PAST are very excited to be hosting this event for parents, carers and profesionals. This event will be suitable for anyone who parents, works with or has an interest in autism, PDA and challenging behaviour.

Our speakers include:

Harry Thompson - Author of The PDA Paradox, speaker and Youtuber.

Yvonne Newbold - Best selling author of "The Special Needs Handbook", parent and speaker

Laura Kerbey: Founder of PAST and Autism, Behaviour and Education Consultant

Harry Thompson was born in Edgeware and grew up in Barnet (North London). He currently divides his time between Brighton & London. An avid reader & researcher, Harry speaks publicly and is heavily involved in projects & research on all topics around neurodiversity and Autism, namely, Pathological Demand Avoidance, a behaviour profile within the Autism Spectrum. He launched his YouTube channel in March of 2017 which has since amassed a strong following.

Harry began to write the first draft of his book in 2015. After connecting with many Autistic & PDA families, he pivoted his direction and completed his book in about 6 weeks, a memoir entitled the PDA Paradox: The Highs and Lows of My Life on a Little-Known Part of the Autism Spectrum, published in February 2019 by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Harry’s aim is simply to make the lives of neurodivergent individuals and their families, a little easier and enjoyable, and a little less chaotic and miserable. People are all too quick to label the neurodivergent child as broken, when really the neurodivergent child has buckled under the weight of a system that does not currently accommodate them, thus their gifts, merits and attributes are often obscured and their flaws are pronounced.

Yvonne Newbold is a Mother; Author of The Special Parent’s Handbook; Writer, Speaker; Trainer; National Learning Disability and Autism Lifetime Achievement Award Winner 2018; WHIS Ambassador, Autism, Learning Disabilities & Families; Advisor, NHS England Learning Disabilities & Autism; School for Change Agents Graduate 2017; PENNA Outstanding Contribution to Patient Experience Award 2016; LDT Learning Disability Champion Award 2015; HSJ Top 50 Inspirational Women in Healthcare Award 2014. QFC PTTLS Level 3

Yvonne is also the Founder of The SEND VCB Project, which support families of children with additional needs who have violent and challenging behaviour. She supports nearly 4,000 families through a closed Facebook Group, she has created resources about this issue on her website, she speaks at conferences and runs training and workshops for parents and professionals in London and elsewhere in the UK and Ireland, and she is currently in the process of launching an on-line e-learning course for parents and professionals. She is also working closely with an research team at Northumbria University on a large qualitative academic study into the impact of SEND VCB on family life Since the inception of the Project in April 2017, there are now dozens of success stories of families who have been able to support their children to move beyond their violent episodes and who are now able to look forward to happy and productive futures. Yvonne has first-hand experience of violence from a child with additional needs, and it took eight years to access appropriate services. Over time she learnt that these behaviours are often driven by a child’s extreme fear, anxiety, distress and confusion. They are not due to wilful disobedience or misbehaviour. This means that the parenting approaches needed to address this behaviour are compassionate, supportive, nurturing and collaborative rather than the traditional parenting methods based on rewards, consequences and sanctions. Yvonne is also living with Stage 4 Cancer. She is on long-term treatment that is working very well, and which has so far kept her alive for four years beyond her original prognosis. The SEND VCB Project and other similar work is Yvonne’s “Bucket List” - she is determined to do whatever she can to improve the lives of the next generation of families of children with significant additional needs. Yvonne is also a regular contributor to TV and Radio programmes on childhood disability issues.

Laura Kerbey has been working with children and young people with autism and other associated conditions for over 18 years.

Laura has worked as a lecturer in the Supported Learning Department of 2 large Mainstream Colleges teaching Numeracy, Literacy, Life Skills and Childcare. She also worked as the Life Skills Co-ordinator at a residential college for young people with severe physical disabilities. Laura was the Assistant Head Teacher, then Head Teacher at an independent special school for children with Asperger's Syndrome and High Functioning Autism.

In March 2013 Laura founded Positive Autism Support and Training (PAST.) PAST provides support to families who have children with autism and other associated conditions. As well as organising support meetings and training for parents, Laura works with children and teenagers with Autistic Spectrum Conditions including PDA, providing them with emotional and behavioural support and teaching strategies to help them regulate their emotions and manage their own behaviours. Laura successfully supports and advises parents and carers of children with ASC, PDA and other emotional and behavioural difficulties. Laura also works as an Educational Consultant working closely with schools and colleges providing training and advice to ensure that the needs of learners with all Autistic Spectrum Conditions are fully met.

In October 2018 Laura founded KITE (Kinaesthetic, Integrated, Therapeutic Education) which provides bespoke education packages for children who are unable to access school.

Laura has a degree in Psychology, a Post Graduate Certificate in Special Education (Autism) a PCGE in Life Long Learning and holds NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship). Laura also has a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and NOCN Level 3 Certificate in Working with Students with ADHD. She is a recognised Surrey Autism Champion and is passionate about supporting children and young people with autism spectrum conditions.