Inspirational Autism Conference

The Wessex Autistic Society held their annual Conference in Bournemouth recently. Attended by academics, lawyers, architects, health professionals and parents of children with autism, the conference had a wide appeal and most attendees felt it delivered on its promise to provide a national overview of inclusive education and autism, individual experience and good practice in adapting the school environment for children with autism in mainstream settings.

Dean Beadle, a young man with Asperger’s Syndrome discussed his first hand experience of the education system and how he developed from a ‘problem-child’ to an A-grade student.

At the age of 2 Dean was seen by an educational psychologist whose diagnosis was, “Mrs Beadle I am sorry to tell you this but I have observed your son and I believe he is a monster.”

When offering advice to parents and professionals at the conference, Dean suggested, “Always let a child have a fresh start – don’t remind them of how ‘naughty’ they were yesterday. Embrace children’s obsessions – they are a great window into the child.”

Professor Rita Jordan (OBE) was keynote speaker at the event and has written about and researched many aspects of autism. Rita has been involved in training events, consultations and conferences all over the world and was able to give great insight to the group on the day. She was Chair of the Children’s Services National Autism Accreditation Service for ten years. She has served on national and international task forces (most recently in Northern Ireland) and working parties to review evidence and offer advice in relation to Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Providing practical ideas as well as opportunities throughout the day to network, attendees gave positive feedback. A parent who attended the event commented, “The speakers were very informative and Dean was simply inspirational. I thought the conference was really excellent.”

Throughout the month of April The Wessex Autistic Society will be marking World Autism Awareness, encouraging local businesses to hold a mufti day, wear red and ‘Stand up for Autism’. WAAD falls on 2 April, which is a Bank Holiday this year and so activities to mark the day will take place from week commencing 29 March right the way through to the end of April.

All proceeds will go towards the local voluntary organisation which provides a portfolio of services for people on the autism spectrum throughout the Wessex region. Fundraising posters are available on request to help promote your Stand Up for Autism Mufti day. For further information or assistance call Sarah Bohn on 01202 703597. For further information on The Wessex Autistic Society visit www.twas.org.uk. Alternatively please call 01202 483360.