Let's Talk Well Conference 2026

Parents and carers in neurodiverse families are often living in a state of constant vigilance—holding anxiety, exhaustion, sensory overload, and the emotional weight of advocacy long before they ever reach a service. When support systems are not neuro-affirming, parents can feel judged or required to mask their struggles to be heard. A neuro-affirming approach matters because it recognises difference, creates safe, inclusive spaces where parents feel seen, believed, and valued. By naming the unique challenges neurodiverse families face, and offering practical, lived-experience-led strategies that foster authenticity, validation, and connection, services can build genuine partnerships. We share neuro-affirming practice and how practical tips can encourage engagement, rebuild trust, and enable parents and carers to feel supported and safe.

Eating difficulties commonly co-occur with neurodivergence, yet the signs can be easy to miss, especially in young people who may communicate or experience their needs differently. Early recognition and early intervention are key to improving outcomes.

If you are working with children and young people you are often the first to spot early indicators of emerging eating disorders. This workshop will equip you with the insight and confidence to recognise concerns and navigate the right onward support.

Understanding the links between neurodivergence and eating difficulties.

School related anxiety is rising, yet it’s rarely about school alone. This unique workshop explores the psychological and neuroscientific foundations of school avoidance, helping professionals understand why anxiety shows up so powerfully during this stage of development and what actually helps support young people long term.

Drawing on current (and accessible) neuroscience and therapeutic models, the session translates complex theory into clear, practical insights. Participants will be introduced to evidence-based, therapeutically informed techniques that can be used immediately to help young people make sense of their anxiety, feel more empowered in the moment, and respond to challenges in ways that are meaningful, compassionate, and sustainable. The workshop is designed to bridge theory and practice, supporting professionals to feel more confident, curious, and effective when working with anxious young people in educational and mental health contexts.

This interactive session invited delegates to step into a creative, neurodivergent-affirming approach they could use immediately in their own setting. Rather than talking about creativity, delegates experienced it together. Delegates were introduced to a flexible, low-pressure creative activity designed to support communication, emotional expression, and self-regulation for neurodivergent young people. Participants were then encouraged to try the activity for themselves, adapting it in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful. You can find this content attached to download.

Self-harm can be a difficult topic to navigate, often bringing up worry or uncertainty when a student discloses or is suspected of self-harming. Many professionals are supporting students with limited training and concerns about saying the wrong thing or making the situation worse.

This engaging, practical workshop is designed to build confidence and provide transferable skills that can be used across a range of support situations. Participants will develop a clearer understanding of self-harm and learn how to respond to concerns and disclosures in a calm, supportive, and student-centred way.

Gender diversity is now part of everyday practice for counsellors and mental health professionals. Grounded in research and real-world experience from frontline services, this session explores terminology, myths, misunderstandings, and pressure points practitioners face, from “getting it wrong” anxiety to safeguarding concerns and organisational constraints. You’ll gain practical guidance you can apply in your everyday practice.

When neurodivergent young people are anxious, overwhelmed, or spiralling, what actually helps? And just as importantly - what makes things worse? This practical workshop gives you a toolkit of strategies that work, alongside honest conversations about the things we often try that don't. You'll walk away with concrete approaches you can use tomorrow, and clarity about what to stop doing. With time built in to discuss how each strategy could work in your context, you'll leave feeling equipped and confident.

In 2023 Winston’s Wish developed an online Creative Therapy pathway to specifically meet the needs of children and Young People with SEND, a significant percentage of whom are neurodivergent. Through the sharing of case studies inspired by the children we have worked with, this workshop explores our creative, play based approach, and some of the online strategies and tools we use to work with children and young people who are grieving.

Dr Victoria Thurston is a Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years’ experience supporting neurodiverse children and young people. Tor leads Gloucestershire’s Children’s Autism and ADHD Assessment Service and in this session, presented on the assessment of ADHD and Autism and local diagnostic pathways. Tor covers DSM‑5 criteria, strengths across neurodevelopmental profiles, Gloucestershire’s multidisciplinary pathway, key assessment tools, and factors influencing presentation. It highlights long waits, their impact, and the importance of early understanding and tailored support.