Programme of Event
Too often, assumptions widen the gap between communities and services. This year’s conference invites parents, professionals, and changemakers to challenge stereotypes, confront biases & cultural misconceptions, and build new models of care rooted in trust, understanding, and cultural relevance.
It’s time to listen, learn, and lead—together.
Join us as we break down barriers between families and services. This conference reimagines how professionals and communities can collaborate for the well-being of every child and parent. Together, let’s replace assumptions with understanding, and gaps with genuine partnership.
MAIN CONFERENCE | Venue: Main Auditorium
TIME
ACTIVITY
TOPIC
SPEAKERS
08.00 - 09:00
Registration and coffee
09:00 - 09:05
Welcome by the Host
Special welcome by our host
Dr Suzzie Oyakhire Neurodiversity Lead Afrikindness
09:05 - 09:10
Welcome Speech
Beyond Assumptions: Rethinking Parenting, Culture & Professional Care
09:10 - 09:25
The Silent Struggles of Parenting in Diverse Communities
Afrikindness shot:- Unheard, Unseen: The Hidden Weight Parents Carry
09:25 - 10:10
Disruptive conversation – Parenting in Modern Era
Unpacking the Complex Layers of Parenting in Diverse Communities — Exploring how cultural identity and narratives shape neurodiversity, mental health perceptions, and safeguarding practices
- Dr Vivian Okoye, Neurodiversity Lead Afrikindness
- Sainabou Secka, Trustee DASSI group
10:10 - 10:25
Life Story - Neurodiversity & Behavioural challenges
Inside the Mind: A Personal Journey Through Neurodiversity & Behavioural Challenges. Breaking the silence, understanding the struggle — one story at a time.
Sainabou Secka
Lived Experience Advocate & Trustee DASSI group
10:25 - 11:00
Sensory Needs and Support
Decoding the Senses: How Sensory Needs Shape Behaviour and Emotions. Understanding meltdowns, managing needs, supporting children
Pete Hughes
CEO, Leeds Autism Services
11:00 - 11:10
Keynote address
Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: The Future of Inclusion Through Trust, Disruption, and Collaboration
Councillor Dan Cohen
131st Lord Mayor of Leeds
11:10 - 11:25
Coffee Break
11:25 - 12:00
Speech and Language Therapy
Unlocking Communication: Understanding Speech, Language & Cognitive Development in Children
12:00 - 12:35
SEND Education (Pre-16 & Post 16)
Navigating SEND Education: Pathways, Provisions & Transitions for Every Stage
Alice Crawford
Education psychologist and Autism Assessor
12:35 - 13:00
Panel discussion (Q & A session with the speakers)
Neurodiversity & Behavioural challenges Sensory Needs and Support Speech and Language Therapy SEND Education (Pre-16 & Post 16)
- Alice Crawford, Education psychologist and Autism Assessor
- Sainabou Secka, Trustee DASSI group
- Dr Vivian Okoye, Neurodiversity Lead Afrikindness
- Pete Hughes, CEO Leeds Autism Services
- Dr Pedi Obani, Parent Team Lead (Facilitator)
13:00 -
13:30
Plenary session - Exercise
- Dominique Burley, Senior Development Worker, Forum Central
- Dr Pedi Obani, Parent Team Lead (Facilitator)
13:30 - 13:35
Acknowledgements & Exhibition Launch
Bunmi Owolabi
CEO. Afrikindness
EXHIBITION, DROP-IN SESSION & WORKSHOPS
14:00 - 16:00
Exhibition
Venue: Main Auditorium
(20+ service providers on Neurodiversity, Safeguarding, Mental Health, Digital inclusion, Parenting support)
14:00 -16:00
One – One Parent Drop-in /Consultation Session
Venue: Main Auditorium
A confidential parent consultation session with professionals and experts
Pre-book here to see an Advisor
14:00 -15:30
Faith & Neurodiversity Workshop
Venue: Cypress Room (Opposite the Main Auditorium)
Join this session which will be a hybrid session – online and physical session.
Faith leaders, Church Leaders can join from wherever you are. If you are based in Yorkshire, why not join us for a physical session and meet our speakers directly.
- Dr Leon van Ommen, Senior Lecturer in Practical Theology, University of Aberdeen
Co-Director of the Centre for Autism and Theology - Dr Vivian Okoye, Neurodiversity Lead Afrikindness
14:00 -16:00
Digital Inclusion Support
A dedicated space to help parents get the digital support that they need.
Raffle draw for a FREE laptop give away courtesy GIPSIL
To participate, Complete the survey here
16:00
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