary to her Neuro divergent husband and is the Mother of 4 children, including an AuDHD daughter.

ards a a-Friendly Scotland: Baseline Research

Cathy Magee & Dr Jeremy Law

Facilitated by Dr Jeremy Law and Cathy Magee OBE, workshop delegates will have the opportunity to hear ground-breaking findings from Scotland’s biggestever survey of dyslexic adults. This workshop will include a brief outline about Dyslexia Scotland and the support we offer.

In 2023, Dyslexia Scotland launched Scotland’s biggest-ever survey of dyslexic adults over 16 years old, in partnership with the University of Glasgow. Over 1400 people responded to this survey, wanting to share their stories and experiences. As our aspiration is for a dyslexia-friendly Scotland, we need a clear picture of the current situation.

The survey sought to capture a baseline snapshot of life in Scotland for adults with dyslexia. Dr Jeremy Law will summarise and take questions on the findings of the research report to be published in Dyslexia Awareness Week (30 September – 5 October).

Cathy Magee OBE is Chief Executive of Dyslexia Scotland, a national charity which is working towards a Dyslexia-friendly Scotland. Dyslexia Scotland aims to inspire and enable people with dyslexia to reach their potential in education, employment and life. Cathy has been in post since October 2007. Her background prior to this includes 4 years on secondment to the then Scottish Executive Health Department, managing the National Health Demonstration Projects programme; over 20 years voluntary sector

JeremyLaw

experience working at local, national and international levels (including Save the Children, Wester Hailes Adventure Group, Voluntary Service Overseas in Nepal, Volunteer Development Scotland and the Stirling Health and Wellbeing Alliance); as well as teaching English as a Foreign Language for 2 years in France. Her roles have included managing volunteers, staff, community development programmes and after school clubs involved in addressing inequalities, improving health and well being and informal adult education and basic literacy, as well as national policy development, implementation and dissemination. Her interest in dyslexia first began while working at Save the Children with children with learning difficulties in an After-school Club in Muirhouse, Edinburgh.

Dr Jeremy Law, Senior Lecturer, School of Education, University of Glasgow Jeremy’s research and teaching interests focus on developmental disabilities and literacy with a specific interest and expertise relating to developmental dyslexia. Recently his research has been focused on examining specific cognitive factors related to reading and spelling compensation of children and adults with dyslexia. In the course of his research, he has conducted a range of longitudinal and concurrent studies examining prereading indicators of dyslexia such as early phonological and auditory processing impairments. Furthermore, his work with high achieving individuals with dyslexia has focused on identifying specific factors (such as morphological awareness) related to the reading success and resilience of these individuals.

ing Selfhood he Autism Dialogue Approach

Jonny Drury Jonny Drury

Bringing the topic of Autism into dialogue circles over the past seven years, I've seen it shift from a fixed label or category into a question and an opportunityfor exploring what it means to be a self, in a world that's otherwise quick to categorise what selfhood is.

The Autism Dialogue Approach is not merely about understanding autism, it is about exploring the nature of oneself in a radical, dynamic and generative way. Using an empirically-derived approach, it challenges the view that an individual person can be deficient or damaged without involving the complexity of fragmented systems and thought.

During structured conversation in small groups lasting a number of hours, participants are invited to discover the richness of the autistic experience as a pathway to greater self-awareness and mutual understanding, bringing relief, hope and awakening to those impacted.

30 minute talk, 15 mins Q & A

More information: www.dialogica.uk/autism-dialogue-approach

Jonny Drury Dialogue facilitator and personal coach with a background in philosophy, socially engaged art, radical education and eastern disciplines. Specialisms in non-dual awareness, autism, neurodiversity, hyper-sensitivity and systemic trauma. Creator of Mindfulness for Autism and The Autism Dialogue Approach.

Pathologica Avoidance:

Key Skills for Practitioners & Families

Kate Salinsky & Tanya Spiers

Navigating Pathological Demand Avoidance Key Skills for Practitioners and Families - Kate Salinsky & Tanya Spiers

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile on the autism spectrum characterized by an intense avoidance of everyday demands and expectations. This workshop aims to demystify PDA, offering insights into the unique challenges faced by young people and adults with this profile, and providing practical strategies for support.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how PDA manifests, why demands trigger anxiety and avoidance, and how to create low-demand environments that encourage cooperation and growth. We'll explore the underlying neurological and psychological components of PDA, considering the role of anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and social dynamics.

Specifically we will cover:

An Introduction to PDA: Understanding the profile, its characteristics, and how it differs from other autism profiles.

Identifying Triggers and Patterns: Recognizing common demand triggers and how they lead to avoidant behaviours

Practical Tools and Techniques: Effective approaches for reducing demand, increasing flexibility, and fostering trust in therapeutic, educational, work, and home environments.

Q&A and Discussion: An open dialogue to address specific concerns and share experiences

JeremyLaw

By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a richer comprehension of PDA, and some skills needed to work empathetically and effectively with individuals presenting this unique profile.

JeremyLaw

Kate Salinsky currently a trainer with the National Autism Trainer Programme (NHS/Anna Freud Centre/AT-Autism). She also supports neurodivergent students 1-1 in higher education as a study skills tutor and mentor, and adults as a mentor / coach through Access to Work. Kate is parent to a two children one of whom is autistic and has a PDA profile. She has an MA in Autism and completed her research dissertation on the Lived Experience of Parents of PDA children. Previously, Kate worked as a training manager and counsellor in the voluntary sector for over 20 years, managing a team of trainers to design and deliver accredited training to people working in substance misuse, counselling and mediation.

Tanya Spiers is an autistic trainer currently delivering the National Autism Training programme to Mental Health professionals within the NHS. She is also a Specialist Family Support worker who works with families that have autistic young people up to the age of 25 from a diverse population. Tanya has been delivering (and managing staff to deliver) autism training and coaching for over ten years to a wide range of different professionals and settings. She also has three autistic teenage boys of her own with very different strengths and needs; one of whom has a PDA profile.

Conference Facilitators

Tracy Clark Tracy Clark

Tracy Clark As a private practitioner of many years, I have had the privilege of working with and supporting clients from the neurodivergent community. Mainly people who are autistic and dyslexic. My clients include individuals, couples and young people. I am Person-centred trained however I have used various modalities and creative ways within my clinical practice to meet the client's needs.

I have been assessed over the years for an intellectual learning disability, called Dyslexia. My personal experience of being dyslexic has been very mixed over the years, however I find that as a visual learner I can incorporate my experience of dyslexia into my clinical practice.

Website | www.tracyaclarkcounselling.co.uk

Facebook | Tracy A Clark Counselling

LinkedIn | Tracy Clark PgDip

John Wilson John Wilson

I have been facilitating in Counselling & Psychotherapy programmes in the UK for more than 10 years.

I am currently the director at Temenos Education and have a private practice where I offer online Psychotherapy and Supervision using video and chat communication platforms along with virtual environments. I am also the cofounder of onlinevents which has grown to be the world’s largest library of online video and audio content with instant certification and a learning log.

I am also a past chair of the Association for Counselling & Therapy Online (ACTO) and have served for 6 years on the board of the World Association for Person Centered & Experiential Psychotherapy & Counselling. My passion to bring online learning into the field of Counselling & Psychotherapy has also led to the development of online experiential learning within the Temenos programme, facilitating the exposure of Temenos students to external tutors who are located in different parts of the world. Along with the inclusion of experiential learning of online Counselling & Psychotherapy for Temenos students so that they qualify with knowledge and practice in online communication and relationship.

You can read an article I co-authored about online group facilitation here: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/UB2QJDKNCGUMUNUURU8W/full? target=10.1080/14779757.2019.1650807