Changing Conversations, Improving Outcomes
Harnessing parent and practitioner perspectives to deepen understanding, build trust and improve outcomes for autistic children, young people and their families
The Custard Factory – Fazeley Studios, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SE
The conference was designed to bring together research findings and lived experience, parents and practitioners to work collaboratively to strengthen relationships, deepen professional curiosity, and enhance shared understanding.
It aimed to support reflection on learning and encourage direct application to professional practice, with the aim of improving autism understanding, strengthening joined-up working, and achieving better outcomes for children and young people and their families.
Participants co-produced guidelines (see below) to support more consistent, informed, and compassionate decision-making across health, education and social care.
Agenda
1000 Opening address: Professor Graeme Betts CBE. Honorary Professor for Social Care, University of Birmingham and WM ADASS Care and Health Improvement Advisor
1015 Reflections from Adass: Pete Jackson, Improvement Director, WM ADASS West Midlands (video below)
1020 Exploring Perspectives on Autism Project: Debbie Hollingsworth and Laura Ferguson, WM ADASS Associates and Co Researchers of the reports Blamed instead of Helped and Who’s to blame for Parental Blame
1100 Listening to make a difference: Elizabeth (Libby) Hill BSc (Hons), Consultant Speech and Language Therapist (viceo below)
1115 Presentation: 'unusual and Interesting woman' - a personal experience of parental blame: Bernadette Louise BA (Hons) MSc. Parent and Professional Advocate
11.30 Break
1145 SPACES model and how it can be considered for adults and children, by parents and professionals: Jenni Guthrie. Chair of Autistic Parents UK and Social Work Lecturer at Winchester University
1220 Changing Conversations Workshop - Part 1
1300 Lunch and Drinks
1330 Changing Conversations Workshop - Part 2
1430 Feedback - Changing Conversations Workshop: graphic facilitation by Anna Geyer from New Possibilities (see below)
1530 Panel Q&A
1600 Acknowledgements & closing address
Reflections from Adass: Pete Jackson
Listening to make a difference: reflections from Elizabeth (Libby) Hill BSc (Hons)
Changing conversations guidelines (PDF downloadable from this link)
The changing conversations tool has been developed to support more positive, compassionate and collaborative conversations between families and professionals about autism. Drawing on the experiences and perspectives of parents, carers and practitioners, it highlights how language, assumptions and professional approaches can shape families’ experiences of support. The resource, co produced by parents and professionals, offers practical guidance to help professionals listen differently, build trust and work alongside families to improve outcomes for autistic children and young people.
