Positive messaging around autism in schools was at the heart of the West Sussex Autism and Wonderfully Weird Ambassadors Conference which took place earlier this week.
More than 15 ambassador groups from across West Sussex, made up of neurodivergent pupils and some of their neurotypical peers, attended the conference which was organised by West Sussex County Council.
The unique conference was made possible through the Autism In Schools project, which is funded by the NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board.
One of the project’s key objectives is to communicate positive messages about autism in schools and to ensure that the autistic perspective is heard, understood and acted upon in schools throughout the county.
Councillor Jacquie Russell, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Learning and Skills, said:
“The Autism Ambassadors, many of whom have lived experience of autism themselves, do a fantastic job during these events to help enable autistic people to have a voice.
“The success of the Autism and Wonderfully Weird Ambassadors conference enables an understanding of autism to spread amongst work and community colleagues, family and friends.
“It is always inspiring to hear from such interesting speakers, which is an important part of Our Council Plan’s aim to help all of our residents and communities to fulfil their potential.
"I hope the young people who attended the conference share that inspiration and take it with them into the future.”
A total of 260 people attended the event, which was held at the Falmer Stadium, the home of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, with the ambassadors’ ages ranging from eight to 25 and the majority being between 10 and 14.
The event involved a range of activities including a graffiti workshop, which gave people the opportunity to create their own mural focusing on the positives of being autistic.
There was also a number of speakers on the day including autistic comedian Joe Wells, Paralympic gold medallist Jessica-Jane Applegate and also members from the West Sussex emergency services who each shared their own experiences of autism.
For more information on support for parent carers of children and young people aged up to 25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities visit the West Sussex Parent Carer Forum website here.
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