Participating Together: Understanding Autism and Supporting Participation

How do we help every student feel welcomed, understood and involved?

Spiritual Development in Schools invites college psychosocial teams, Religious Counsellors, chaplains, teachers, LSEs, INCOs and interested educators to a seminar with Deacon Mark Paine.

Understanding Different Experiences

Part of our 2026–2027 theme, Flimkien (Togetherness), this seminar explores the Participate Together movement. Meaningful participation begins with listening to one another and recognising different needs and experiences.

The focus will be on welcoming and supporting neurodivergent children and young people, particularly autistic students, within school communities and pastoral activities.

Learning with Deacon Mark Paine

Deacon Mark Paine, from Birmingham, England, has autism and is a father of two children with autism. Drawing on his personal experience and pastoral ministry, he will share insights and practical tips for more inclusive pastoral care.

Participants will have opportunities to:

• Explore communication and different ways of participating.
• Recognise barriers to inclusion in school and pastoral settings.
• Consider practical changes to support autistic students.
• Ask questions and share experiences from their schools.

Register Your Interest

Please register by 5 October using the following form: