12/05/2026
EXCITING NEW EVENT & SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT FROM The Autistic Collective CIC - East Renfrewshire!
Dr Joanna Grace ⭐ Hidden Sensory Differences ⭐ 3rd June
Open to parents, family carers and professionals in East Renfrewshire
EXCITING NEW EVENT & SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT!
Dr Joanna Grace ⭐ Hidden Sensory Differences ⭐ 3rd June
Open to parents, family carers and professionals in East Renfrewshire
Wow, what an incredibly powerful Autistic Collective session earlier this week by Jodie Clarke, Children's Well-being Practitioner & Autism Specialist . We love it when Jodie joins us….we always have the best of days!
We’re super excited to now announce our next speaker, Dr Joanna Grace, Founder of The Sensory Projects.
Joanna is a highly-regarded Autistic Sensory Engagement and Inclusion Specialist, Researcher and Author. She will be joining us on Zoom on Wednesday 3rd June at 10.00am - 12.00pm to explore ‘Hidden Sensory Differences’.
There is growing general awareness of some common sensory differences experienced by Autistic people, for example sensitivity to sound or tactile sensitivity that can make certain clothing particularly challenging. However, there are hidden sensory differences commonly experienced by Autistic people that impact their access to environments, activities and understanding.
In this presentation, Jo will explore the underlying reasons for sensory differences in Autistic people and explore hidden sensory differences, showing how understanding these can give us new ways to support the Autistic people we care about, including:
✨ Autistic sensory differences
✨ What are the underpinning causes of sensory difference?
✨ The spectrum of experience
✨ Hidden sensory differences
✨ How understanding sensory differences transforms support
✨ Short Q&A at the end
This session is made possible thanks to the support of the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, delivered locally by VAER The Community Hub East Ren and funded by The Scottish Government
⭐ WHO IS THIS SESSION FOR?
Parents and family carers in East Renfrewshire. You do not need a formal diagnosis to take part. You may simply be exploring if any of this fits for your family. We recognise everyone is at a different place on their journey.
We also welcome with open arms professionals in East Renfrewshire who support Autistic people and their families. As we all learn together, side by side.
We work hard to create safe (as can be) spaces to ensure ALL participants feel as comfortable as possible. Speakers and hosts (that's us) included.
Our events and activities are always informed and guided by what we hear from East Renfrewshire folks and speakers during sessions and afterwards in our feedback forms.
⭐ WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON THE DAY?
This will be an informal Zoom session in a slide presentation format, packed with loads of info and research.
After brief introductions and a wee bit of Zoom housekeeping, Joanna will work her way through her presentation slides. The slides section of the session will be recorded.
Once the slides have finished, we’ll stop the recording. There will be time for a short Q&A at the end.
Huge caveat - our speakers always endeavour to answer as many questions on the day as they can. Sometimes, even with the best of intentions, it’s simply not possible. We know you’re all extremely busy people, and we’ll be going for a 12.00pm finish.
Whilst some difficult themes may arise, we always aim for informative and empowering, in a nurturing environment. We pride ourselves on being a friendly, inclusive bunch.
⭐ HOW DO I REGISTER TO BOOK MY PLACE FOR 3rd JUNE?
Please register to book your fully-funded place using the link below.
Register at www.autistic-collective.org
Note: This event is open to parents, carers and professionals in East Renfrewshire only.
Can’t join us live on the day itself? Don’t worry, please register anyway. All registrants will get access to the recording and extra resources afterwards.
Only the presentation slide section will be recorded.
Note: In the recording, the speaker will be the only person visible on your screen, and comments made in the chat box on the day will have been removed.
All participants’ autonomy, privacy and safety is utmost here at The Autistic Collective!
Any queries, or for further info please email [email protected]
⭐ WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SPEAKER AND HOST?
DR JOANNA GRACE
Dr Joanna Grace is an Autistic Sensory Engagement and Inclusion Specialist, Researcher, Author, Consultant and Founder of The Sensory Projects.
The Sensory Projects are based on the idea that with the right knowledge and a little bit of creativity, inexpensive items can be used as effective sensory tools for inclusion. In all her work, Jo is looking to contribute to a future where people are understood in spite of their differences.
Joanna has authored multiple books, book chapters, articles, papers, and blogs.
For more information on Joanna and the work she does, check out https://www.thesensoryprojects.co.uk/
Please do also have a look at the books she’s authored - with forewords by Chris Packham and Steve Silberman, author of Neurotribes.
Joanna’s latest highly acclaimed book The Scale of the Spectrum was published recently and is available in all good bookshops and through online retailers and direct from the publishers.
THE AUTISTIC COLLECTIVE
The Autistic Collective is a Community Interest Company, made up of a small team of passionate parent/carer volunteers.
We support parents and family carers - and anyone who supports Autistic people and their families in East Renfrewshire - through learning and empowerment.
We signpost to and collaborate with neuro-affirming Autistic/Neurodivergent-led organisations and speakers, authors and content creators to host learning events and activities to educate from the Autistic (and multiply Neurodivergent) lived-experience perspective.
Please check out and follow our page. Feel free to share with friends, family and professionals/colleagues. Your support means the world to us, as it allows us to reach more families in need.
https://www.facebook.com/AutisticCER
Poster design credit: Laura Gwafa The Marketing Department (TMD)
Massive thanks, as always to Laura, James and Chris for all your marvellous skills and support!
