Autism Conference 2026
Overview
Date: Monday 7th September 2026
Time: 08.30 am – 17.00 (GMT)
Host: Dr Khurram Sadiq, Consultant Neurodevelopmental Psychiatrist
Attendance: In-person, live-stream and on demand options
Venue: Coram Campus Children’s Charity
Food & Drink: Lunch, snacks and drinks provided
Speakers: Expert speakers from different parts of the world
Focus: International perspectives on research and clinical practice in Autism
Principles: Neuro-affirmative approaches, and a shared commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion
Understanding of Autism has changed considerably since it was included in the DSM-3 as “Infantile Autism.” However, research highlights what we don’t know, as much as what we do. Even though there is a diagnostic criteria, we still cannot answer the question, “What is autism?” Attempts to answer this, have raised even more questions, e.g., are there gender-based differences? Are there different genetic groups within the umbrella of autism? Global perceptions, cultural beliefs and practices are equally varied, which is reflected in research, assessment, intervention, equality, diversity and inclusion across the world.
Our conference brings together renowned speakers from different backgrounds and parts of the world to share international perspectives on research and clinical practice in Autism.
Meet our Chair
MDPN AUTISM CONFERENCE HoST
Dr Khurram Sadiq
Dr Khurram Sadiq is a Consultant Neurodevelopmental Psychiatrist, who has worked for many NHS trusts and now works independently.
He specialises in autism, ADHD and AuDHD. He is an expert on neurodivergent care pathways and a global speaker. He has spoken at the United Nations, Vienna, he has given numerous Ted Talks, contributed to BBC1, Sky and the Guardian’s coverage of neurodiversity. He has appeared on various podcasts, and he is a well-regarded author.
Meet our speakers & learn about their presentations
N.B. There will be time for questions after each presentation, and a round-table discussion at the end of the day
MDPN AUTISM CONFERENCE Guest speaker
Dr Somer Bishop
Dr. Bishop is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute for Neurosciences at UCSF. She is a co-author of the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2nd Edition).
Dr Bishop will be talking about:
“A History of the ADOS in Autism Assessment: from Research to Clinical Practice, across Changing Conceptions and Diagnostic Criteria of what Autism is.”
Dr Bishop’s presentation will provide a fascinating insight into the initial introduction and subsequent development of the ADOS, from a research context to clinical use across the lifespan, the extensive and ongoing research that underpins continual developments in understanding of autism, reflected in diagnostic criteria and assessment. Her presentation will include information about the ADOS-3.
MDPN AUTISM CONFERENCE Guest Speaker
Professor Petrus de Vries
Petrus de Vries is the Sue Struengmann Professor of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Director of the Centre for Autism Research in Africa at the University of Cape Town.
Professor de Vries will be talking about:
“Supporting Autistic Children and their Families in Low-Resource Contexts – Reflections from Africa”
In his presentation, Professor de Vries will share information about the challenges of supporting autistic children and their families in South Africa in low-income and low-resource contexts. His presentation will cover the process of initial screening, diagnosis and support and ongoing research that informs and shapes what this looks like and how it is implemented. It will be fascinating to hear about perspectives and developments related to autism in such a different environment, and the creative solutions that this produces.
MDPN AUTISM CONFERENCE Guest Speakers
Professor Will Mandy & Dr Laura Hull
Dr Mandy is a clinical psychologist and professor of Neurodevelopmental Conditions at UCL (University College, London).
Dr Hull’s current role is as Prudence Trust Research Fellow at the University of Bristol, exploring the relationship between masking and mental health in neurodivergent young people.
Dr Mandy and Dr Hull will be talking about:
“Assessing Autism in Women”
Professor Will Mandy and Dr Laura Hull continue to be at the forefront of research about autism. Their presentation will focus on research they have carried out on assessing autism in women, which is highly relevant for clinical practice across multiple professions and contexts. They are both very interested in linking research findings and clinical work and have made recommendations “building on gold gold-standard diagnostic guidelines, for how diagnostic procedures can be improved for girls and women.” (Cook, Hull & Mandy, 2023). This will be a fascinating talk that we hope will strengthen these ties.
MDPN AUTISM CONFERENCE Guest Speakers
Dr Stephen Kanne & Dr Kourtney Nigh
Dr. Steve Kanne is a Clinical Professor of Psychology at the MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment and serves as the Director of Special Projects.
Dr. Nigh is a clinical researcher at the University of Kansas’s Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART) & Life Span Institute. She co-founded the Global Autism Interactive Network (GAIN).
Dr Kanne and Dr Nigh will be talking about:
“From Concern to Clarity: Best Practices in Autism Diagnosis—Insights from the U.S.”
America has a very different healthcare and support system to the UK, which will be fascinating to learn about. They do not have an equivalent of the NHS, and states have different healthcare regulations and provision. Increased prevalence rates have been linked to vaccines and certain medications by the US health secretary. It is a difficult landscape for neurodivergent people and professionals to navigate currently, and we are looking forward to learning about insights from the US.
MDPN AUTISM CONFERENCE Guest Speaker
Dr Marion Rutherford
Dr Rutherford is a Senior Research Fellow at Queen Margaret University.
Dr Rutherford will be talking about:
“The neuro-affirming community of practice in Scotland”
Marion is a member of the Scottish Consortium, the National Autism Implementation Team (NAIT), and the Neuro-affirming Community of Practice in Scotland, launched in 2023 “to embed inclusive, reflective practices across sectors supporting neurodivergent people. This initiative responds to the need for systemic change in how professionals understand and support autistic and neurodivergent individuals.” It will be fascinating to hear about the influence and impact of the neuro-affirming community of practice on research and clinical practice in Scotland. The Scottish Consortium has an innovative approach to training ADOS, linked to the NHS, which produces high quality ADOS-2 clinicians. It also provides a role for very experienced ADOS-2 clinicians, and recognition for their knowledge, skill and experience. Like Professor Mandy and Dr Hull, Marion is interested in connecting research and clinical practice.
Our Venue
Coram campus was established over 275 years ago as the Foundling Hospital when Bloomsbury was made up of farmers’ fields. Just a few minutes walk from King’s Cross, Euston and Russell Square stations, Coram offers state-of-the art educational and meeting facilities within our historic campus in the heart of Bloomsbury.
Lucy’s late father was on the board of governors for Coram Children’s Charity, as he was deeply committed to helping children living in poverty, so this choice of venue has both a professional and personal meaning.
Address
Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square
London WC1N 1AZ
Food & Drinks
Lunch, drinks and snacks will be provided.
Can’t attend in person?
Live streaming and recorded ticket options are available.
Pricing
Group bookings discount
For bookings of 5+ people, email mdprofessionalnetwork@gmail.com
Student discount
For a student discount email mdprofessionalnetwork@gmail.com
In Person
£250.00
Early bird discount (until 31st May) !£220
Live Streaming
£180.00
Early bird discount (until 31st May) !£150
Recorded
£180.00
Early bird discount (until 31st May) !£150
Widen and enrich your knowledge base
by learning about different developments, different focuses, perspectives, approaches and practices in our own, and in other countries.
Have the opportunity to hear incredibly talented, committed autism experts
whose research raises awareness of important themes related to autism assessment, gender, diversity, equality and inclusion, mental health, suicide, education, employment and quality of life.
Connect with like-minded people
who share your interest and commitment to continued professional development and to build a community.