Connection Coaching Space

1pm | Friday 10th April 2026

Jess Garner

"Joy is everything!":
Learning from Autistic Children and Young People

Insights from Jess’s research with autistic children and young people.

In a recent conversation with Jess, we explored her research project looking at autistic children and young people’s experiences of joy.

The study used a phenomenological approach, meaning it focused on listening closely to how autistic young people themselves describe their experiences. Eight participants aged 5–18 shared what joy feels like for them and what supports or limits it.

What emerged offers some important insights.

Joy is deeply connected to autistic identity

Participants described their experiences of joy as inherently autistic, rather than something separate from who they are.

Their interests, ways of thinking, and sensory experiences were not barriers to joy, they were central to it.

This challenges deficit-based views that focus only on difficulties rather than recognising the richness of autistic experience.

→ This event is for Portal Members

Pre-recorded, available 1st April 2026

Connection Coaching Space

10am | Monday 27th April 2026

Wellbeing Hub

*time may vary due to speaking commitments

10am | Monday 13th April 2026

Cathie Long

Walking the Line:

When Caring for Disabled Adult Children Feels Like Survival

This thought-provoking webinar explores the hidden realities faced by parents caring for disabled adult children.

Drawing on both professional and personal experience, Cathie Long examines the complex line between managing distress-driven behaviours and experiences that can resemble domestic abuse.

Participants will gain insight into the emotional, relational, and systemic pressures faced by long-term caregivers, many of whom continue to do so at a high personal cost within an under-recognised, unpaid workforce.

The session also questions typical professional responses and promotes more balanced, compassionate, and safeguarding-aware strategies for supporting families navigating these complex dynamics.

Includes practical insights and live Q&A

→ This event is for Portal Members

7.30pm | Wednesday 22nd April 2026