Tizard News and Events

Dr Nick Gore held a one day workshop looking at “Positive behavioural support for children and young people with learning and developmental disabilities: roles needs and strengths of clinical psychologists”.  The event was a great success with some 56 psychologists and lead professionals attending.

The workshop covered the following:

• Key developments on PBS from clinicians and researchers in the field
• Attendees presented PBS service models and strategies they are currently utilising
• Supportive mechanisms for clinicians development were discussed and planned.
• An exploration of PBS skills and training needs for Clinical Psychologists and survey participation
• The launch of a research support network for Clinical Psychologists working within a PBS framework.

Dr Nick Gore is organising a one-day free workshop in London on 22nd May 2017.  “Positive Behavioural Support for Children and Young People with Learning and Developmental Disabilities – Roles, Needs and Strengths of Clinical Psychologists”

This is aimed at clinical psychologists who are working to deliver a PBS framework to children with learning disabilities or autism spectrum conditions.  Other lead professionals who are using PBS in similar ways are also encouraged to apply.

Please see the programme and full details of the day –  Free PBS Event 22nd May and application form.

If you would like further details or  to reserve a place please email Nick Gore (n.j.gore@kent.ac.uk)

Students are the future of service development and research. The Tizard Learning Disability Review (TLDR) is widely used in educational settings and we have published a number of articles based on work carried out by students. Nonetheless, students are often reluctant to submit their work for publication. They may be concerned, for example, about their work being rejected or receiving critical reviews. This is a shame. The new ideas and enthusiasm brought by students often mean that their work would be of great interest to others. Publishing success at the beginning of a professional or research career may be significant in terms of encouraging future work. The editorial board would like, therefore, to encourage the publication in TLDR of work carried out by students.

Initially, we seek submissions for an occasional “Student Section” of the journal. Articles of 2000-3000 words are sought which describe work carried out by student professionals or researchers. This might include those undertaking professional training in clinical psychology, nursing, social work, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, applied behaviour analysis and other relevant disciplines; existing professionals/practitioners undertaking courses related to their continuing professional development; and research students undertaking Master’s or PhD degrees.

For more details regarding student submissions:  http://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/products/journals/call_for_papers.htm?id=7143

Rachel Forrester-Jones, Director, attended the Lions Club International event (East Kent)  on Sunday 2 May, on behalf of Tizard, who continue to sponsor the event.  Across the UK  the Lions hold an annual special day for those with profound intellectual and physical disabilities.  The East Kent group brought together 4 organisations: Turning Point, The John Graham Centre, SNAAP and Footprints to partake in It’s a Knock Out games. Individuals were accompanied by family and carers and had a great time including lunch, a disco and the essential medal awards ceremony.

Lions continue to be grateful for the support from the Tizard Centre and to Rachel for presenting the prizes.

“A totally worthwhile event – lots of different services there and the individuals with IDD who participated were clearly enjoying the day.  A very nice collaboration for Tizard” Rachel

This short film casts a satirical side-eye at the common stereotypes of autism. Created using photos sent in by local autistic adults including lots of UKC students in response to the question “what makes you happy?” The images sent in response to this deceptively simple question speak volumes about the depth and richness of autistic people’s lives. Suffused with joy, it challenges people to reassess the beliefs they hold about autism.

“Talking in Pictures” has been created by a Tizard Centre, Postgraduate student to coincide with World Autism Awareness Week (27 March to 2 April 2017).

Georgina Watts was awarded this year’s Patricia Collen prize for her innovative work in making this clip.

Gabor Petri, PhD student at the Tizard Centre, recently presented a paper at the Kent Critical Law Society Conference 2017  “Disability rights in times of crisis – critical perspectives by advocates and self-advocates with autism or learning disabilities”.

Disabled people have long been disadvantaged in society: they lack access to public services and are more likely to live in poverty and are often denied full legal capacity.  Human rights have been seen as effective tools to bring about progressive changes in society.  Gabor’s paper appraised the core principles and provisions of the CRPD (Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities) particularly focusing on opinions of advocates and self-advocates with autism and intellectual disabilities.

The Conference is run by a student led critical lawyers’ group and is an annual event at the University attracting students, academics and practitioners.  This year’s event sought to critically explore questions about ‘Law in Times of Crisis’.

As part of World Autism Awareness Day, the Union Street Methodist Church, Maidstone, will be holding an Autism Friendly Church Service at 10:00 am.

The Church is looking to host this event in a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere with clarity on expectations and a low arousal sensory environment which will include a chill out zone. The Service being conducted by Pru (the minister) will last no more than 50 minutes.  Time has been spent to ensure everyone’s comfort.

If you would like more information please contact Krysia Waldock on kew41@kent.ac.uk  or look at the web page which gives details of the Service and instructions on how to find the Methodist Church.

Krysia also has a blogspot that you can read:  http://krysiawally.blogspot.co.uk/

KCC are running a one day workshop exploring the key characteristics of autism and how they can respond to help people with autism to experience a good quality of life.  The workshop is relevant to to anyone who lives with, teaches, supports or interacts with children or adults on the autism spectrum on a regular basis.  Prof Julie Beadle-Brown, Tizard Centre, University of Kent will be the main speaker at the event.

For more information:  Flyer for KCC Autism workshop(2)

Places to this will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.  To register your interest please email:  sensoryandautism@kent.gov.uk

The latest Fragile X newsletter is now available online.  As well as offering family stories and experiences of living with Fragile X, it also looks at the latest research being carried out across the UK and opportunities to participate in this.