6 February 2025

The first quarterly Learning Disabilities and Autism (LDA) Clinical Network event of the year was held on 21 January 2025 at Trust HQ. These meetings bring together clinical professionals across the network to discuss insights on learning disabilities and neurodiversity, and create an atmosphere of community.

The day was introduced by organisers Oscar Patton-Lyons (Advanced Lived Experience Practitioner), Ghada Karktoli (LDA Clinical Network Chair and LD Nurse Consultant) and Ben Stewart (Project Manager for Strategy and Transformation, Jameson Division). After an icebreaker led by Santino Vassel (Expert by Experience) which got everyone comfortable, Caroline Ovola began the first presentation of the day.

A School Health Service Administrator and also an Expert by Experience, Caroline presented on dyslexia awareness. The presentation covered other learning disabilities associated with dyslexia such as dyscalculia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the challenges around it and assessing for the condition. Equally, Caroline was able to cover the strengths around dyslexia, such as creative problem-solving, big-picture thinking and an entrepreneurial mindset.

To demonstrate the perspective of those living with dyslexia, a video of others sharing their experience with dyslexia was shown. They spoke about the challenges they faced with education and employment, which led to a valuable discussion of how CNWL could help support those with learning disabilities such as dyslexia at work.

After Caroline’s presentation, Oscar updated everyone on the Trust’s Culture of Care. The Culture of Care is part of NHS England’s Quality Transformation Programme and looks at how to create an inclusive and supportive experience for all on the ward. This includes patients, staff and families. Some of the ideas suggested to support those with LDA included pet therapy, an autism reality experience bus, and using more trauma informed approaches (TIA).

Ghada then provided feedback from the Improvement Standards benchmarking report. CNWL is meeting the measures of this framework but we hope to develop more resources to support individuals with learning disabilities and autism. This will include the publication and distribution of LDA materials and an action plan for delivery.

The Recovery College concluded the day as they presented an overview of the courses they had on offer to support those with learning disabilities and autism. Some courses on offer are led by experts by experience, which help the group focus on their strengths and talents.

Overall, it was a morning full of meaningful discussions, as well as the proactive drafting of improvement plans and suggestions. Well done to our organisers, speakers and members for coming together to make the first meeting of the year successful. Keep an eye out for our next meeting.