Diet, eating, nutrition & autismA conference in Birmingham • 30th April 2013

Diet, eating, nutrition & autismConference A session giving an overview of autism and all related issues around diet, eating and nutrition. Speakers include Elizabeth Attfield, an experienced autism trainer and mother of a young man with autism, Zoe Connor, an NHS-trained registered dietitian with ten year’s experience in helping adults and children with all sorts of diet related problems and chair of Dietitians in Autism and a personal perspective will be provided by Pamela Hirsch.

Date:Tuesday 30th April 2013

Location:Autism West Midlands Head OfficeRegent CourtEdgbastonBirminghamB15 1NU

Time:10am - 3pm

Delegate rates:£35 - People with autism, parents and carers£50 - Professionals

Schedule:09.45 - 10.00 Arrival and registration.

Hot and cold drinks will be available

10.00 - 11.00 Elizabeth AttfieldThe Impact of Autism on Diet and Eating

11.00 - 11.15 Break

11.15 - 14.15 Zoe ConnorThe Impact of Nutrition and Diet on Autism. There will be a break for lunch at an appropriate point in this presentation. Lunch is provided.

14.15 - 15.00 Pamela HirschA personal experience of diet and eating

BookingTo book a place please call us on 01214507582 or email training@autismwestmidlands.org.uk for a booking form.

Presentation topicsThe Impact of Autism on Diet and EatingElizabeth AttfieldElizabeth will present from the perspective of a professional in the field of autism and as a parent of a young man with autism. She will discuss the main characteristics of autism – impairments in social interaction, communication and flexibility of thought and the impact these can sometimes have on diet and eating. She will also explore sensory issues and anxiety and how they can be linked with diet and eating. She will also provide information on pica (a pattern of eating non-food materials) drawing on her experiences with her son.

Elizabeth Attfield is an experienced trainer in autism. She is a qualified teacher and has a son with autism. She is co-author of Living with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and edits the Good Autism Practice Journal with Dr. Glenys Jones. Elizabeth’s specific areas of autism related interest are communication, developing play and social skills and working effectively with families.

The Impact of Nutrition and Diet on AutismZoe ConnorNutrition and diet affects children and adults with autism and autism spectrum disorders in a number of different ways. Zoe will draw on her experience of working in clinics, feeding teams and special educational needs schools to provide practical tips for managing picky eating, overeating and other common eating problems. She will also discuss the emerging evidence for nutritional approaches for the management of ASDs, and the role of dietitians in supporting exclusion diets.

As a registered dietitian, Zoe Connor is NHS-trained with ten years of experience in helping adults and children with a wide range of diet related problems. Zoe has an interest in autism dating back to volunteering as an NAS befriender whilst at university. She is the chair of a national network of dietitians with an interest in autism (Dietitians in Autism). Zoe strives to raise awareness of autism and related dietary issues amongst health, education and social care professionals, and to provide balanced and non-biased information to parents, carers and individuals on the spectrum.

Diet, eating and autism: A personal perspectivePamela HirschPamela is a fascinating woman with Aspergers Syndrome. She has spent time as a vegetarian and a vegan, and is a strong advocate of organic food. She will discuss how her eating habits have been affected by her special interest – Buddhism, and provide examples of difficulties she has experienced around eating, particularly in restaurants and cafes due to her autism.

About Autism West MidlandsThere are more than half a million people in the UK living with autism, an invisible, misunderstood and lonely disability. 60,000 live in the West Midlands.

We are the leading charity in the West Midlands for people affected by autism. We exist to enable all people with autism and those who love and care for them to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. Our passionate, expert staff and volunteers work across all age groups and abilities, providing direct support to people affected by autism.

Contact usAutism West MidlandsRegent CourtGeorge RoadEdgbastonBirminghamB15 1NU

Email:General enquiries: hello@autismwestmidlands.org.ukHelp and advice: info@autismwestmidlands.org.uk

Telephone:Main reception: 0121 450 7582 • Information helpline: 0303 03 00 111

Website: www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk

Find us on Facebook: Search “Autism West Midlands”

Follow us on Twitter: @autismwestmids

Our vision is a world where all people on the autism spectrum have the specialist care and support they need to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.

Registered Charity Number: 517077Registered Company Number: 1953344 (England and Wales)