Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy Conference Australia 2025: Understanding Neurodivergence in All Forms

Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy Conference Australia (NATCA) 2025

Understanding Neurodivergence in All Forms - Bridging Theory, Research, and Practice

The Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy Conference Australia is launching in 2025 with its first inaugural event, hosted at the Hyatt Place Event Centre in Melbourne on Thursday and Friday the 10th and 11th of July. This two day conference event is aimed at expanding attendees understanding of Neurodivergence in all its forms, beyond just Autism and ADHD. The conference brings you world leading experts in the field of Neurodivergence and beyond, and includes keynote and invited speaker sessions from International and National speakers, a research symposium, expert panel discussions on a range of different topics and a exhibition segment of the conference hosted by LOAPAC (The League of Autistic Psychologists and Affirming Colleagues).

The conference is organised and run by a dedicated team of neurodivergent professionals, academics and event organisers with a passion for learning, connection, and inclusion.

Keynote and Invited Speakers so far:

• Associative Professor Josephine Barbaro - Importance of Early Identification and Neuroaffirming Care
• Sonny Jane Wise - Neurodiversity Movement - We’re all Neurodiverse
• Dr Jamie Marich (USA) - Dissociation & Plurality as Neurodivergence
• Katy Higgins Lee (US) - Understanding Giftedness and Twice Exceptionality: From Everyday Experiences to the therapy room
• Yael Clark - Clinicians as Changemakers: Social Justice and the NDA Movement 
• Marie Camin - Barriers to Autistic Identification: Masking, Internalised Presentations and Clinician Related Factors
• Sandhya Menon - Lateral Inclusion: Why Representation and Culture is Important
• Monique Mitchelson - Understanding the Interplay of Neurodivergence and Physical Health Conditions:

There will also be expert panel discussions on a range of topics including:

• Complex Trauma, Identity and Intersectionality
• Neurodiversity and Leadership
• Eating, Body Image, and Society: Unpacking Assumptions and Affirming Practice
• Paediatric Practice, Disability, & Learning Differences

There will also be a research symposium as apart of the conference with recent research developments and projects that will be shared in line with the theme of understanding all forms of Neurodivergence.

Excitedly, LOAPAC will also be running a LOAPAC exhibition at the event where various different professionals and organisations can run stalls showcasing their work, handouts, materials, resources, and opportunities for further learning in different areas.

In-Person Tickets, what's included?

• Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea 
• Access to the LOAPAC exhibition which will be at the end of Day 1 at the conference and throughout all of the conference breaks. A showcase of different resources, organisations, practices and more! 
• Opportunity for networking and connection plus dedicated sensory spaces 
• Access to recorded sessions through the events app for up to 3 months post conference

Virtual Registrations
If you would like to attend virtually, you can join us online.  

Secure your virtual attendance tickets now and you will receive:

• access to live sessions over the conference dates
• ability to watch the recorded content via the events app for up to three months post-conference
• ability to be able to engage with the LOAPAC exhibition online where you can connect and learn about different affirming providers, resources, and materials to upskill your practice 

Please note, virtual ticket bookings must be made before the conference for post-conference access.

Contact us
Should you have any queries, please contact us via email at connect@ndaffirmingtherapyaus.org