Meet our Speakers

Alex Mitchell

Alex is a queer, autistic, disabled comic who uses self-deprecating humour and observational material to create a hilarious but heart-warming atmosphere wherever he performs. Laughing at himself, his neurodivergence, disability and sexuality to reflect on some of the most difficult subjects within his own life and wider society, Mitchell is a truly “Funny and fearless” comic. 

Alex appeared on the 2024 series of Britain’s Got Talent, reaching the final after winning his semi by public vote (the only comic to do so). All three of his Britain’s Got Talent performances have individually amassed tens of thousands of views online. Since then, he has appeared on Good Morning Britain, Lorraine and Heart Radio Breakfast.

Last summer Alex appeared at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the first time, with his debut show ‘Tics Towards Puffection’ which received critical acclaim. Spring 2025 sees the launch of his debut tour.

Andrew Whitehouse, Special Educational Needs Consultant

People First Education

Andrew is an experienced educator having held leadership, teaching and outreach roles in a range of settings.  He has extensive training and experience in the inclusion of learners with ADHD, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Dyspraxia and Dyslexia.

The 4 Cs, Dyscalculia and Dyslexia
Colour, Context, Concept and Concrete. An exploration of practical strategy that works.

View Andrew in action at Ted Talk

Adam Dean, Chatten Free School

Chatten Free School is a highly specialist day school providing a radically different approach to education for pupils who cannot access education in other SEND settings. Our pupils have an autism diagnosis and comorbid associated complex needs. We use a fully individualised approach (and timetables) supported by a multidisciplinary team which includes ABA professionals as a core part of our offer.

We work with our incredible pupils to help them achieve:

Happiness, Independence, Respect

www.chattenfreeschool.co.uk

Lynette Chaplin, Behaviour Advisory Team

Essex County Council

Lynette Chaplin, Behaviour Advisor, Enhanced Social Care Support Team, ECC. We work with children and adults with learning disabilities, their families, social workers, colleagues in NHS, service providers and other organisations. All of these people will have different areas of expertise, and will work together to ensure that you get the support which is best suited to your needs.

This may include a functional behaviour assessment and a positive behaviour support plan.

The talk will include an overview of the Enhanced Social Care
Support Countywide Team, including the people we work with and
work that we undertake. The talk will also include the
communication tools we use when assessing people with learning
disabilities who may also have mental health needs and display
behaviours that can challenge services.

Speech and Language Therapy Team

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

We are part of a team of Speech and Language Therapists working within the Essex Learning Disability Partnership (ELDP) across mid, west, and north Essex. Together, we bring a wealth of expertise, drawing from a diverse range of clinical caseloads and experience working with individuals of all ages.

We support Adults with Learning Disabilities (ALD) to improve their communication and swallowing abilities. This may involve working with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, providing texture modification for safe eating and drinking, and trialling adaptive equipment to support optimal eating and drinking practices.

A key aspect of our role is to promote independence wherever possible, empowering individuals to achieve greater autonomy in their daily lives. Through personalized therapy plans and collaborative approaches, we work to ensure that each person’s unique needs and goals are met, aiming to enhance their overall quality of life

Debby Auvache, Makaton Tutor

Hello My name is Debby Auvache and I have been a Makaton Tutor since 2004.

My working Roles and experiences throughout my career as an adviser to Education and working in Specials Schools have always been about Practical Strategies to support Communication and Understanding.

My Passion is to help as many people as possible to find their voice.

I am Makaton Tutor because I know from statistics The Makaton Language Programme has brought a positive transformation to Millions of Lives by giving people a way to express themselves independently overcoming Frustration and promoting Inclusion.

Charmaine Champ, Continence Sleep and Understanding Behaviour Consultant

Clear Steps Consultancy

Charmaine Champ, is a highly experienced consultant with 30 years specialist
nursing expertise, in continence, sleep, and understanding behaviour, through a gut
health lens.

Charmaine developed Clear Steps Consultancy to share step by step guidance, empowering and supporting families, schools and professionals in helping children aged 18 months to 25 years, to progress and thrive.

Charmaine works with both neurodivergent and neurotypical children, offering practical, research backed solution to address:

Toileting challenges: Including accidents, toilet anxiety, constipation, transitioning from nappies and more
Sleep Difficulties: Helping families identify sleep difficulties and establishing healthy and effective routines
Behavioural Understanding: Equipping care givers and educators with the tools to understand why difficulties occur, and respond in a way that meetsthe individuals needs, with confidence
Gut Health: Supporting understanding of the link between digestion, emotions and overall well being

Charmaine’s mission is to create progress through confidence, consistency and
understanding, ensuring children and their families receive the support they need.

For further information email: info@clearstepsconsultancy.co.uk

www.clearstepsconsultancy.co.uk

Lindiwe Mujakachi, Senior Social Worker

Joanne Griffin, Community Support Worker

Enhanced Adult Social Care Support Team for LD & Autism (Out-reach), Essex County Council

The Enhanced Social Care Support Team for LD & Autism is a countywide team that conducts social care reviews for adults living in supported living and residential care settings. We foster professional working relationships with care providers, the adults, and families to ensure our work is person-centred and incorporates a holistic approach. This ensures that the assessed needs are reflective of the support in place, allowing care to be      delivered in the most effective way.

We also complete comprehensive scheme reviews within supported living establishments, where the needs of multiple adults are reviewed simultaneously. Commissioned hours are realigned to reflect the needs of all adults, ensuring efficient use of allocated hours to enrich the lives of those we support. We work collaboratively with other teams, such as the Accommodation Hub and Livity Life, to incorporate assistive technology into the lives of adults. This promotes continuing independence and empowers adults to have more control over how they wish to live their lives.