11 October 2024

From across CNWL, many colleagues gathered at Trust HQ for a series of talks and workshops on learning disabilities and neurodiversity. The conference attracted a wide range of clinical staff from multiple boroughs, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and occupational therapists. Peer support workers, experts by experience, clinicians, and representatives from partner organisations also attended. 

The day began with an engaging icebreaker led by expert-by-experience Daniel Gozzer, who inspired attendees to initiate meaningful conversations around the varied experiences of individuals with autism, highlighting how factors such as the timing of their diagnosis might influence their perspectives. His session set the tone for a day of reflection and learning. 

Conference organisers Oscar Patton-Lyons, Advanced Lived Experience Practitioner, Ghada Karkotli, LDA Clinical Network Chair & LD Nurse Consultant, and Ceridwen Ball, Project Manager for Strategy and Transformation, then introduced the day’s aims: “to develop a sense of community, and share learning and new initiatives on learning disabilities and neurodiversity within the Trust,” and shared feedback from the LDA Clinical Network Conference. 

The event featured insightful presentations on how to provide attentive and tailored care for individuals with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people, addressing the barriers they often face. Roslyn Urquhart, Principal Arts Psychotherapist for Learning Disabilities Services, and Natalie Chesterman, Art Psychotherapist from South Westminster Community, kicked off by sharing their innovative work in arts psychotherapies. They demonstrated creative approaches to offering therapy and support, highlighting the remarkable breakthroughs and positive feedback they’ve received—especially from patients who express themselves non-verbally. Attendees were given art supplies and encouraged to explore them through sensory engagement, and were also treated to inspiring patient stories and a showcase of patient artwork, which brought the impact of their work to life. 

After a short break, Oscar Patton-Lyons reconvened the group with a mindful grounding exercise. This was followed by an interactive STAMP and STOMP workshop led by Dr. Iram Zaman, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and Reem Hadawey, Interim Trust Lead Pharmacist for Learning Disabilities. The STOMP (Stopping Over-Medication of People with a Learning Disability, Autism, or Both) and STAMP (Supporting Treatment and Appropriate Medication in Paediatrics) initiatives focus on reducing over-medication in people with learning disabilities and autism, while ensuring that psychotropic medications are only prescribed when absolutely necessary. 

Alongside sharing key statistics on the medication of neurodivergent individuals and those with learning disabilities, the workshop sparked meaningful conversations on how to better approach mental health treatment for these groups. It also explored ways to effectively support and collaborate with families of medicated children, ensuring the best possible outcomes. 

The session was instrumental in advancing the network’s goal of fostering the exchange of ideas and learning. The day concluded with table discussions focused on the barriers to service pathways, prompting colleagues to share their insights. It was a fitting end to a productive day filled with learning, discussion, and collaboration.