About the Speakers
Hanna A. Alonim,
Biography : Dr Alonim, Ph.D in Mental Health is an expert in developmental disorders of the autism spectrum, founder and head of the Mifne Center for treatment, training, and research, since 1987. She developed the screening scale ESPASI for the identification of early signs of autism in infancy, and established the unit for the detection of autism in infants at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. Dr. Alonim is the Head of the Therapists Training School for Autism at the Bar Ilan University. Alonim is a member of the Helsinki Research Committee at the Ziv Medical Center, Safed. Her papers relate to the issues of early signs of autism; detection and treatment of infants at risk; family factors and family therapy in autism; and eating disorders in toddlers with autism, and have been presented worldwide..
Presentation: Recent Advances in the Identification of Early Signs of Autism in First Year of Life
Summary : from The Mifne Center & Bar-Ilan University, Israel
Introduction :Parents of children with autism often report; "Until the age of one year old my child developed properly and then there was a regression". Does the clinical picture really change?
Methods : A study conducted over the last decade examined 110 infants diagnosed with autism, using retrospective analysis of home video-recordings of their first year of life. Variables investigated were: passivity, activity, eye contact, reaction to parents' presence, eating, reaction to touch, motor development and head circumference.
Results : Findings indicate that 89% of the infants originating from different cultures already exhibited signs associated with autistic characteristics during first 15 months of life.
Conclusion :These findings affirm the assumption that early signs of autism frequently appear in first year of life (noted in DSM-5) but not always detected early enough. The findings led to the development of the ESPASI screening tool to identify risk factors in infants.
Biography : Dr Alonim, Ph.D in Mental Health is an expert in developmental disorders of the autism spectrum, founder and head of the Mifne Center for treatment, training, and research, since 1987. She developed the screening scale ESPASI for the identification of early signs of autism in infancy, and established the unit for the detection of autism in infants at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. Dr. Alonim is the Head of the Therapists Training School for Autism at the Bar Ilan University. Alonim is a member of the Helsinki Research Committee at the Ziv Medical Center, Safed. Her papers relate to the issues of early signs of autism; detection and treatment of infants at risk; family factors and family therapy in autism; and eating disorders in toddlers with autism, and have been presented worldwide..
Presentation: Recent Advances in the Identification of Early Signs of Autism in First Year of Life
Summary : from The Mifne Center & Bar-Ilan University, Israel
Introduction :Parents of children with autism often report; "Until the age of one year old my child developed properly and then there was a regression". Does the clinical picture really change?
Methods : A study conducted over the last decade examined 110 infants diagnosed with autism, using retrospective analysis of home video-recordings of their first year of life. Variables investigated were: passivity, activity, eye contact, reaction to parents' presence, eating, reaction to touch, motor development and head circumference.
Results : Findings indicate that 89% of the infants originating from different cultures already exhibited signs associated with autistic characteristics during first 15 months of life.
Conclusion :These findings affirm the assumption that early signs of autism frequently appear in first year of life (noted in DSM-5) but not always detected early enough. The findings led to the development of the ESPASI screening tool to identify risk factors in infants.
Rob Baillie
Biography : Rob Baillie is a first level registered learning disabilities nurse (RNMH) having almost 30 years’ experience within statutory, private and third sector organisations spanning across health and social care services. He has gained further post graduate qualifications in management studies, nursing and autism.
Rob is noted for his talent and ability in the development and delivery of high quality social and healthcare services for people having learning disabilities, autism spectrum conditions and mental illness.
During his career, Rob has held senior positions at Local and National levels from operational, advisory and strategic perspectives. He has gained expert recognition for his contribution towards the development of quality programmes to influence policy and best practice within autism and learning disability services, he is also the proud father of Callum who is 11 years old and has a diagnosis of autism.
Presentation: Hospital Provision in the UK : is it getting better?
Biography : Rob Baillie is a first level registered learning disabilities nurse (RNMH) having almost 30 years’ experience within statutory, private and third sector organisations spanning across health and social care services. He has gained further post graduate qualifications in management studies, nursing and autism.
Rob is noted for his talent and ability in the development and delivery of high quality social and healthcare services for people having learning disabilities, autism spectrum conditions and mental illness.
During his career, Rob has held senior positions at Local and National levels from operational, advisory and strategic perspectives. He has gained expert recognition for his contribution towards the development of quality programmes to influence policy and best practice within autism and learning disability services, he is also the proud father of Callum who is 11 years old and has a diagnosis of autism.
Presentation: Hospital Provision in the UK : is it getting better?
Dr Tom Berney
Presentation: Increasing Understanding of autism and co-morbidity
Presentation: Increasing Understanding of autism and co-morbidity
Zoe Connor
Biography: With a Masters degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, Zoe has a decade of experience working as a dietitian in the NHS and independently. Helping more than 3000 people with diet issues, including over 1000 children, she have experience advising on dietary conditions from the everyday – healthy eating, weaning babies, toddler faddy eating, help with gaining or losing weight, eating better for diabetes, or heart disease – to the more specialised, such as food allergies, autism, metabolic disorders, epilepsy, and IBS. Zoe is also the author for professional publications and has been involved in various research and audit projects. Zoe is currently the chair of Dietitians in Autism – part of the British Dietetic Association Paediatric Group.
Presentation: The role of Dietitians working with children and adults with autism in the UK
Biography: With a Masters degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, Zoe has a decade of experience working as a dietitian in the NHS and independently. Helping more than 3000 people with diet issues, including over 1000 children, she have experience advising on dietary conditions from the everyday – healthy eating, weaning babies, toddler faddy eating, help with gaining or losing weight, eating better for diabetes, or heart disease – to the more specialised, such as food allergies, autism, metabolic disorders, epilepsy, and IBS. Zoe is also the author for professional publications and has been involved in various research and audit projects. Zoe is currently the chair of Dietitians in Autism – part of the British Dietetic Association Paediatric Group.
Presentation: The role of Dietitians working with children and adults with autism in the UK
Gail Gillingham-Wylie
Biography : Gail is a family therapist from Canada who has focused her energy understanding autism for the past 24 years. She is known throughout the world as an unique professional in this field, for she is someone who truly listens to those on the spectrum. Gail is the author of 4 books: Autism Handle with Care, Autism a New Understanding, In Search of Self, and Just So Happy, The Journey to Understanding Autism. She is also the co-editor of Sharing our Wisdom. She currently works in Edmonton as an autism consultant and quantum biofeedback therapist.
Presentation: Working with an holistic picture of autism
Biography : Gail is a family therapist from Canada who has focused her energy understanding autism for the past 24 years. She is known throughout the world as an unique professional in this field, for she is someone who truly listens to those on the spectrum. Gail is the author of 4 books: Autism Handle with Care, Autism a New Understanding, In Search of Self, and Just So Happy, The Journey to Understanding Autism. She is also the co-editor of Sharing our Wisdom. She currently works in Edmonton as an autism consultant and quantum biofeedback therapist.
Presentation: Working with an holistic picture of autism
Victoria Grahame
Biography : Consultant Clinical Psychologist
· Joint Clinical Lead for the Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Service which is a specialist tertiary service that provides second opinions about children and young people who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other complex mental health neurodevelopmental problems, regionally and nationally.
· Chief Investigator on a New Parent Group Intervention to manage repetitive behaviours in young children with ASD.
· Co-author of a treatment manual helping children with ASD and learning difficulties to understand and manage their emotions.
· Has specialist training in Neuropsychological Assessments in children and young people.
Talk Summary: Managing Repetitive Behaviours in young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): New Parent Group Intervention.
Background: Repetitive behaviours (RBs) can interfere with a child’s ability to learn new skills and engage in daily living activities. Parents report that RBs interfere with family functioning and are among the most stressful behaviours to manage. However, not all RBs are problematic. It is important to help parents understand RBs and learn how to manage them early, with the aim of reducing the impact for child and family. Most ASD-specific early intervention programmes focus on social communication. Parents rarely receive specific advice about their child’s RBs.
Objectives: This pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate feasibility, acceptability and impact of a new 8-week group-based parent intervention which was developed in collaboration with parents of young children with ASD.
Methods: 45 families of children with ASD (3 to 8 years) were randomised to immediate or delayed intervention. The outcome measures include level of change in parent-chosen ‘target’ RB (independently rated); ‘blind’ researcher-coding of child and parent behaviours from video; parent questionnaires (RBQ2 and Self-Efficacy). Measures were taken at baseline, FU1 after 10 weeks, FU2 two months later, and FU3 two months later.
Results: At baseline, all children had high Autism severity (ADOS mean severity score 7.04; SRS total mean 120.13) and moderate-low adaptive functioning (VABS composite mean 68.76).
Parent attendance at groups was 96% overall. Parents who attended the group reported that they found the course helpful, and that that it increased their knowledge and confidence in managing RBs; e.g. “I feel more relaxed with dealing with RBs”, “I am more confident, have a bank of strategies I can use”.
A significant impact of intervention was found for RBQ2 factor 3 ‘preoccupation with restricted patterns of interest’ (FU1, p= .04, ηp2= .09; FU2, p= .02, ηp2= .12; i.e., moderate to large effect sizes), and for factor 4 ‘unusual sensory interest’ (p= .04, ηp2= .10). There was a significant main effect of group on parent Self Efficacy (p= .02, ηp2= .13); t-tests revealed that the immediate intervention group had higher self efficacy than the control group at FU1 and FU2. Analysis of observational measures of child RB and parent management strategies, rated level of improvement in parent–chosen target RB, and FU3 data will also be presented.
Conclusions: The results of this pilot RCT suggest that a parent group intervention for managing RBs in young children with ASD has potential for beneficial impact. Parents were willing to be recruited and randomised, the format and content of the groups were feasible and acceptable, and the outcome measures were appropriate for use in a future fully powered trial.
This abstract describes independent research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under the Research for Patient Benefit programme (PB-PG-1010-23305). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.
Biography : Consultant Clinical Psychologist
· Joint Clinical Lead for the Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Service which is a specialist tertiary service that provides second opinions about children and young people who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other complex mental health neurodevelopmental problems, regionally and nationally.
· Chief Investigator on a New Parent Group Intervention to manage repetitive behaviours in young children with ASD.
· Co-author of a treatment manual helping children with ASD and learning difficulties to understand and manage their emotions.
· Has specialist training in Neuropsychological Assessments in children and young people.
Talk Summary: Managing Repetitive Behaviours in young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): New Parent Group Intervention.
Background: Repetitive behaviours (RBs) can interfere with a child’s ability to learn new skills and engage in daily living activities. Parents report that RBs interfere with family functioning and are among the most stressful behaviours to manage. However, not all RBs are problematic. It is important to help parents understand RBs and learn how to manage them early, with the aim of reducing the impact for child and family. Most ASD-specific early intervention programmes focus on social communication. Parents rarely receive specific advice about their child’s RBs.
Objectives: This pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate feasibility, acceptability and impact of a new 8-week group-based parent intervention which was developed in collaboration with parents of young children with ASD.
Methods: 45 families of children with ASD (3 to 8 years) were randomised to immediate or delayed intervention. The outcome measures include level of change in parent-chosen ‘target’ RB (independently rated); ‘blind’ researcher-coding of child and parent behaviours from video; parent questionnaires (RBQ2 and Self-Efficacy). Measures were taken at baseline, FU1 after 10 weeks, FU2 two months later, and FU3 two months later.
Results: At baseline, all children had high Autism severity (ADOS mean severity score 7.04; SRS total mean 120.13) and moderate-low adaptive functioning (VABS composite mean 68.76).
Parent attendance at groups was 96% overall. Parents who attended the group reported that they found the course helpful, and that that it increased their knowledge and confidence in managing RBs; e.g. “I feel more relaxed with dealing with RBs”, “I am more confident, have a bank of strategies I can use”.
A significant impact of intervention was found for RBQ2 factor 3 ‘preoccupation with restricted patterns of interest’ (FU1, p= .04, ηp2= .09; FU2, p= .02, ηp2= .12; i.e., moderate to large effect sizes), and for factor 4 ‘unusual sensory interest’ (p= .04, ηp2= .10). There was a significant main effect of group on parent Self Efficacy (p= .02, ηp2= .13); t-tests revealed that the immediate intervention group had higher self efficacy than the control group at FU1 and FU2. Analysis of observational measures of child RB and parent management strategies, rated level of improvement in parent–chosen target RB, and FU3 data will also be presented.
Conclusions: The results of this pilot RCT suggest that a parent group intervention for managing RBs in young children with ASD has potential for beneficial impact. Parents were willing to be recruited and randomised, the format and content of the groups were feasible and acceptable, and the outcome measures were appropriate for use in a future fully powered trial.
This abstract describes independent research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under the Research for Patient Benefit programme (PB-PG-1010-23305). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.
Andy Grayson
Biography : Andy Grayson has been working for a number of years in the field of autism and communication disabilities, mostly with his colleague Anne Emerson. Their research team has used video analysis and data from eye-tracking studies to undertake enquiries into the complex area of facilitated communication. Andy also undertakes research into offending behaviour, and into learning and teaching
Presentation Process- versus outcomes-oriented research: investigating hidden communicative competence
Abstract: In the spirit of a 25 year anniversary conference, I would like to look back over the work that we have undertaken on facilitated communication, using eye-tracking and video analysis, with a view to arguing that, in any field of enquiry, ‘process-oriented’ research is just as important as research that focuses on ‘outcomes’. Without the former we either do not fully understand the latter, or we risk missing important things and so come to the wrong conclusions.
Biography : Andy Grayson has been working for a number of years in the field of autism and communication disabilities, mostly with his colleague Anne Emerson. Their research team has used video analysis and data from eye-tracking studies to undertake enquiries into the complex area of facilitated communication. Andy also undertakes research into offending behaviour, and into learning and teaching
Presentation Process- versus outcomes-oriented research: investigating hidden communicative competence
Abstract: In the spirit of a 25 year anniversary conference, I would like to look back over the work that we have undertaken on facilitated communication, using eye-tracking and video analysis, with a view to arguing that, in any field of enquiry, ‘process-oriented’ research is just as important as research that focuses on ‘outcomes’. Without the former we either do not fully understand the latter, or we risk missing important things and so come to the wrong conclusions.
Ian Jordan
Biography: Ian Jordan practices with his wife Beatrice in a specialist optical practice (complex special needs) based in Ayr, Scotland (www.jordanseyes.com). He is also a director in a research and development company based in Cambridge. Author of 5 books, 1 DVD and 1CdRom, he also designs lenses, filters instrumentation and intervention techniques for a variety of professions. A well-recognised international lecturer, he combines humour with serious science. His presentations may combine demonstration, provocation of symptoms, video, animation and audience participation in a unique and challenging way. He advises universities, well known multinational companies and other bodies. Ian is a winner of a number of awards for research and development.
Presentation: Treating Visual Processing Problems in Autism
Abstract: Visual processing problems are almost universal in those with ASD, yet are rarely acknowledged or addressed. Signs and symptoms of visual processing problems may not be obvious even to experts as the symptoms may be synesthetic, mapped incorrectly in time and position or be recognised inappropriately. They vary from minor inconveniences to life changing disabilities. Using state of the art interventions it is possible to successfully manage most symptoms and thereby improve the quality of life of virtually all those on the spectrum. This presentation will introduce the range of problems that can be addressed using visual stimulus modification, from facial and expression recognition treatment to synesthetic pain modification. Mapping and timing modification techniques will demonstrate effects on tics, speech, hearing and other sensory problems. It will be clear that it is imperative that visual processing assessment is critical in diagnosis and management of autistic spectrum disorders and that a paradigm shift is required.
Biography: Ian Jordan practices with his wife Beatrice in a specialist optical practice (complex special needs) based in Ayr, Scotland (www.jordanseyes.com). He is also a director in a research and development company based in Cambridge. Author of 5 books, 1 DVD and 1CdRom, he also designs lenses, filters instrumentation and intervention techniques for a variety of professions. A well-recognised international lecturer, he combines humour with serious science. His presentations may combine demonstration, provocation of symptoms, video, animation and audience participation in a unique and challenging way. He advises universities, well known multinational companies and other bodies. Ian is a winner of a number of awards for research and development.
Presentation: Treating Visual Processing Problems in Autism
Abstract: Visual processing problems are almost universal in those with ASD, yet are rarely acknowledged or addressed. Signs and symptoms of visual processing problems may not be obvious even to experts as the symptoms may be synesthetic, mapped incorrectly in time and position or be recognised inappropriately. They vary from minor inconveniences to life changing disabilities. Using state of the art interventions it is possible to successfully manage most symptoms and thereby improve the quality of life of virtually all those on the spectrum. This presentation will introduce the range of problems that can be addressed using visual stimulus modification, from facial and expression recognition treatment to synesthetic pain modification. Mapping and timing modification techniques will demonstrate effects on tics, speech, hearing and other sensory problems. It will be clear that it is imperative that visual processing assessment is critical in diagnosis and management of autistic spectrum disorders and that a paradigm shift is required.
Rita Jordan
Presentation: Twenty-five years of autism research : where has it got us?
Presentation: Twenty-five years of autism research : where has it got us?
Professor Ann Le CouteurBiography :Ann Le Couteur is a Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Newcastle University and Honorary Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist for Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Trust where she leads the North East Regional Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Service.
She is the founder member of the Newcastle University Autism Research Team leading programmes of work studying etiology of ASD, development of assessment and outcome measures across the lifespan; evaluation of interventions for children and families; and the promotion of evidence based models of best practice for ASD services including transition to adult services.
Professor Le Couteur has published extensively in the fields of child and adolescent mental health and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She chaired the work of The National Autism Plan for Children (2003) in the UK; was a member of two ASD NICE guideline development groups (2011-2013), was an external advisor to the Department of Health Adult Autism Strategy/Statutory Guidance (2009-2010) and continues to support a number of UK research and advocacy charities for children and young people with complex needs.
Presentation: Evidence based treatments for children and young people with ASD
This presentation will focus on the evidence base for a range of interventions advocated for the treatment of ASD. I will summarise the findings of the Clinical Guideline 170 ‘The management and support of children and young peoples on the autism spectrum’ developed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in collaboration with the Social care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) (August 2013) and the recently published Quality Standard for Autism (QS 51; January 2014). Using a selection of interventions as case examples I will review the key recommendations and consider some of the challenges and dilemmas facing individuals with ASD, their families and local professionals as they consider the different types of ‘treatments’ that might or might not be available to them.
She is the founder member of the Newcastle University Autism Research Team leading programmes of work studying etiology of ASD, development of assessment and outcome measures across the lifespan; evaluation of interventions for children and families; and the promotion of evidence based models of best practice for ASD services including transition to adult services.
Professor Le Couteur has published extensively in the fields of child and adolescent mental health and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She chaired the work of The National Autism Plan for Children (2003) in the UK; was a member of two ASD NICE guideline development groups (2011-2013), was an external advisor to the Department of Health Adult Autism Strategy/Statutory Guidance (2009-2010) and continues to support a number of UK research and advocacy charities for children and young people with complex needs.
Presentation: Evidence based treatments for children and young people with ASD
This presentation will focus on the evidence base for a range of interventions advocated for the treatment of ASD. I will summarise the findings of the Clinical Guideline 170 ‘The management and support of children and young peoples on the autism spectrum’ developed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in collaboration with the Social care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) (August 2013) and the recently published Quality Standard for Autism (QS 51; January 2014). Using a selection of interventions as case examples I will review the key recommendations and consider some of the challenges and dilemmas facing individuals with ASD, their families and local professionals as they consider the different types of ‘treatments’ that might or might not be available to them.
Pat Matthews
Biography: Pat is a parent of a man with Autism and is the Executive Director of the Irish Society for Autism, which provides residential services to people with Autism in Ireland. He is co-author of the European Charter of Rights for persons with Autism, which was approved by the E.C. in May 1996. Pat and his wife Nuala were awarded a People of the Year Award in Ireland in 1996 in recognition of this achievement.
He is a founder member and former 1st Vice-President of Autism Europe.
He is a founder member and was the 1st President of the World Autism Organisation.
Pat Matthews and his wife Nuala are invited to many European and International seminars to speak on Rights Issues for people with Autism.
He was conferred with an honorary doctorate from Trinity College Dublin in December 2010. During a lifetime of commitment to people with autism he has changed the ways in which people with autism are regarded and treated in society. He has campaigned most forcefully nationally and internationally for the rights of people with autism and has pioneered a deeper understanding of autism and his work has established an ethos of respect and regard for people with Autism.
Presentation: Quality of Life Issues
Biography: Pat is a parent of a man with Autism and is the Executive Director of the Irish Society for Autism, which provides residential services to people with Autism in Ireland. He is co-author of the European Charter of Rights for persons with Autism, which was approved by the E.C. in May 1996. Pat and his wife Nuala were awarded a People of the Year Award in Ireland in 1996 in recognition of this achievement.
He is a founder member and former 1st Vice-President of Autism Europe.
He is a founder member and was the 1st President of the World Autism Organisation.
Pat Matthews and his wife Nuala are invited to many European and International seminars to speak on Rights Issues for people with Autism.
He was conferred with an honorary doctorate from Trinity College Dublin in December 2010. During a lifetime of commitment to people with autism he has changed the ways in which people with autism are regarded and treated in society. He has campaigned most forcefully nationally and internationally for the rights of people with autism and has pioneered a deeper understanding of autism and his work has established an ethos of respect and regard for people with Autism.
Presentation: Quality of Life Issues
Lynne Moxon
Biography: Lynne is the Consultant Psychologist to Education and Services for People with Autism (ESPA) and a Senior Lecture at Northumbria University where she is programme leader for the Masters in Autism course. Lynne has been working in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders for 30 years and provides specialist consultancy and training to a variety of organisations and parent groups across the UK.
Presentation: 25 Years of Sex...
Biography: Lynne is the Consultant Psychologist to Education and Services for People with Autism (ESPA) and a Senior Lecture at Northumbria University where she is programme leader for the Masters in Autism course. Lynne has been working in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders for 30 years and provides specialist consultancy and training to a variety of organisations and parent groups across the UK.
Presentation: 25 Years of Sex...
Dr Karl Reichelt
Presentation: Peptides and antibodies in autism; with emphasis on exorphins
Summary: Problem: Several groups have reported that exorphins could not be found in autistic urines,using sophisticated techniques.
Method: We use HPLC and mass spectroscopy on urine from autism spectrum children.We use Ms/MS (fragmentation mass spectroscopy )Antibodies against food proteins were studied by Elisa technique.
We demonstrate: The necessity to freeze quickly or add preservatives.We show completely congruent mass spectroscopy fragmentation patterns with synthetic standards . Furthermore we and several laboratories independently demonstrate antibodies to especially gliadin and casein in autism.
Conclusion:In Autistic spectrum disorder exorphins and antibodies to food proteins are probable mediators in a considerable subgroup
Presentation: Peptides and antibodies in autism; with emphasis on exorphins
Summary: Problem: Several groups have reported that exorphins could not be found in autistic urines,using sophisticated techniques.
Method: We use HPLC and mass spectroscopy on urine from autism spectrum children.We use Ms/MS (fragmentation mass spectroscopy )Antibodies against food proteins were studied by Elisa technique.
We demonstrate: The necessity to freeze quickly or add preservatives.We show completely congruent mass spectroscopy fragmentation patterns with synthetic standards . Furthermore we and several laboratories independently demonstrate antibodies to especially gliadin and casein in autism.
Conclusion:In Autistic spectrum disorder exorphins and antibodies to food proteins are probable mediators in a considerable subgroup
Stephanie Robinson
PhD., MA., BA (Hons)., Dip.TPWLD.
Biography : Stephanie has worked extensively with people on the autism spectrum in both the statutory and voluntary sectors. After an early career supporting students in further education she worked for the National Autistic Society as an Adult Service Manager, where she lead a service of further education and residential provision. Subsequently she became a Staff Training Manager, in which role she worked on the development and implementation of a specialist programme of training for those supporting children and adults on the autism spectrum (NAS-SPELL).
Most recently she was a lecturer in Learning and Teaching at Brunel University where she continued to develop her interest in learning development, and in enhancing understanding of the ways in which individuals with autism learn and make sense of the world in which we all live. She has been an associate editor for the Good Autism Practice Journal and for the Journal of Further and Higher Education, and a trustee for organsiations providing support for children and adults on the autism spectrum.
Presentation: What we say and how we say it: evolving words of empowerment
PhD., MA., BA (Hons)., Dip.TPWLD.
Biography : Stephanie has worked extensively with people on the autism spectrum in both the statutory and voluntary sectors. After an early career supporting students in further education she worked for the National Autistic Society as an Adult Service Manager, where she lead a service of further education and residential provision. Subsequently she became a Staff Training Manager, in which role she worked on the development and implementation of a specialist programme of training for those supporting children and adults on the autism spectrum (NAS-SPELL).
Most recently she was a lecturer in Learning and Teaching at Brunel University where she continued to develop her interest in learning development, and in enhancing understanding of the ways in which individuals with autism learn and make sense of the world in which we all live. She has been an associate editor for the Good Autism Practice Journal and for the Journal of Further and Higher Education, and a trustee for organsiations providing support for children and adults on the autism spectrum.
Presentation: What we say and how we say it: evolving words of empowerment
Paul Whiteley
Biography: A degree in Psychology followed by post-graduate degrees examining the science and effectiveness of a gluten- and casein-free (GFCF) dietary intervention for autism has been followed by a research career at the University of Sunderland and now ESPA Research. My interest is in the application of dietary intervention for cases of the autism spectrum conditions alongside the effects of the various comorbidities on the presentation of symptoms.
Presentation: Autism and dietary intervention: evidence so far for mechanism and effect
Summary: For over 30 years, the use of a gluten- and/or casein-free (GFCF) diet as an ameliorative tool for cases of autism has been discussed in scientific and lay circles. Experimental evidence for a potential dietary effect is growing despite continuing methodological weaknesses. Changing views of autism reflective of it being a more plural condition (the ‘autisms’) alongside a growing appreciation on the role of comorbidity on symptom presentation have influenced many areas of autism intervention including that of dietary intervention.
Biography: A degree in Psychology followed by post-graduate degrees examining the science and effectiveness of a gluten- and casein-free (GFCF) dietary intervention for autism has been followed by a research career at the University of Sunderland and now ESPA Research. My interest is in the application of dietary intervention for cases of the autism spectrum conditions alongside the effects of the various comorbidities on the presentation of symptoms.
Presentation: Autism and dietary intervention: evidence so far for mechanism and effect
Summary: For over 30 years, the use of a gluten- and/or casein-free (GFCF) diet as an ameliorative tool for cases of autism has been discussed in scientific and lay circles. Experimental evidence for a potential dietary effect is growing despite continuing methodological weaknesses. Changing views of autism reflective of it being a more plural condition (the ‘autisms’) alongside a growing appreciation on the role of comorbidity on symptom presentation have influenced many areas of autism intervention including that of dietary intervention.
Tim Williams
In 1989 I set up a community based service to improve the development of children with autism. We were rapidly snowed under by numbers of referrals, initially for diagnosis. Then psychological approaches for children took off within the NHS and I ended my full time career with over 20 psychologists working across Berkshire mostly in Child and Adolescent Mental health services. Since 1989 my work has resulted in evaluations of Snoezelen type interventions, aromatherapy massage, and structured teaching. Outside autism I was drawn in to the world of obsessive compulsive disorder, and it is clear that we developed an effective treatment package for obsessions and compulsions in typically developing children. I am also fairly sure that repetitive behaviour in OCD is not the same as stereotyped behaviour seen in autism. Ailsa Russell’s recent attempt to demonstrate the efficacy of CBT for OCD in ASD is a corollary. I am still researching the motivation for repetitive behaviour and special interests in ASD and I may have new data to present in Durham.
Presentation: Effective Interventions: 25 years outside the mainstream
In 1989 I set up a community based service to improve the development of children with autism. We were rapidly snowed under by numbers of referrals, initially for diagnosis. Then psychological approaches for children took off within the NHS and I ended my full time career with over 20 psychologists working across Berkshire mostly in Child and Adolescent Mental health services. Since 1989 my work has resulted in evaluations of Snoezelen type interventions, aromatherapy massage, and structured teaching. Outside autism I was drawn in to the world of obsessive compulsive disorder, and it is clear that we developed an effective treatment package for obsessions and compulsions in typically developing children. I am also fairly sure that repetitive behaviour in OCD is not the same as stereotyped behaviour seen in autism. Ailsa Russell’s recent attempt to demonstrate the efficacy of CBT for OCD in ASD is a corollary. I am still researching the motivation for repetitive behaviour and special interests in ASD and I may have new data to present in Durham.
Presentation: Effective Interventions: 25 years outside the mainstream