MULTI DISCIPLINARY PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
For everyone working in identification and support of neurodivergent individuals
The aim of this network is to be for all professionals working in identification and support of neurodivergent individuals, with a main focus on autism. It is to bring together lived experience, clinical work and research, so that all the amazing work happening nationally (and hopefully internationally) can be shared and implemented.
Run by
Who can be part of the network?
Attendance is open to all clinicians, researchers and those with lived experience. Fees will be charged per event.
Events schedule
Events will be held three times annually and will be held virtually.
There may be other events which are promoted across the network which are in-person events.
What if I can’t attend on the day?
Virtual events will be recorded, and recordings will be available post-event for 90 days. A link to the video and any accompanying resources will be emailed to everyone who has purchased a ticket. This means even if you cannot attend on the day, you will be able to watch the event at a time that works for you.
Contact & Mailing List
For queries: mdprofessionalnetwork@gmail.com
Sign up to the mailing list and share job opportunities, courses, events, research papers, books, and ask queries. To join email: mdprofessionalnetwork@gmail.com
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Insights into Innovative Clinical Research and Application to Practice
ONLINE TRAINING
Event details
Where? Online
When? Friday 11th December 2026, 9 am -12.30 pm
Ticket price:
£20 (+ £0.15 booking fee)
Speakers:
Jodee Simpson (they / she), SLT & Post Graduate Researcher – ‘A cabinet of curiosities: Exploring the phenomenon of the neurodivergent SLT. ’
Alix Willmore (she / her), Consultant SLT & Clinical Academic Research Practitioner – ‘Early Communication Interventions. Experience from Research & Practice.‘
Sandie Martin (she / her), Doctoral Researcher and Specialist SLT – ‘Anxiety Identification and Management in Special Schools for Autistic Pupils.’
Nicola Ives, Course Leader & Senior Lecturer in SLT – ‘The Children and Young Peoples Camouflaging Assessment Tool (CYPCT).’
*The event will be recorded and available for 90 days to view for all those that purchase a ticket. If you are not able to attend on the day, buy a ticket, and you will be sent a link to the video recording and any accompanying resources and so you can still watch the event, at a time that works for you.
Use of AI in Neurodevelopmental Assessments
ONLINE TRAINING
Event details
Where? Online
When? Thursday 14th January 2027, 9 am -12.30 pm
Ticket price:
£25.00 (+0.15 booking fee)
Agenda:
9.00 – 9.05: Introduction
9.05 – 10.05: Dr Jan Cosgrave, Clinical Psychologist – ‘Neurotype‘
10.05 – 10.20: Break
10.20 – 11.20: Rachel Barton, Speech and Language Therapist – ‘AI and Report Writing‘
11.20 – 11.35: Break
11.35 – 12.00: Small Group Discussion – Use of AI in your clinical work
12.00 – 12.25: Whole Group Discussion and Feedback – Facilitated by Rachel Barton
12.25 – 12.30: Summary, Feedback & Close
WRITING ADOS-2 REPORTS
3 stand alone, but related workshops on different aspects of report writing
ONLINE TRAINING
Event details
Where? Online
Ticket price: (+0.15 booking fee)
1 Workshop: £65.00
2 Workshops: £120.00
3 Workshops: £175.00
Workshops:
- Types of Report and Use of AI
Tuesday 19th January 2027, 9.00am-12.30pm
Covering:
- Types of report, e.g., template, summary, joint report.
- Report structure.
- Use of AI.
- Language Considerations in Autism Assessment Report Writing
Tuesday 26th January 2027, 9.00am-12.30pm
Covering:
- Current research on language in reports & NICE guidelines.
- Considering different audiences.
- Keeping the individual at the centre of the report.
- Phrasing key information in accessible and respectful ways.
- Medical terms vs. neuro-affirming terms.
- Language constraints, e.g., templates, joint reports.
- AI (this will be covered in more depth in our first workshop).
- Recommendations – Turning Assessment Findings into Meaningful Support
Tuesday 9th February 2027, 9.00am-12.30pm
Covering:
- Who should we write recommendations for?
- Generic vs bespoke recommendations.
- How many should we write?
- What does the research say?
- Writing recommendations collaboratively.
- Realistic recommendations.
- Co-occurring conditions and Referrals to other services.
- Equality, diversity and inclusion.
SMALL GROUP SUPERVISION
Event details
Where? Online
For? ADOS Practitioners
Small group– up to 10 people
3 Sessions, A choice of 2 booking options
With 2 ADOS Trainers: Lucy Sanctuary & Ruth Fine
Includes opportunities to:
- Focus on areas of particular interest
- Discuss aspects of the ADOS & autism assessment
- Share experiences, & ask questions
- Share worries & recognise strengths in a safe, supportive environment
Option One
Book all 3 sessions (This means the group of practitioners will be the same throughout the series)
Price: £120.00 (£40.00 per session)
Friday mornings, 9.30-11.00 am
Session one: Autism & ADHD (AuDHD), 15th January
Session two: Autism in Women & Girls, 5th February
Session three: General discussion, questions & case studies, 5th March
Option Two
One-off sessions, book individual sessions
Price: £45.00 per session
Wednesday afternoons 3.00 – 4.30 pm
Session one: Autism & ADHD (AuDHD), 13th January
Session two: Autism in Women & Girls, 24th February
Session three: General discussion, questions & case studies, 10th March
Testimonials
“It was so insightful and rewarding to hear from professionals who had lived experiences.
It was a different perspective entirely for me and really opened my eyes to more reflections.”
“What an incredible day. I left with so many ideas and got to meet the most amazing clinicians and like-minded people.
I was truly in my element today.”
“There was something incredibly powerful about being in a room full of people connected by a shared desire to make a difference to the lives of others.”
“I could have listened all day – everything today is my special interest and LOVED soaking up everything, professional and lived experience.”
“Like-minded professionals who are so knowledgeable and experts in their field who are advocates for people with autism and the many facets that come with this diagnosis and presentation.”
“All thought-provoking, making me reflect on my current practice and what I could do to be more proactive in advocating for autistic people from different (minority) backgrounds.”
Objectives
1.
To focus on service pathways for children, young people and adults. For example, identifying autism and other neurodivergence, including assessment, differential diagnosis and co-occurrence, as well as post-diagnostic support and intervention/support.
2.
To exchange ideas and information on practice in order to bridge lived experience with clinical work and research.
3.
To provide mutual support, help and encouragement to all members.
4.
To discuss policies and guidelines with regards to assessment and differential diagnosis in neurodivergent children, young people and adults.
5.
To improve multi-disciplinary working.
6.
To promote and participate in projects.
7.
To raise awareness of all aspects of neurodivergence, and the fact that co-occurrence is the norm, using an intersectional lens
8.
To liaise with colleagues on a national level – to jointly develop and drive initiatives based on evidence-based practice