Autism Ambassador Annual Conference
Every year, we host a conference to enable our Ambassadors to meet and share ideas, as well as listen to inspirational speakers.
2019 Conference
Our 2019 conference took place on 10th June at Chandlers Ford Methodist Church and 155 Ambassadors attended.
Laura Harman from Autism Hampshire opened the conference on behalf of all our scheme partners. She also spoke about the new Spectra 5 Autism Assistant App. Free of charge for adults who are on the autism spectrum and who live in Hampshire, this app is designed to help you when you need support from the police or emergency services, or help in your daily life including work, education and leisure.
One of our autistic Ambassadors, Su Seymour (Hampshire Autism Voice, HAV), then read out her humorous and very moving piece about her experiences of life on the spectrum.
Sam Cousins (Hampshire County Council, HCC), Angela Thompson (Autism Hampshire) and David Carter (NAS South Hampshire Branch and HAV) also delivered a scheme update, discussed good news stories and Ambassadors were able to network over lunch.
We were very pleased to welcome 3 excellent speakers. Videos of each presentation can be found below.
View the Welcome presentation slides here
Gareth Ford Williams, Head of User Experience Design at the BBC spoke about the adjustments he makes as a manager to enable his autistic staff, including Jamie and Lion, to do their job.
View Gareth's presentation slides here
Chris Bonnello, autistic author and teacher, founder of the Autistic Not Weird website, spoke about the "Top Ten Lessons I Wish I'd Learned Growing up With Asperger Syndrome".
View Chris' presentation slides here
Jon Adams, FRSA, Director of the Flow Observatorium, spoke about Autistic Identity and Culture as well as autism support post diagnosis.
Please note: Jon's video does not include images of his artwork which were shown at the event. If Jon is able to get these to us, we will update the video to include these.
View Jon's presentation slides here
Our thanks to Adrian Clyne and Kate Steaggles from Hampshire County Council, Vanessa Cosby (HAV) and David Carter for all the hard work put in before the event and on the day to make this event happen.
2018 Conference
Over 100 Ambassadors attended our 2018 Autism Ambassador conference on 26th June at Hampshire County Council in Winchester. It was a great way for Ambassadors to meet and share ideas and good news stories. We had two excellent speakers:
Dr Tony Brown spoke about Mental Health and Autism as dual conditions: Implications for effective intervention.
Sarah Hendrickx spoke about Happiness: an autistic perspective.
Thank you to all who attended and now we will start planning for next year, incorporating your feedback along the way.