This session, led by Professor Will Mandy and Dr. Kate Cooper, will bring together researchers, clinicians and autistic experts by experience to improve understanding of the support needs of autistic people during the transition to adulthood. This is a period when many autistic people are learning to live more independently while receiving less help from health and social care services. This session will present evidence about the challenges autistic young people face as they navigate increasing independence and changing support systems, with a focus on how to promote wellbeing and thriving at this life stage.
Register for the event & pricing
Sign up at this link or on the Book Now buttons, and complete the form that follows. You’ll then receive an email confirmation and a link to the webinar, plus we’ll send you a calendar reminder nearer the time.
Delegates will have exclusive access to recordings for 90 days after the event, together with slides. Plus you will get a personalised CPD/CME certificate via email. Recordings from the session will be available to delegates from 5 working days after the event.
- ACAMH Members MUST login to book onto the webinar in order to access this webinar and get a CPD/CME certificate.
- Non-members: this is a great time to join ACAMH, take a look at what we have to offer, and make the saving on these sessions.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| ACAMH paying Members (Online, Concession) | EARLY BIRD £99 (until 27/03/27 then £129)(Join now and save) |
| ACAMH Learn Account Holders | EARLY BIRD £139 (until 27/03/27 then £169) |
| Non Members | EARLY BIRD £139 (until 27/03/27 then £169) |
| ACAMH Undergraduate/ Postgraduate Members | £20 |
| LMIC Members | Free |
About the session
The session will begin with presentations from Professor Will Mandy and Tara Ward, who will discuss contemporary evidence on outcomes for autistic young people, person-environment fit, and the factors that contribute to wellbeing.
Leon Allain and Ben Redmayne will share the lived experiences of autistic young adults receiving transition support in the UK from data collected during the Autism Transition to Adulthood Groups (ATAG) research programme. They will highlight what meaningful, effective support looks like from the perspective of autistic young people.
Finally, Dr Kate Cooper will present on the ATAG online group programme, which aims to help autistic 16-25 year-olds understand their strengths and support needs, learn about their rights, identify where to access support, and develop positive connections with others. Early research has shown that autistic young people value the groups and are willing to engage in research, paving the way for a large-scale trial to evaluate whether ATAG can improve wellbeing and provide a cost-effective model of support. All talks will be followed by opportunities for reflection and discussion.
About the talks
Dr Kate Cooper – Understanding the support needs of autistic people during the transition to adulthood
Learning outcomes
- To understand factors contributing to wellbeing for autistic people during the transition to adulthood.
- To understand what autistic young adults say they want to be supported with during this time of life.
- To learn about interventions which may support wellbeing for this group.
Who should attend
Mental health clinicians working with children and young people, particularly psychologists and other general CAMHS practitioners. The session may also be relevant to psychiatrists, nurses and other professionals in multidisciplinary teams.
About the Speakers
Professor Will Mandy is a clinical psychologist and autism researcher who is Professor of Neurodevelopmental Conditions at UCL. He has worked clinically and as an academic with autistic people for over 20 years, focusing on research that aims to promote autistic wellbeing via contributing to improved services.
His research includes work on how autism is defined and assessed, especially for those who have historically been underdiagnosed, for example, girls and women. Another focus is on the mental health of autistic people, with research trying to understand the nature of autistic mental health problems; their underlying causes and maintaining factors; and what interventions are accessible and effective.
Dr Kate Cooper is an Associate Professor and NIHR Advanced Fellow at the Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London. Kate is interested in understanding mechanisms contributing to mental health and wellbeing in autistic adolescents and young adults, including identity related factors. She is interested in how CBT can be adapted and improved for autistic people of all ages, as well as developing novel wellbeing interventions for autistic adolescents and young adults. She primarily uses co-designed qualitative and trials methods, working alongside community partners who have been crucial in shaping her work throughout her career.
Programme
| 2:00pm | Welcome and Introduction |
| 2:05pm | Professor Will Mandy – The autistic experience now – outcomes for autistic young people and person–environment fit |
| 2:35pm | Tara Ward – Factors contributing to wellbeing in autistic young people |
| 3:05pm | Q&A with Professor Will Mandy and Tara Ward |
| 3:20pm | Break |
| 3:40pm | Leon Allain and Ben Redmayne – Lived experience of transition support in autistic people in the UK |
| 4:15pm | Dr Kate Cooper – Meeting the need: Autism Transition to Adulthood Groups |
| 4:50pm | Q&A with Leon Allain and Ben Redmayne, and Dr Kate Cooper |
| 5:05pm | Close |