No one understands neurodivergence better than those who live it. We proudly place neurodivergent voices at the heart of everything we do, because lived experience is the truest expertise there is. Meet the speakers and advocates who help our community feel seen, understood, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
Alexie Better
Developmental Educator | Behavioural Therapist
Alexie Better is a developmental educator, behavioural therapist, and literacy and numeracy specialist with over 17 years of experience supporting children and adolescents with diverse learning needs. As the founder of Better Multisensory Learning, she has created a centre grounded in inclusion, evidence-based practice, and a strong understanding of neurodiversity.
She specialises in working with individuals with Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, and other learning differences, using structured, multisensory approaches tailored to each learner. Her work focuses not only on academic progress, but also on building confidence, resilience, and self-belief for students from primary, secondary and university.
Alexie’s passion is deeply personal. Having experienced challenges in school due to undiagnosed dyslexia, she understands firsthand the impact of learning difficulties. This lived experience allows her to connect with students empathetically and advocate for meaningful, individualised support.
Founded in 2018, Better Multisensory Learning offers literacy and numeracy intervention, ADHD coaching, assessments, counselling, and parent support. Alexie also collaborates closely with schools and allied health professionals.
She is a strong advocate for inclusive education and neurodiversity, a published author in Purpose & Passion, and her centre placed 2nd in the Cape Ability Network 2nd Place for Specialised Education in a Disability.
Ashleigh Seggie
ICF Accredited ADHD Coach | Founder of ND Support & Coaching | Former Teacher
Ash Seggie is the founder of ND Support and Coaching and a passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals and families. A former teacher, she is deeply committed to fostering strong collaboration between parents, schools and communities to improve outcomes for neurodivergent children.
Ash’s work is shaped by both professional experience and her own lived experience parenting neurodivergent children. This led her to establish ND Support and Coaching, where she promotes neuroaffirming, evidence-based practices and supports parents, carers and educators with practical tools to create environments in which neurodivergent children can thrive.
An ICF-accredited ADHD and parent coach, Ash works with neurodivergent adults and parents to help them understand and work with their brains rather than against them. ND Support and Coaching also delivers online and in-person courses and presentations, developed in collaboration with a clinical psychologist. In her presentations, Ash combines research, best practice, personal anecdotes and practical strategies, underpinned by a strong call to action to embrace neurodiversity, support inclusion and advocate for the individual needs of every child.
Callie Elward-Barrett
Speaker, Strategist, Co-Founder non profit
Callie Elward-Barrett is a neuroinclusion speaker, strategist and founder of Executive Functioning Leadership, where she helps leaders, organisations and communities create environments in which neurodivergent people can genuinely thrive. Her work sits at the intersection of inclusion, leadership, systems design and human capability, with a particular focus on turning awareness into practical action. She additionally co-founded ndWILD, (Weird Intense Loud Different) a non-profit global neuroinclusion movement.
Before founding her business, Callie held senior executive roles in the Australian Public Service, including leadership work in the Department of Health and Aged Care and the Digital Transformation Agency. Her career has included leading large-scale, high-stakes work across public policy, reform, stakeholder engagement, and service delivery, including the Australian Government’s COVID response for First Nations, Disability, and Aged Care environments.
Known for her warmth, honesty and ability to connect the dots between childhood, adulthood, education, and work, Callie brings a perspective that is both strategic and deeply human. She is passionate about helping people move beyond deficit-based narratives and towards approaches that recognise the brilliance, complexity and support needs of neurodivergent minds.
Connor M Greene
Psychoscial Support Specialist | ADHD Coach
Connor M. Greene is a psychosocial support specialist and ADHD coach passionate about empowering neurodiverse individuals and families.
With a hands-on approach, he delivers real-world strategies for navigating ADHD, autism, and anxiety.
A recognised public speaker, social media content creator and author of ADHD Explained, Connor advocates for greater understanding and inclusivity through workshops, training, and innovative programs like social gaming groups.
His work challenges misconceptions and inspires meaningful change, helping neurodiverse individuals thrive in a supportive world.
Dr Aleem Khan
Consultant Psychiatrist | FRANZCP
Dr Aleem Khan
Consultant Psychiatrist | FRANZCP
Dr Aleem Khan is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP), with a special interest in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) across the lifespan. He practises at Elyséa HEALTH in Adelaide, providing comprehensive assessment and ongoing care for individuals with ADHD and a broad range of mental health conditions.
Dr Khan completed his advanced psychiatry training within the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN), gaining extensive experience across inpatient, community, emergency, consultation-liaison and outpatient psychiatry. His clinical approach combines evidence-based practice with compassionate, individualised care, focusing on accurate diagnosis, holistic treatment and long-term support.
With a strong interest in neurodevelopmental conditions, Dr Khan works collaboratively with individuals, families, general practitioners, psychologists and allied health professionals to help people achieve their full potential. He is passionate about improving awareness, reducing stigma and empowering individuals and families with practical, evidence-based knowledge that extends well beyond the initial diagnosis.
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr Khan is actively involved in medical education, mentoring junior doctors, psychiatry registrars and early-career psychiatrists, while supporting initiatives that advance mental health awareness and improve access to high-quality psychiatric care.
Under Dr Khan’s leadership, more than 45,000 psychiatric consultations have been delivered through his telehealth organisations over recent years, substantially improving access to specialist mental healthcare across Australia. A significant proportion of this work has involved the assessment and ongoing management of individuals with ADHD, autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions across all age groups, reflecting his commitment to expanding timely, evidence-based care for people who might otherwise face prolonged barriers to specialist services.
Dr Connie Buckingham
Psychologist | Creator of Social Stencil
Dr Connie Buckingham is a psychologist, lecturer, research supervisor and the creator of Social Stencil, one of Australia’s first neuroaffirming social–emotional learning (SEL) frameworks. Social Stencil supports children and adolescents to better understand themselves and each other, and to navigate friendships, conflict, emotions, and learning differences with confidence and insight.
Connie’s work is grounded in inclusion, trauma-informed practice, and lived experience. Her evidence-based programs build self-awareness, confidence, and positive peer relationships, while equipping educators and allied health professionals with engaging, neuroaffirming tools to support all young people.
In 2025 Connie was awarded the University of Melbourne Arts Alumni Giving Award for her contribution to the neurodiversity affirming movement including introducing neuroaffirming practice into the Educational Developmental Masters and Clinical Masters programs curriculum, initiating and overseeing neuroaffirming research projects and providing placement students with neuroaffirming practice experiences..
With more than 25 years of experience as a psychologist and program designer, Connie is known for her ability to weave neuroaffirming principles with practical, engaging pedagogy—creating environments where all learners can belong and thrive.
Dr Dianne Grocott
Psychiatrist 30+ years.
Dr Dianne Grocott is a psychiatrist with 30 years experience in public and private practice, who has specialised in ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Addiction Psychiatry. In 2015 she co-founded the Victorian Adult ADHD Interest Group (VAADHDIG), a multidisciplinary group of clinicians who share expertise and resources to improve the lives of their patients with ADHD.
VAADHDIG members are developing an accredited GP Training Course on ADHD and are collaborating in the design of best practice models for ADHD assessment and holistic management.
Dr Siobhan Lamb
Neurodevelopmental Educator | Coach
Dr Lamb is a Neurodevelopmental Educator with a special interest in ADHD, Autism and Twice-exceptionality in school aged children. She is a registered teacher under NESA, an Associate Member of the Australian ADHD Professionals Association and a member of both the Australian Association for the Education of the Gifted and Talented and the Australian Association of Special Education. Her three children and herself are all Neurodivergent with a mix of Autism, ADHD, giftedness, Dyslexia and Dysgraphia.
Dr Lamb is an experienced teacher with a demonstrated history of working in the education industry for over 20 years as a teacher in Diverse Learning (neurodivergence), Science and Head of Science and Executive Functioning in Australia and Singapore. She is an accredited ADHD Coach (Evergreen) with certificate courses in emotional regulation and CPS (Collaborative and Proactive Solutions) and extensive experience supporting young neurodivergent people.
Through experience supporting children and their parents, she has developed both an Executive Functioning program and a Parent Coaching Course.
Dr Lamb holds a unique position as a Neurodevelopmental Educator and advocate for children at school. She has sat in everyone’s chair: the teacher, the parent and the child themselves.
Em Hammond
Speech Pathologist | Creator of NeuroWild
Em is an Autistic and ADHDer speech pathologist, and mum to three neurodivergent kiddos. She is also the mind behind the social media account NeuroWild.
Widely known for her illustrations and resources about neurodiversity and supporting Autistic and ADHD kids, her ability to break down big ideas and tricky concepts into accessible language, frameworks, and practical tools has made her a highly sought-after voice in education, allied health, and advocacy.
Em’s work invites us to rethink what is actually the work of the adults – reframing misconceptions around behaviour and communication, as well as bringing to light the less visible and often overlooked aspects of Autistic and ADHD experiences. Most simply, she invites us to be curious towards our kids, ourselves, and the world around us – offering a window into what it can be like to navigate the world with a neurodivergent brain, and the permission to meet our kids where they’re at.
Jaime Rose-Peacock
Employment Law Specialist, HR Consultant, and licensed Workplace Investigator
Jaime Rose-Peacock is an Employment Law Specialist, HR Consultant, and licensed Workplace Investigator based in Auckland. She is the founder of two small practices – Marbles People & Culture Hub and Jaime Rose – Employment Law Specialist. She supports both small to medium-sized businesses and individuals in navigating workplace matters with a focus on integrity and empathy.
Jaime has recently completed her Master of Arts in Psychology, with her thesis exploring the organisational factors that influence Imposter Phenomenon among high-achieving professional women. Her academic work reflects her deep commitment to understanding the psychological and structural dynamics that shape people’s experience at work.
Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Jaime brings a lived experience lens to her professional practice and advocacy. Gaining insight into her neurodivergence has been a transformative step – allowing her to navigate life, career, leadership, and wellbeing with greater self-awareness and intention.
In addition to her consulting work, Jaime contributes to governance through her roles on several boards, including the Employment Law Institute of New Zealand (ELINZ) and A Change for Better.
Kadon Captain
Educator | Founder | Family Practitioner
Kadon Captain is the preemptive authority for neurodiverse progress, coaching neurodiverse students, individuals, and women in business to new confidence through Open Minded, the practice she founded. She holds a Bachelor of Liberal Studies from a Californian university, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and completed certified life coaching training through The Coaching Institute in Melbourne. With over 25 years as a teacher and nearly a decade running her neurodiverse coaching and educational advocacy business, she helps neurodiverse individuals across New Zealand and overseas gain new confidence and awareness of how to operate to their strengths, using her Awareness → Acceptance → Action approach.
Mel Phillips
Author | ADHD Speaker & Coach
Mel Phillips is the creator of Wonderfully Made World, a story-driven resource that helps children with ADHD feel seen, understood, and proud of who they are.
Through engaging narratives, practical tools, and an empowering strengths-based approach, Mel equips schools, families, and pastoral care workers to build emotional literacy, confidence, and belonging.
Mel Phillips is an author, speaker, and ADHD advocate with lived experience as both a neurodivergent adult and parent. She is the creator of Wonderfully Made World (WMW), a story‑driven children’s book series designed to help children with ADHD feel seen, understood, and confident in who they are.
Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Mel brings a compassionate, strengths‑based perspective to conversations around neurodiversity, emotional regulation, identity, and belonging. Her work bridges storytelling, education, and wellbeing offering practical tools for children, families, educators, and chaplains to support neurodivergent kids without shame or stigma.
Mel works across schools, communities, and professional spaces, delivering author visits, parent talks, and professional development sessions. Her heart is to help every child discover their value and to create communities where difference is understood, supported, and celebrated.
Rebecca Challoner
Author & Trainer
As well as being the Founder of the National PEKE Centres and the Founder and former Director of My Spirited Child, Rebecca Challoner is also an Author and Trainer on Neurodiversity, Mental Health and Trauma. Most importantly Rebecca is Mum to two neurodivergent boys. Rebecca herself is also ADHD as is her husband.
Rebecca is currently a member of the Reference Council at the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health at Monash University. Rebecca has also worked alongside many organisations, including consulting to Special Olympics Australia, the Victorian Institute of Teaching, and the Department of Health as well as many schools, organisations and industry bodies across Australia and beyond.
Rebecca has written hundreds of articles, resources and books including her most recent acclaimed book ‘Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria’.
Rebecca has featured in countless Magazines, Newspapers, Podcasts, TV and radio shows as well as presenting a full length DVD Documentary and appearing on an Amazon Prime TV show in America.
Rebecca is a multi-award winner including in 2024 receiving an award at the Women Changing the World Awards in London presented by the Duchess of York.
Rebecca has numerous qualifications including Sociology and Psychology. As well as a Law degree with Honours. Rebecca has also attended countless courses on disability, mental health, trauma and psychological challenges and conditions.
Sandhya Menon
AuDHD Developmental Psychologist
Sandhya Menon is an AuDHD Developmental Psychologist and Author of the much-loved kids’ books The Brain Forest, The Rainbow Brain, and her latest creation, My Body’s Power Pack.
She spends her days helping children and families build strong self-identities that celebrate and know their neurotype before the world tries to tell them otherwise.
She’s been an ambassador for Barbie, spoken to the Wiggles and has taken Australia’s hearts when talking about affirming practice. Her work is a mash-up of sharp clinical knowledge, lived experience, and just enough whimsy to make even the trickiest concepts feel human (and yes, actually fun). If you were looking for someone who can turn research into real talk while keeping it warm, inclusive, and a sprinkle of fun, we’ve found her.
Tammy Scott
Educator | Engineer | Disability Consultant | Founder of Together Growing Strong
Tammy Scott is an educator, engineer, disability consultant and founder of Together Growing Strong. Working at the intersection of education, neurodiversity and disability, Tammy has a particular talent for translating complex research and ideas into practical strategies that make sense in real life. Drawing on professional expertise, lived experience and her ongoing Master of Counselling, she works with children, families and educators to understand what sits beneath learning and behaviour, build capacity and create environments where people can thrive. Tammy believes we get better outcomes when we stop asking people to fit systems that aren't working for them and start building systems that fit people.
Tina Mathams
Author | Accountant
Tina Mathams is an Accountant and money educator specialising in ADHD-informed approaches to personal finance. Her work integrates principles of nervous system regulation, emotional regulation, and identity-based principles to support sustainable financial management in neurodivergent adults.
Drawing on both professional practice and lived experience, Tina wrote ADHD Money, which explores practical and compassionate strategies for managing money with ADHD.
Vivian Dunstan
ADHD Educator & Advocate
Vivian Dunstan is an ADHD educator, advocate and the founder of ADHD Support Australia, where she has spent more than a decade supporting neurodivergent children, parents and families through education programs, community initiatives and practical resources.
Drawing on both lived experience and professional practice, her work takes a holistic, family-centred approach, recognising the interconnected roles of neurology, environment, relationships, lifestyle and parental wellbeing. Vivian is a trusted public voice on ADHD and neurodivergence, with recent national media appearances on Nine News, Seven News, Sunrise and ABC Radio where she provided expert commentary on ADHD, parenting and women’s mental health. Her work focuses on translating current ADHD research into practical, down-to-earth strategies that work in real family life.
Vivian is the author of The Ultimate ADHD Parenting Handbook (published 28 January), an evidence-informed guide designed to help parents understand ADHD, respond effectively to behaviour and build calmer, more connected homes. The book has been endorsed by leading ADHD psychologist J. Russell Ramsay, PhD, who describes it as “an impressively comprehensive and useful guide” for families living with ADHD.
Trusted Partners
Real change happens when we come together. Our partners and sponsors share our belief that every neurodivergent person deserves understanding, acceptance, and a community that champions their strengths. We're proud to stand alongside organisations who care as deeply as we do.
Sister Sensory
Partner
We support all people, families, and communities with neuro diversity or neuro developmental conditions. As a registered NDIS provider, Sister Sensory stocks a huge range of autism sensory tools and anever-evolving selection of fidget toys for those coping with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),sensory processing disorder (SPD), and anxiety. Our products serve those struggling with autism, anxiety,depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), special needs, and other mental health issues.
A Change For Better
Partner
“A Change for Better” (ACFB) is an online platform and organisation providing mental health support and resources, including professional assessments for conditions like ADHD and autism, counselling and educational materials. It aims to increase accessibility to mental health support for individuals and empower mental health professionals, particularly in New Zealand.
Kaiko Fidgets
Partner
Kaiko Fidgets is based in Melbourne, Australia and is co-founded by Kai, who is both autistic & dyslexic. The Kaiko range of discreet and noiseless fidgets is for both adults & kids to assist with mental health, anxiety & focus. Kai started making fidgets for himself, at age 11, and soon realised there was very little available. Kai (now in his teens), with the help of his parents, have created designs to suit a wide range of needs.
Meaningful Activities
Partner
Transforming Lives Together.
Our occupational therapy team celebrates neurodiversity and provides personalised therapeutic support to individuals of all ages. We empower and transform lives through activities that are meaningful to each person.
At every event, our exhibitors bring resources, services, and welcoming faces that make this journey feel a little lighter. Take a moment to meet some of the wonderful organisations you'll find at our conferences.
Action Forward
Exhibitor
At Action Forward, we want to understand what’s actually happening and help you build strategies that genuinely work for your brain in your life.
Auren was created for busy minds, sensitive souls and everyday overwhelm.
We believe calm isn’t something you find when life finally slows down. It’s something you create through small moments of quiet, focus and restoration throughout the day.
Hush Buds are the first product in a growing collection of wellness tools designed to support calmer, more intentional living.
- L
Carers SA is the peak advocacy body for Carers in South Australia. Raising the voice of Carers, recognition of Carers, their rights, wellbeing and needs is at the heart of Carers SA’s efforts. Carers SA has over 30 years of experience providing Carers with a range of services to support Carers in their caring role.
We work to improve the health, wellbeing and resilience of Carers. We aim to ensure that caring is a responsibility that’s shared by family, community and government. We also aim to raise greater awareness of Carers and their needs.
Empowering the neurodivergent in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore.
Whether you’re a parent up late researching ways to support your child, or a professional seeking more effective approaches for your clients, or you are a neurodivergent adult – we understand your journey. The constant searching, the endless questions, the feeling that conventional methods aren’t quite connecting. We’ve been there too.
Whether you’re needing 1:1 support, an exploration of your neurotype through an assessment, or prefer to be supported among a group of likeminded folk, we’ve got something for you!
Kaiko Fidgets is based in Melbourne, Australia and is co-founded by Kai, who is both autistic & dyslexic. The Kaiko range of discreet and noiseless fidgets is for both adults & kids to assist with mental health, anxiety & focus. Kai started making fidgets for himself, at age 11, and soon realised there was very little available. Kai (now in his teens), with the help of his parents, have created designs to suit a wide range of needs.
There are many fidget stores out there but NONE that are COMPLETELY & OBESSIVELY dedicated to providing sensory supports & hard-core fidget tools for TEENS & ADULTS
We have made it our absolute mission to carve out a space that feels comfortable & delivers an extensive range JUST FOR YOU!
At MacKillop, we believe every child deserves the best. And the best place for children is in a safe and supportive family, where they are nurtured to develop to their full potential.
t MacKillop, we work for the rights of children, young people and families to be safe, to learn, feel nurtured and connected to culture. We provide high quality services to promote healing from trauma and loss, and to enable hopeful futures.
We provide a variety of services with the aim of empowering and supporting families and helping children to thrive.
We make 3D printed Articulated Fidgets inspired by our 5 year old autistic daughter Madison.
Our aim is to allow other people to have access to our fidgets we can make, any profit that we make above the cost of making the fidgets goes into supporting Madison who has been home bound for almost 3 years now.
We take great pride in the fidgets we make, and enjoy talking to our customers and finding out their stories
Transforming Lives Together.
Our occupational therapy team celebrates neurodiversity and provides personalised therapeutic support to individuals of all ages. We empower and transform lives through activities that are meaningful to each person.
NZTN is a New Zealand-based, online mental health service that helps connect Kiwis with mental health providers from anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our telepsych platform allows you the flexibility to engage with a mental health professional, in a manner that suits your needs.
OT4YOU is an Occupational Therapy service based in Waikato, with assessments also available in Auckland and the Bay of Plenty. The service supports individuals who have experienced illness, injury, or disability by providing tailored strategies, tools, and therapeutic interventions to help them engage in everyday activities as independently and effectively as possible. OT4YOU focuses on enhancing functional outcomes and quality of life through evidence-based, client-centred occupational therapy services across a range of environments, including home, school, workplace, and community settings
After many tweaks, changes and revisions, by 2024 everyone felt that Star & Co was finally ready to launch into the world. The team wanted their products out there helping people, and hope that their care, attention and dedication shines through in each and every piece. The work hasn’t stopped behind the scenes, as the Star & Co range is set to grow and expand over time, continuously adding diversity and variation to the collection. Just keep watching this space.
I offer a unique blend of mentoring, education, therapy-informed programs, and lived experience. Every session is personalised, strength-based, and actually enjoyable—for both the child and their family.
Purposefully Made
Created by someone who understands the ADHD journey because it’s her story too.
Mel’s work is shaped by both lived experience and professional insight bringing a compassionate, real-world approach to ADHD.
Through storytelling, coaching, and speaking, she helps break down stigma and build skills that children can carry into everyday life.
At the heart of it all is a simple mission: that every child knows they are Wonderfully Made and deeply capable.