The Learning Disabilities and/or Autism 17th National Conference

  • Thursday, 20 November 2025
  • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • 08:30 - 16:30
180+
Conference
Attendees
8
CPD
Credits
16+
Expert Speakers
15+
Sponsors & Supporters
  • Overview

Welcome to the UK's Learning Disabilities and/or Autism 17th National Conference, a cornerstone event dedicated to advancing support and understanding for individuals with learning disabilities and autism. This conference serves as a dynamic platform for professionals from local authorities, the NHS, charities, and other support services to come together and share best practices, innovative approaches, and impactful case studies.

Throughout the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with esteemed keynote speakers who are experts in the field of learning disabilities and autism. These speakers will address critical issues facing individuals with these conditions and provide insights into effective strategies for supporting their needs and promoting their inclusion in society.

In addition to keynote presentations, the conference will feature enlightening case studies highlighting positive work from across various sectors. From innovative interventions to improve quality of life to successful collaborations promoting social inclusion and empowerment, these case studies will showcase best practices and inspire attendees to implement similar initiatives in their own communities.

Join us at The Learning Disabilities and/or Autism 17th National Conference to learn, collaborate, and drive positive change in support services and understanding for individuals with learning disabilities and autism across the UK. Together, we can work towards creating more inclusive and supportive environments for all.

  • Event Programme

08:30

Registration and Coffee in the Networking Area

09:25

Chair's Opening Address

09:30

Keynote Address

09:50

Speaker Session 1

10:10

Speaker Session 2

10:30

Headline Sponsor

10:50

Question & Answer Session

Allocated planned time for speakers to receive questions from the audience and induce further discussion.

11:00

Case Study 1

"Showcase your innovative initiatives and successful practices by presenting a sponsored case study at the Learning Disabilities and/or Autism 17th National Conference in the UK, offering a unique platform to highlight your contributions to enhancing support and inclusion for individuals with learning disabilities and autism."

12:05

Speaker Session 3

12:25

Speaker Session 4

12:45

Case Study 2

"Showcase your innovative initiatives and successful practices by presenting a sponsored case study at the Learning Disabilities and/or Autism 17th National Conference in the UK, offering a unique platform to highlight your contributions to enhancing support and inclusion for individuals with learning disabilities and autism."

13:05

Question and Answer Session

13:15

Lunch in the Networking Area

A hot, two-course lunch consisting of multiple options will be provided for delegates. We cater for all dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten/dairy-free; just notify us ahead of time should you have any allergens or requirements.

14:15

Chairs Afternoon Address

14:20

Case Study 3

"Showcase your innovative initiatives and successful practices by presenting a sponsored case study at the Learning Disabilities and/or Autism 17th National Conference in the UK, offering a unique platform to highlight your contributions to enhancing support and inclusion for individuals with learning disabilities and autism."

14:40

Speaker Session 4

15:00

Speaker Session 5

15:20

Question and Answer Session

15:30

Afternoon Refreshment Break

15:40

Speaker Session 6

16:00

Closing Keynote Address

16:20

Question and Answer Session

16:30

Chair's Closing Remarks and Event Close

  • Register for event

Having difficulty paying through Eventbrite? If you would like assistance registering your place please contact me on 0161 376 9007 and i'll be happy to assist. If you are awaiting funding you can request us to hold your place today to ensure you do not miss out.

Discounts for 3 or more delegates are available.

Want to pay by invoice? If you select your tickets and click on the green Register button. Once you’re through to the registration page, you can switch payment method from Credit/ Debit Card to Pay by Invoice

Luke Boulter
! ***NHS CUSTOMERS*** Please note that we are finding the ticket information is not being displayed across some organisations. If this is the case please get in touch on 0161 376 9007 and we can provide you the details, alternatively if you are using internet explorer to access this information please try an alternative browser e.g. Google Chrome where you might have more success.
  • Hear from an account of lived experience and recommendations to make improvements
  • Gain an understanding of how the new CQC Framework will impact service providers within the learning disability and autism sector
  • Be updated on the call for reform of the mental health act
  • Learn how to better support individuals transitioning into adult services
  • Listen to the findings of research into the experiences of parents awaiting a diagnosis of an autistic spectrum condition
  • Receive information on the challenges facing neurodiverse people entering the Criminal Justice System
  • Discover more about the role of the learning disability and vulnerabilities specialist within the ambulance service
  • Hear evidence on the barriers and facilitators of the medication management of older people with intellectual disabilities
  • Appreciate the challenges facing families requiring support for early years education for children with SEND
  • Listen to case studies and examples of best practice
  • Benefit from the opportunity to question, discuss and debate with speakers and fellow professionals
  • Take advantage of knowledge sharing and peer to peer networking
  • Gain the maximum number of 8 CPD points
  • Contact Details
  • News
  • Venue
  • Featured Events
  • Downloads
  • Who will attend

Contact Details

News

  • Going Places: supporting people with learning disabilities and autism into work and in the workforce

    • Posted on 25 February 2019
    • by Diane Lightfoot
  • Improving Lives: Autism and Learning Difficulties Report

    • Posted on 18 October 2017
    • by James Wright

Venue

Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre

Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre

Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre is the ideal solution when searching for conference venues in Manchester. Top-of-the-range conference suites, 3 star value hotel accommodation, delicious dining and friendly service are the ideal components for a successful conference or event in the heart of the city centre.

The 18 conference rooms are decked out with all the mod cons including state-of-the-art AV technology, projectors and screens, free Wi-Fi and flip charts. Our clients cover the whole spectrum and include government organisations, trade unions, large corporate companies, non-profit organisations, health and education sectors and small to medium-sized businesses.

From the get-go we strive for excellence in everything we do and our dedicated team of conference professionals go all out to make sure your conference, event or exhibition runs like clockwork.

Featured Events

  • Living Well with Autism: Beyond the Limitations

    • 28 May 2015
    • 08:00 - 13:30
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • Autism: The Challenges and Opportunities

    • 01 June 2016
    • 08:30 - 14:00
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • Improving Lives: Supporting Adults with Learning Disabilities

    • 31 January 2017
    • 08:30 - 16:15
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • Improving Lives: Autism and Learning Difficulties

    • 12 October 2017
    • 08:30 - 16:30
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • Learning Disabilities: Fulfilling Potential and Supporting Better Lives

    • 13 March 2018
    • 08:30 - 16:00
    • The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
  • Learning Disabilities and Autism: Promoting Positive Outcomes

    • 12 March 2019
    • 08:30 - 15:45
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • The 7th Learning Disabilities and Autism: Promoting Positive Outcomes Conference

    • 24 September 2019
    • 08:30 - 15:45
    • ETC.Venues Prospero House, London
  • Learning Disabilities & Autism 2020 Manchester

    • 12 March 2020
    • 08:30 - 16:30
    • King’s House Conference Centre, Manchester
  • Learning Disabilities and Autism: Equality and Empowerment

    • 09 November 2021
    • 08:30 - 17:00
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • Learning Disabilities and/or Autism: Enabling Change- Delivering Improvement

    • 01 December 2022
    • 08:30 - 16:30
    • The Royal National Hotel, London
  • Learning Disabilities and/or Autism: Choice, Inclusion, Control and Independence

    • 21 April 2022
    • 08:30 - 16:30
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • Supporting Autistic People and/or People with a Learning Disability

    • 13 June 2023
    • 08:30 - 16:30
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • Supporting People with a Learning Disability and Autistic People

    • 09 November 2023
    • 08:30 - 16:30
    • The Royal National Hotel, London
  • Supporting Autistic People and People with a Learning Disability

    • 06 June 2024
    • 08:30 - 16:30
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre
  • The Learning Disabilities and/or Autism 16th National Conference

    • 19 June 2025
    • 08:30 - 16:30
    • Pendulum Hotel & Manchester Conference Centre

Downloads & Resources

  • Open Forum Events Sponsorship Brochure
    Open Forum Events offer a number of partnership, sponsorship and exhibition opportunities that can meet your marketing and business development needs.

who will attend

  • Carer
  • Charity Lead
  • Clinical Commissioning Group/ICS/ICN member
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Councillor
  • Director of Adult Mental Health Services
  • Director of Adult Social Services
  • Director of Adult/Children Safeguarding
  • Director of Community / Domiciliary Care
  • Director of Disability Services
  • Director of Older People's Services
  • Director of Public Health
  • Director of Supported / Sheltered Housing
  • Director/Head CAHMS Services
  • Director/Manager of Care Homes
  • Directors of Children Services
  • Doctor
  • DoLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards) Co-Ordinator
  • Head of Commissioning
  • Head of Housing
  • Head of Supported Living
  • Heads of Learning Disability Services
  • Headteacher
  • Health and Wellbeing Boards member
  • Health Visitor
  • Learning Disability / Disability Liaison Nurse
  • Learning Disability Service Managers
  • Learning Disability/Autism Lead
  • Local Authority Chief Executive
  • Neighbourhood and Community Policing Team member
  • Nurse
  • Outreach worker
  • Personalisation and Self-Directed Support Team member
  • Probation Officer
  • Safeguarding Adults Board member
  • SEND Educational Leads
  • Senior Police Personnel
  • Support Worker