Supporting people with learning disabilities across the lifespan
30 Sep 2026, 10:00 - 16:00
Choose event information:
You're invited to our annual webinar to network and share best practice in providing support for people with learning disabilities across the lifespan.
We'll be joined by a range of speakers who will share their knowledge and expertise in the provision of support from the early years through to adulthood.
During the day, we'll cover a broad range of subjects ranging from assessment and support for children with autism in the early years, to the challenge of preparing young people for adulthood. Our speakers will also present in areas such as sexual health in learning disabilities, restrictive practices across the lifespan and the promotion of internet safety in young adults with learning disabilities.
Sessions will include:
- Safety, equity and experience: UK review of learning disability nursing
Professor Ben Thomas, Mental Health and Learning Disability Adviser, RCN Wales
- Autism: myths, misconceptions and early recognition
Dr Lisa Galsworty-Francis, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Children's Neurodevelopment Service &Warwickshire Preschool Autism Service, Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust
- A specialist's journey: professional and personal insights into autism and complex needs
Louisa McGivney, Specialist Teacher and Consultant in autism and complex co-occurring conditions
- The challenge of preparing young people for adulthood
Richard Dresser, Development Lead - National Development Team for Inclusion
- Restrictive practices: using a lifespan approach to understanding and reducing
James Ridley, Director of Adult Social Care and Health, (Nurse Consultant, RNLD)
- Sexual health is for everyone
Gillian Leno, Qualified Integrative Therapist, Manager, community provision, complex support needs, Sexual health and education in learning disabilities specialist
- ALDASO Phase 2: new online threats and new challenges
Michael Lambert, Clinical Lead, West Yorkshire Liaison and Diversion and Reconnect Non-Custodial Services
Book your place
This event will take place online via Microsoft Teams and is open to both RCN members and non-members.
To register, please click on the 'book your place online' button above, or call the RCN Events Registration team on 02920 546 460 referencing event number '6115'.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact:
Rian Gleave, RCN Lead Nurse: Independent Health and Social Care- South East
rian.gleave@rcn.org.uk
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Page last updated - 27/08/2026
