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Kids Inspire’s Trauma and Neurodivergence Conference

Beyond Behaviour: Understanding Trauma and Neurodivergence conference

Wednesday 14 January 2026, 9am-6:30pm

Online via Zoom

Colourful illustration of hand holding a lens with a neurodiversity infinity symbol inside it

Do you work with neurodivergent children or young people within education, health or social care and passionate about making a real difference for them?

Then our one-day online conference, in partnership with Inspire Wellbeing Services, is for you. It offers expert-led keynotes, interactive workshops, and actionable insights – all designed to equip you with practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent children and young people through trauma informed approaches. Join us and invest in knowledge that makes a real impact.

Get your ticket for £175 today.

Book now

Why attend?

Expert insights

Hear from two inspiring keynote speakers who are internationally recognised for their work in trauma and neurodivergence.

  • Kieran Rose, the Autistic Advocate Author, trainer, expert in Autistic Masking, Autistic Burnout and improving the lives of Autistic people.

  • Sue Bell OBE DL, Chief Executive and Clinical Director of Kids Inspire and Inspire Wellbeing Services. She is an integrative arts child and adolescent Psychotherapist and Relational Somatic Psychotherapist (UKCP)

Read Sue’s blog on what she will be covering in her keynote.

In this video, our Kids Inspire ambassador, Gwen - who was supported by us as a young person - shares why our conference is so important. Gwen will also be joining Sue for her keynote speech!

Practical workshops


Take part in your choice of five out of ten interactive sessions including:

  • neurodivergent burnout: how to recognise, manage and support

  • non-verbal communication through small world play

  • R & R – regulate to relate: embodied self-regulation to help professionals

  • Food, sleep and the hidden foundations of neurodivergent wellbeing

  • welcoming neurodivergent culture and communication – creating nurturing spaces

Read a full description of each workshop on our dedicated page.

A child and therapist on the swings together, with the child talking and the therapist listening. The sun us shining, the leaves are coming out and you can see a couple of houses and a park in the background

Meaningful connections

Meet like-minded professionals, share experiences, and grow your support network in a warm, welcoming space. 

You’ll come away with:

  • a better understanding of the hidden signs of distress in children who mask

  • a stronger grasp of neuro-affirmative language and why it matters

  • confidence in trauma-informed, child-centred support strategies

  • tools you can use to support not just the child, but also their parents and school teams

Whether you’re already working in a trauma-informed way or just starting your journey, this day will leave you feeling energised, empowered, and better equipped to support children and young people.

Don’t miss out – get your tickets! Be a part of this important conversation.

FAQs

We’ve answered all the questions we get asked the most about our conference – from who it’s for, what you’ll learn to how to book workshops. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, just get in touch – we’re here to help.

  • This conference is for anyone working with children and young people who have experienced trauma and are neurodiverse. That includes:

    • Charity and voluntary sector workers supporting children and families

    • Early years practitioners

    • Foster carers and residential care staff

    • SENCOs and pastoral staff

    • Social workers

    • Teachers and teaching assistants

    • Therapists and counsellors

    • Youth workers

    If you support children or young people in any capacity, you are very welcome to attend.

  • You will:

    • Gain insights into trauma-informed approaches for neurodivergent children and young people

    • Hear from experts and practitioners about practical strategies you can use in your setting

    • Learn about the latest research and understanding in this field

    • Have opportunities to network with professionals from across education, social care, and health

    • Leave with ideas and resources to better support the children and young people you work with

  • The conference will run from 9am-6:30pm. Below is a breakdown of the schedule for the day:

    9:15am – Welcome and introductions

    9:30am – Sue Bell, OBE and Gwen Thorndon keynote speech

    10:30am – Comfort break

    10:45am – Workshop 1 – Sensory Child Centred Interventions or Beyond Tired

    11:45am – Break

    11:55am – Workshop 2 – PACE-ing the Spectrum or Bridging the Gap

    12:55pm – Lunch break

    1:30pm – Workshop 3 –Communication Difficulties and Language Difficulties or R&R: Regulate to Relate

    2:30pm – Break

    2:40pm – Workshop 4 – Unmasking Neurodivergence in Women and Girls or Welcoming Neurodivergence culture in communication

    3:40pm – Break

    3:50pm – Kieran Rose, The Autistic Advocate keynote speech

    4:50pm – Break

    5pm – Workshop 5 - Making Sense of Presenting Behaviours or Food, sleep and neurodivergent wellbeing

    6pm – Q&A led by the workshop facilitators and Sue Bell, OBE

    6:30pm - Conference finishes

    Reminder: you can join five of the workshops live, and recordings will be sent after the conference for any that you miss.

  • We have 10 workshops, each workshop runs once during the day, you can attend five workshops.

    Once you have purchased your conference ticket, your confirmation will include a link to choose your workshops.

  • We have a page on our website that gives full details on each workshop.

  • Yes, both keynotes and all workshop sessions will be recorded!

    Your ticket gives you access to all of these at the end, including the workshops you can’t attend on the day. So no one misses out!

  • The conference will still be relevant if you work in management, policy, commissioning, or support services relating to children’s mental health, trauma, and neurodiversity. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of children and young people, and the practice approaches making a difference.

  • No prior specialist knowledge is needed. The conference is designed to be accessible, practical, and inclusive, whether you are just starting out in this area or looking to deepen your understanding.

  • Your ticket includes:

    • Access to all keynotes and five workshops (to be selected from the ten)

    • Access to presentation slides post-conference (where speakers agree to share them)

  • Full refunds are available up to 14 days before the event. After that, tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred to a colleague. Please email us to arrange this.

  • Yes. If you can no longer attend, please email communications@kidsinspire.org.uk with the name and email address of the person taking your place.

  • Please email communications@kidsinspire.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.