Masking: what are we missing, and how can this behaviour impact communication between school and home?
Lana Grant – Autism Specialist and Author
How can we help if we don’t know what we’re looking for? Lana identifies the meaning of the term ‘masking’ and how common it is. She identifies when and why an adult or child may be masking, highlights the power of working with parents/caregivers, and provides support strategies.
Positive experiences and approaches with autistic girls in school and community group settings
Jo Dilworth – CEO, APPEER Community Interest Company & Zara Wright – Strategic Lead for SEND, Weydon Multi Academy Trust
Jo and Zara highlight real life experiences of autistic girls and teens and explain why a positive approach is so important. Jo gives an overview of Appeer’s positive peer-based approach to support autistic girls in the community to connect, share interests and understand and support themselves. Zara shares examples of positive effective practice she uses in schools.
Neurodiversity ‘traits’ for children and adolescents with learning, behaviour and socialisation – challenges and opportunities
Fintan O’Regan –
Behaviour and Learning Trainer and Consultant, Sf30 Ltd
Fintan focuses on understanding and celebrating differences and not deficits within neurodiversity. He demystifies the terms ASD, ADHD, BD, CD, Dyslexia, DCD and ODD. Concentrating on traits and not labels, he explains how to support and nurture the differences that non traditional learners present within learning behaviour and socialisation.
