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Empowering the future: Advancing autism training for today and tomorrow's professionals

Time slot
Tuesday 12 May 2026 - 10:45-12:00
Room
Hall 11
Session type
Workshop

About this workshop

Over the past 30 years, autism referrals have increased exponentially (Darzi), with a 400% rise since 2019. However, diagnostic service capacity has not kept pace. Even where funding has improved, there remains a shortage of the highly skilled multidisciplinary workforce necessary to meet demand (Parr et al 2024). Building on a recent national survey examining the confidence of trainees and new consultants in assessing children for possible autism, this workshop will focus on identifying the training needs of paediatricians to develop a diagnostic workforce ready to meet both the future demand and growing complexity neurodevelopmental caseload. 

Speakers

  • Dr Claire Stewart - Paediatric Sub-specialty Registrar - ST5 CCH, GSTT
  • Ms Gillian Middleditch - Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Kent Community Health 
  • Dr Ian Male - Consultant Community Paediatrician, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust
Clinical: Community and public health Clinical: Mental health and neurodiversity