In this plenary session, Siobhan Wilson, a 15-year-old youth advocate with lived experience of Generalised Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, depression and Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD), shares valuable insights into the strategies that supported her at different stages of her development, as well as those that proved unhelpful. 

Structured across four developmental stages: infancy (0 - 2); early childhood (2 - 5); middle childhood (5 - 10) and adolescence (10 - 15), this workshop explores how her experiences and needs evolved over time. Siobhan’s reflections provide an honest perspective, offering participants ideas to consider when supporting children facing similar challenges. 

In addition to practical strategies, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the complex neurodiverse world of NVLD, a condition that overlaps with aspects of ASD and ADHD while presenting unique deficits in visual-spatial awareness and understanding abstract concepts. 

While these insights are drawn from Siobhan’s lived experience and may not suit every child, they can guide professionals and caregivers in tailoring their approaches to traumatised and neurodiverse children. 

By the end of the session, participants will walk away with: 

- Practical strategies to better support children through various developmental stages. 
- Greater awareness of the challenges faced by children with NVLD and other types of neurodiversity and the need for multidisciplinary approaches. 
- Inspiration and tools to foster resilience, connection, and healing in children navigating trauma and neurodiversity. 

This workshop invites reflection, understanding, and action, empowering participants to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the children they support.