2025 Headline Sponsor
Midlands Show
- 23rd July 2025
- 10am-6pm
- The Coventry Building Society Arena
The National Neurodiversity Show Midlands is our third show of 2025 and will be the most reachable of our shows in England for most of the UK. We’re really excited to be bringing the shows to The Coventry Building Society Arena which has excellent transport links including it’s own train station! If you’re thinking of visiting the Midlands you can connect here from London in just 55 minutes and you can also explore nearby Birmingham if for it’s vibrant and multicultural food scene, but don’t forget to visit the shows whilst you’re here!
2025 Seminar Sponsor
Seminar Line Up
Professional
Daniel Jones - The Aspie World; 3 Most Misunderstood Autism Traits
Autism is often misunderstood, especially regarding emotional regulation, focus, and interests. Contrary to myths, autistic individuals experience emotions intensely, sometimes feeling every sensation as if amplified, making emotional processing challenging. What may seem like “zoning out” is often intense focus, allowing them to deeply explore areas of interest—a unique perspective on the world. Additionally, what some may label as “obsessive interests” are actually profound passions, offering comfort and grounding in an often-overwhelming environment. By embracing these traits with empathy and patience, we can foster a more inclusive understanding of autism.
Professional
Dr Angela Kingdon; Autistic Culture Podcast & Wall Street Journal Bestseller;
Celebrating Neurodiversity, Our Contributions and Impact
In my talk, I explore the rich and vibrant tapestry of neurodiversity, celebrating the unique contributions that neurodivergent individuals have made throughout history—from the creation of the first stone tools to pioneering advancements in fields like technology, the arts, and science. I focus on the strengths that neurodivergent minds bring, such as deep thinking, pattern recognition, and a passion for justice and integrity, showcasing how these traits have driven human progress. My presentation emphasizes the importance of embracing neurodiversity as a concept that includes a variety of neurotypes, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. I aim to highlight how valuing neurodivergent traits can foster a more inclusive society and drive innovation. Through storytelling and insights, I hope to inspire attendees to see the value in diverse ways of thinking and to create environments where all neurotypes can thrive.
Inspirational
Sophia Grech International Opera Singer; Finding My Voice Through Singing
Sophia Grech is an internationally celebrated mezzo-soprano with a career spanning three decades. She has been featured and reviewed in the world’s press including newspapers and magazines, having also given television and radio interviews. She has won great acclaim for her performances at leading concert halls, opera houses and international festivals worldwide; leading to regular invitations to give masterclasses around the world since graduating from the Royal College of Music in 1995. In 2015 Sophia was diagnosed with autism and is now an appointed Ambassador on behalf of associated organisations worldwide alongside her artistic career. "As a child I used musical sounds singing to express myself verbally as spoken word didn't mean anything to me. I basically learnt emotional skills from listening to music. My presentation takes listeners on a journey from my childhood through to how I managed to have an international career as an opera singer. I cover career challenges and how I have navigated my way using some naturally learnt coping strategies."
Professional
Sarah Osborne, BA(Hons) mBANT rCNHC;
SO Nutrition;
Building Resilience with Diet and Nutrition for Neurodivergence
This empowering seminar offers valuable insights, tools, and actionable strategies to enhance resilience through balanced eating while respecting your unique needs. Led by a nutritionist and emotional eating practitioner who runs a neurodivergent nutrition clinic, this seminar will present the latest evidence-based approaches for fostering a healthier, more resilient relationship with food.
*SEMINAR SPONSOR*
Professional
Lavinia Dowling;
The M Word Cic;
Mental Health, Neurodiversity and Some of the Challenges
One of the most beautiful things I find about the label ‘Autistic Spectrum’ is the never ending variety in presentations our condition/disorder/traits offers. I have been a licensed Mental Health Nurse since 1996. The Royal College of Psychiatrists have come up with many labels, some of them very unflattering, and others that are not at all pleasant. Yet the Autistic Spectrum is not offensive – what can cause offense is insinuating that we are aliens, that we must fit in a neurotypical world, we should mask to present as ‘normal’ – by suppressing ourselves suggests that the world is constantly in the dark. Those on the Autistic Spectrum have a considerable amount to offer the world which provides endless sunshine when we are allowed to be ourselves. Be you adult or young person – everyone who is on the Autistic Spectrum has something valuable to offer the global community.
Inspirational
Jamie Denyer; Assembling the Avengers
After a diagnosis of ADHD & Mild Autism at the age of 41, there were a lot of things that were “answered” for Jamie. He took that diagnosis & added it to his already impacting motivational talks that he was carrying out nationwide in schools, colleges, prisons & corporate. Just like all the other challenges life threw at Jamie that he turned into good, this was no different.. He brings the energy & inspiration to make you see that although we all have “kryptonite” in life, that we also have these neurodiverse superpowers! Total transparency of his good, bad & indifferent neurodiversity life, him being a single neurodiverse dad & his eldest daughter also having the “superpowers” too… Avengers are assembling.. be a part of it!
Inspirational
Charis Hawkley; My Life as a Neurodivergent Woman
I am dyslexic, dyspraxic and autistic and will be talking about my experiences, and how these conditions affect my daily life, and in my sport, as well as the difference it makes to be a woman with these conditions (such as the diagnostics being framed around males, and the different ways the conditions present in women). I will be discussing some of my work for the community, such as my journalism and work with various groups.
Professional
Anita Davies; Harnessing Your ADHD Brain
Join us for a seminar designed to show you that an ADHD brain is far from broken. We'll discuss how neurotypical thinking often doesn't suit our minds and explore how it feels to experience controlled ADHD. We'll discuss strategies to leverage the unique strengths of ADHD, minimising overwhelm and frustrations. This session offers valuable insights for embracing and optimising your ADHD brain.
Professional
HCB Solicitors;
EHCPs, IDPs & How Families Can Secure Funding For Children With SENs
Join one of the leading legal firms in the UK to hear how to secure funding for your child with special educational needs. Specialists from HCB Solicitors will explain how Educational Health and Care Plans and IDPs work and how this skilled and well practised firm will support your family to obtain the support you need.
Educational
Dr Cathy Manning; Sensory Inclusive Spaces
Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Birmingham
There is a national drive to make public spaces and services more inclusive for neurodivergent people, and making sensory environments more inclusive is a key part of that. In this seminar, I will summarise the latest research into what sensory-inclusive spaces should look like, and what we still need to find out.
Inspirational
Aden Boyce;
Neurodiversity in Higher Education: My Experience
This seminar will share my personal experiences of navigating university life as a neurodivergent student. Despite an early diagnosis of autism, additional challenges emerged during university with subsequent diagnoses of ADHD and dyslexia. This presentation will explore the unique complexities of managing multiple neurodivergent conditions within a higher education setting. It will delve into the specific obstacles encountered, offering insights into the personal journey of self-discovery and adaptation. Discussing strategies and accommodations that helped me overcome these challenges, aiming to inspire and support other neurodivergent students.
Inspirational
Aleem Jaffer;
Zero to Hero, My Challenges with Dyslexia
In this seminar I will be talking about my fight getting employment due to dyslexia, and how I overcame this and encouraged employers to acknowledge my difference.
I'll be talking about how I persevered and then went on to get a job within the NHS.
I am proud to say I am now the chair of the Neurodiversity Staff Network in my workplace. I won the Excellence Equality Diversity and Inclusion Award 2023 and I am passionate about advocating for people with Dyslexia to show you can do it too.
*Details and descriptions of seminars are provided by each presenter and are subject to change.
Getting here
Leave the M6 at junction 3. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the A444 signposted Coventry. After approximately 1 mile, take the exit towards Rowleys Green. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Jimmy Hill Way/A444. The Coventry Building Society Arena will be on the left.
Leave the M6 at junction 3. At the roundabout, take the 4th exit onto the A444 signposted Coventry. After approximately 1 mile, take the exit towards Rowleys Green. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Jimmy Hill Way/A444. The Coventry Building Society Arena will be on the left.
There are regular bus services to The Coventry Building Society Arena from Coventry City Centre. Bus numbers 4, 5, and 20 stop nearby, providing convenient access. Please contact National Express Coventry for further information.
The Coventry Building Society Arena is a 5-minute walk from Coventry Arena railway station. Regular trains run from Coventry railway station, which has connections to London, Birmingham, and other major cities. Please contact National Rail for further information.
Birmingham Airport is approximately 20 miles away from The Coventry Building Society Arena, with good public transport links, hire cars, and taxi services available. For those arriving by helicopter, arrangements can be made in advance.
The Coventry Building Society Arena Address:
Judds Lane
Coventry
CV6 6GE
Sat. Nav. Postcode: CV6 6GE
Parking is available on-site.
When you arrive, take the lift or stairs to the appropriate level and follow signs for your designated suite or area.
