Autistic people, their friends and families, are invited to take part in a series of free, expert discussions on autism in central Birmingham on 25th and 26th October, and 15th and 16th November. The talks are being hosted by leading UK autism research charity, Autistica, in partnership with Deutsche Bank.
Called ‘Delving into the Mind: A series of talks on autism and neurodiversity’, presentations from some of the UK’s leading autism researchers, ambassadors and businesses will include topics such as employment and mental health. The talks aim to discuss the challenges and benefits that autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions can bring.
One in a hundred people in Birmingham are autistic1,2* – with eight out of ten having experienced mental health problems,3 and eight out of ten not in full-time employment.4
“People with autism spectrum disorder can face enormous challenges in everyday life,” says Professor Chris Oliver, director of the Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Birmingham. Professor Oliver, who will give the first in the series of talks on mental health says: “Mental health has been identified as the number one area of concern by autistic people and their families – yet research and services in this area have been sadly lacking.”
Jon Spiers, Chief Executive of Autistica, comments: “We hope the talks will be inspiring and generate a wide range of discussion regarding the issues facing autistic people and their families.”
At the events, people will also be invited to sign-up to a new autism research network called Discover, which will enable them to get involved in research at leading UK centres. autistica.org.uk/take-part.
“We need families to share their experiences and trial therapies so that we can develop the services that they need. We can do bigger and better research if we work together to build longer, healthier happy lives,” adds Spiers.
Paul Anderson, Head of Deutsche Bank, Birmingham, says: “We are delighted to be able to collaborate with Autistica and use the talks as an opportunity to raise awareness of these important issues within our local community and the workplace.”
For more details on the talks and to register attendance, visit: https://www.autistica.org.uk/get-involved/autism-talks
Schedule of talks:
- 25th October: Understanding mental health in autism
- 26th October: Faces of neurodiversity panel discussion
- 15th November: Closing the gap on autism and employment
- 16th November: What the future holds for autism research
Location: Deutsche Bank, Five Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2BL
