Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) + Parent Blame = Trauma
Parent Blame, FII & Trauma Conference
When Professionals Get It Wrong, Families Pay the Price.
Buy the recordings...
The event was held in May but we are delighted to offer you the opportunity to buy the recordings of the sessions. You will not receive CPD hours for this.
Buy The RecordingsWhat is Parent Blame and FII ( Fabricated, induced illness )
Many families don’t realise they are experiencing parent blame until the damage is already done.
FII Isn’t an Illness — It’s Often a Devastating Misjudgment
Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) is one of the most distressing allegations a parent can face. But in many cases, what’s framed as fabrication is actually a request for additional support — especially for children with complex needs, neurodivergence, or hidden disabilities.
It often starts subtly: professionals questioning a child’s needs, doubting a parent’s account of their struggles, or blaming families for a child’s inability to attend school. Parents seeking support, whether through education, social services, or healthcare, can find themselves under scrutiny rather than receiving the help they desperately need.
In some cases, this escalates to Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) allegations, tearing families apart and leaving lasting trauma.
The Parent Blame, FII and Trauma Conference is a one-day online event for parents/carers and professionals being held on Wednesday the 7th of May 2025.
During the day, we will hear from some of the UK’s leading professionals as they unpick what is Fabricated or Induced Illness, what can parent/carers do when they’re accused, and the lasting trauma that parent blame causes families.
Meet the Speakers
Expert Speakers Bringing Essential Insights
Daniel Cooper
Daniel is a Partner and Solicitor-Advocate, and Joint-Head of the Human Rights, Civil Liberties and Public Law department, who is particularly sought after and respected for his expertise in complex, challenging and high-profile litigation.
He specialises in private and public/administrative law, human rights, and equality law. His practice includes advising on complex investigations, public inquiries, inquests, regulatory proceedings and professional discipline.
Dr. Judy Eaton
Misdiagnosed Mothers & Communication Breakdowns
Clinical psychologist and author of Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum, Dr. Judy Eaton will explore how misdiagnosed neurodivergent mothers are often misunderstood.
She’ll share how communication breakdowns with professionals can fuel parent blame and escalate to FII allegations.
Libby Hill
Why Professionals Need Continuous Learning.
Speech and Language Therapist, Libby Hill, will discuss how bias and outdated thinking can lead to Parent Blame and FII, and why professionals must stay curious and continue learning.
She’ll also share insights from the recent ASDAS research.
Cathie Long
What is Parent Blame & FII?
Cathie Long will open the conference by breaking down exactly what Parent Blame and Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) are.
She will explore how these issues arise, why they are so often misunderstood, and the real impact on families.
Dr. Andy Bilson
FII Research & The Bigger Picture
Dr. Andy Bilson, a renowned FII researcher and statistician, will present his latest findings on how FII accusations are being used, the patterns within the data, and what this means for families and professionals alike.
Dr. Fiona Gullon-Scott
The Latest Research on FII
Dr. Fiona Gullon-Scott will present her latest research from Newcastle University into how FII allegations arise, the impact on families, and what needs to change within professional practice.
Alice Running
An overview of research into trauma of parent-carer blame.
Alice Running writes about autism to create space for autistic voices.
Her first book - Helping Your Child with PDA Live a Happier Life - is published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Her second book with Jessica Kingsley Publishers is due for publication in 2025 and will discuss autism and (parent-carer) blame.
Corrina Wood
Disability Consultant with an MA in Autism
Accusations of Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) are devastating for families.
As a serious safeguarding concern, the consequences can include social care involvement, court proceedings, and even the removal of children from the home.
This session will consider family-centred solutions and approaches that can help in responding to and navigating such accusations.
Ed Archer
Ed Archer, a leader in children’s services with 22 years’ experience, CEO of the PDA Society.
This session will unpack how professional guidance designed to spot risk can sometimes misinterpret the unique traits of PDA children—leaving families especially vulnerable to accusations of FII.
This Conference Is For You As a Parent/Carer if...
Your child is struggling with school and attendance, and you’ve been made to feel responsible.
You’ve faced scepticism from professionals when advocating for your child’s needs.
You work in education, healthcare, social care, or HR and want to better understand how to support families rather than harm them.
You want to learn from experts and families with lived experience about the real impact of parent blame and FII accusations.
What You’ll Gain:
Understanding the signs of low-level parent blame before it escalates.
Insights into how neurodivergence, trauma, and unmet needs are often misunderstood.
Practical strategies to advocate for your family or support others.
Expert discussions on how professionals can improve their approach to struggling families.
This was more than just a conference—it was a lifeline for families and a wake-up call for professionals.
FII & Parent Blame: Reframing Misjudgment as Support
Essential CPD for Educators & Professionals Working with Families especially if you work within:
✅ Education Psychologist, SENCOs, ALENCOs, Senior school leaders, teachers
✅ Mental Health and Health Care: GPs, pediatricians, psychologists, therapists, councillor’s.
✅ Social services social workers, safeguarding teams, family support, early help.
✅ Legal : Lawyers, Barristers, Paralegal and Adocates.
✅HR & Workplace Well-being HR managers, personnel teams, EAP providers
Why buy the recordings?
This vital conference explored how misdiagnosis, communication breakdowns, and system pressures can lead to parent blame — and how we can do better.
• Understand how FII allegations arise and escalate
• Gain insight into the real impact on neurodivergent families
• Learn trauma-informed, practical strategies for safer safeguarding
• Shape inclusive practice and policy in your setting
• Access all sessions on replay for 3 months
Disclaimer
Please note that we do not endorse any person, organisation or affiliate. Whilst we consider our speakers to be the voice of the PDA community, the views presented here do not necessarily reflect those of The PDA Space. We advise you to do your own research and safeguarding checks before using services offered by any of the speakers featured in the PDA Space Summit. The PDA Space cannot be held responsible. You are responsible for your own due diligence. Please note that most of our speakers consider themselves neurodivergent which means there could be some last minute changes to the final line-up.
