Mental and Emotional Wellbeing for Autistic Children and Young People
About this Event
Join us for our Thrive Talk on Mental and Emotional Wellbeing for Autistic Children and Young People
Event Overview
Mental and emotional wellbeing is influenced by a range of factors, including our environment, relationships, communication experiences, and a sense of identity. For autistic children and young people, wellbeing can be shaped by unique strengths as well as differences related to sensory processing, communication, anxiety, transitions, education and social connection.
This Thrive Talk will explore how families, professionals and communities can support positive well-being through understanding, acceptance and neuro-affirming practice.
Combining professional expertise with lived experience, the session will provide practical insights, encourage reflection and highlight approaches that support autistic children and young people.
Attendees will hear from two speakers who bring complementary perspectives on supporting wellbeing, resilience and belonging.
Who Should Attend?
The event is suitable for:
- Autistic people
- Parents, carers and family members
- Education professionals
- Social care practitioners
- Healthcare
- Community organisations
- Anyone with an interest in supporting the wellbeing of autistic children and young people
There will be an opportunity to network at this event and representatives from our Community Advice Service and local service Autism Neurodiversity North Scotland and Elevate, Autism Training and Consutlancy will have stands at the event with information, they will be available to offer advice, support and guidance.
Refreshments will be provided.
Agenda
🕑: 09:40 AM - 10:00 AM
Arrival & Registration
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:40 PM
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing for Autistic Children and Young People
Host: Jackie Cassels
Info: Drawing on evidence and learning from the Fife One Stop Shop Family Flourish Service, Jackie will explore the factors that support and challenge the mental and emotional wellbeing of autistic children, young people, and their families.
The session will consider the importance of recognising individual strengths, understanding communication preferences, and responding to sensory needs to support overall wellbeing. Jackie will also explore how experiences such as anxiety, changes and transitions, school environments, social relationships, and identity can impact both the young person and wider family life.
Practical strategies and examples will be shared to help create inclusive, supportive, and neuro-affirming environments where autistic children and young people can flourish.
🕑: 10:40 AM - 11:20 AM
Dr Aimee Fletcher
Host: Dr Aimee Fletcher
Info: Dr Aimee Fletcher is an openly autistic woman who was diagnosed in childhood. In this reflective and thought-provoking session, Aimee will share her experiences of navigating the highs and lows of mental wellbeing as an autistic young person and reflect on what helped her through challenging periods.
Drawing on her lived experience, Aimee will share some of the tools and questions that have helped her and invite you to take time to reflect on what brings you and the people in your life joy and how to bring more joy into our lives, particularly during challenging times.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
• To share lived experience of navigating the highs and lows of mental wellbeing as an autistic young person, through the lens of someone reflecting having got through those times.
• To ask reflective questions that enable you to reflect on what you need, as well as the autistic people in your life, to find joy.
🕑: 11:20 AM - 12:00 PM
Networking, Exhibition Stands & Refreshments
Host: Community Advice Team
Info: Representatives from our Community Advice Service, Elevate and local service Autism Neurodiversity North Scotland will have stands at the event with information and will be available to offer advice, support and guidance.
Refreshments will be provided.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 20.00 to GBP 35.00
