The Kent Challenging Behaviour Network 2011 Annual Conference was held in Ashford on 19 September. The theme of this year’s event was autism and there were a range of presentations on the topic. It proved hugely popular and although an extra 50 seats were added we still unfortunately had to turn some applicants away.
The day was kicked off in style with stories and songs from Robyn Steward (robynsteward.com), sharing her own insight into theories around autism. Her presentation was called “Supercharging Positive Energy” and it did not disappoint! Joan Hagan (Kent Autistic Trust) shared “Putting Theory Into Practice” an account of in-depth work in supporting a young man with autism that resulted in a decrease in incidents and improvement in his quality of life.
After the first break and again in the afternoon session, delegates had a choice of three workshops to attend:
- Julie Beadle-Brown (The Tizard Centre) used a range of photos and videos to give an overview of the five key elements of good practice incorporated in the NAS SPELL Framework: Structure, Positive approaches and expectations, Empathy, Low arousal and Links.
- Lynsey Way (Care Management Group) shared practice examples to illustrate sensory differences in perception and how working with awareness of these can reduce challenging behaviour in people with autism.
- Lesley Brown (Oxleas NHS Trust) gave examples of the use of social stories for people with autism and guided participants in how to write one.
- KCBN Annual Conference 2011 Speakers (from left) Colin Guest, Rob Marno, Robyn Steward, Joan Hagan, Lesley Brown, Andy Fitton, Lisa Richardson
In the afternoon session, Sue Hatton (The Priory Group) gave an excellent talk about her work to improve understanding of autism among staff: “understanding makes a difference and we understand better when we listen“. Donna Prescott (mcch) told a great and frequently funny story about developing a service for three young men with autism. To wrap up the day, Troy Jones (KCC), Lisa Richardson (The Tizard Centre) and Colin Guest (autism london) gave an update on what’s happening in Kent for people with autism and the work of the Living in Fear Project.
As usual there were plenty of opportunities for networking throughout the day and the lunch got great reviews! There were several comments on what a positive atmosphere there was, feedback results are available here. We hope that everyone gained a renewed sense of enthusiasm for providing really good support to the people they are working with.
The conference couldn’t have been such a success without the excellent masters of ceremonies, Rob Marno (SPECS) and Andy Fitton (mcch) and the support with registration and admin from the SPECS team so a big Thank you goes to all of them! If you have any ideas for what we should include in next year’s conference or would like to be involved, please contact us at kentcbn@gmail.com.
