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.

Sppech and Language Therapy Team

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

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

Clear Steps Consultancy

With over twenty-five years qualified experience, we understand what it means to take the first steps in seeking and needing help, advice and further information.

We support individual children or young people from around the world, with and without a diagnosis, to enable families, carers, nurseries, schools, charities, organisations and professionals to access proven, focused, research, with experience and quality, help, care, training and support.

www.clearstepsconsultancy.co.uk