The latest episode of AUTISM: IN CONVERSATION WITH AUTICON discusses 'Navigating the System' - as many who seek a diagnosis as an adult or families seeking a diagnosis and support in education for an autistic child know - this is not always straightforward! Carrie Grant MBE talks with 4 fantastic guests all providing their unique insights and tips to the discussion. In this episode, she speaks to: Dr. Catriona Stewart Sunil Chothi Susanna Fantoni Renato Fantoni Dr. Catriona Stewart was awarded an OBE in 2020 for her work in advocating the rights and needs of autistic women. She is a proud campaigner for the rights and needs of autistic women and girls and tirelessly works to enhance the quality of life for autistic females. A former expert advisor to the National Autism Project and the recently completed Independent Review of Scotland’s Mental Health Act, Dr. Stewart co-founded Scottish Women’s Autism Network (SWAN) in 2012 after completing a Ph.D. on the experiences of anxiety for girls with Asperger’s Syndrome. Today she works as a diagnostician for Axia. As part of her work, Catriona developed the ‘Right Click’ online resource for autistic women and girls and she led a peer mentoring project called ‘Under Our Wing’ in partnership with SWAN and supported by Scottish Autism. Sunil Chothi is an independent SEN Advocate and the Director of SEN SAS – an organisation he set up to help families navigate the system of support for their SEND children. Sunil has worked within SEN for over 16 years with Local Authorities, schools, and parents. He has successfully helped parents secure EHC assessments, EHC plans, private therapy provision, and Independent Special School provision and challenge SEN exclusions. He also supports several SEN charity groups where he has conducted popular workshops/coffee mornings & webinars, informing parents how to navigate the SEN maze and secure the right educational provision for their child. Susanna Fantoni is a disability advocate and blogger. She was diagnosed with focal epilepsy at the age of three, autism at 15, and depression when she was 20. Throughout her life, she has constantly faced both direct and indirect discrimination due to a lack of understanding and stigma surrounding these conditions. Over the years she has worked with multiple organisations and charities to try and change the way people see invisible disabilities. While at university she wrote for both The Huffington Post and The Guardian Student Blog about student life as someone with autism. Renato, her father, also joins the conversation bringing the all-important view from a parent perspective. #autism #autismfriendly #diversityandinclusion #equalityanddiversity #neurodiversity #actuallyautistic #autistic #autismawareness #autismacceptance #navigatingthesystem #autismdiagnosis #autismadultdiagnosis #autismfemalediagnosis #autismpodcast

Sunil Chothi (SEN Advocate) and Stephanie Camilleri (The ADHD Advocate Limited) discuss EHCPs and tribunals, and answer the following questions... 1. What is an EHC plan, how do I get one and is it fit for purpose? 2. What do I do if I am not happy with my child’s school placement or level of support my child is receiving? 3. SEN Tribunals – how do I effectively challenge the Local Authority?

Learn how to get your child what they need. SEN law, EHC Plans. March 26th London 2020