2026
NEURODIVERGENCE WELLBEING CONFERENCE

Dr Erin Bulluss is an Autistic clinical psychologist who feels strongly about honouring neurodiversity in the pursuit of wellbeing. She has a great deal of experience working in areas specific to Autistic clients, such as identifying and managing Autistic burnout, differentiating between Autistic burnout and depression, exploring client experiences of masking/camouflaging, and exploration of Autistic identity and culture, particularly following late-identification of autism. Erin now disseminates this clinical knowledge by providing supervision and consultancy to mental health professionals interested in developing their skills in working with Autistic clients, including building cultural competence and humility. She has also presented her work at international conferences and been published in a range of publications, including peer reviewed journals.

Brendan Chippendale is an autistic psychotherapist, educator, and advocate with over 30 years’ experience supporting neurodivergent and LGBTIQA+ communities. He specialises in trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming therapy, with a focus on identity, self-advocacy, and mental health recovery. Brendan leads Affirming Access, a national initiative empowering autistic and LGBTIQA+SB young people through rights-based education and inclusive practice. His work blends lived experience with professional insight, centring client autonomy and cultural safety. Brendan also provides training for therapists, educators, and organisations on creating genuinely inclusive environments. He is passionate about amplifying community voices, challenging ableism, and building systems where neurodivergent people can thrive on their own terms.

Laurence is queer, neurodivergent, and has lived experience of an eating disorder. They obtained a Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Master of Philosophy in Gender Studies at the University of Adelaide. She is currently doing a PhD at the University of New South Wales. Laurence’s research interests include psychoneuroimmunology, sensory processing, eating disorders, neurodiversity, and mental health. In their spare time, Laurence enjoys writing poetry, roller-skating, and traveling.Laurence is a graduate of the Autism CRC Sylvia Rodger Academy (Research Program) and the Founder of Australia and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders’ (ANZAED) neurodiversity special interest group.

Annie Crowe is a neurodivergent advocacy coach, speaker, and consultant specialising in neuroinclusive leadership and accessibility. As the founder of NeuroAccess, she empowers autistic and ADHD adults to self-advocate and helps organisations create truly inclusive environments. A recognised thought leader in neurodiversity, she hosts the Princess and the Pea Podcast and runs the NeuroAccess Network, a safe online community for neurodivergent adults. With expertise in accessibility, disability rights, and workplace inclusion, she is dedicated to breaking down systemic barriers and fostering spaces where neurodivergent individuals can thrive.

Nathan Darvill is a proud Australian military veteran with 20 years of distinguished service, including operational deployments. Drawing on his resilience and leadership, he rose to become Founder and Director of Expressive Mind Therapy, a thriving allied health company delivering life-changing support across communities. Today, Nathan is a sought-after keynote speaker and senior program facilitator, sharing his expertise in mental health, neurodiversity, and resilience. His lived experience, professional insight, and passion for empowering others inspire audiences and organisations alike to create inclusive, high-performing environments where people thrive.

Working in the autism field for over 20 years and as winner of the inaugural APS Psychology Entrepreneur of the Year for 2021, Kathleen Davey has seen the changing face of psychological services over two decades and the rise of the neurodiversity movement in different pockets of the world. Kathleen is a Clinical Psychologist and CEO of Social Science Translated, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the not-for-profit AutismCRC. She is also the founder and director of Decipher Zone, a unique forensic-clinical psychological practice supporting the intersection between autism and the law. With years of experience growing the international distribution of the evidence-based Secret Agent Society program, Kathleen enjoys working with educational and clinical teams to help them establish sustainable innovation in their organisations.

Dr Celia Falchi is a registered psychologist in Wellington, New Zealand, whose area of expertise is in tākiwātanga (autism) and aroreretini (ADHD). In 2021, she established Wellminded Psychological Services to provide comprehensive psychological services for the neurodivergent community. Her practice offers therapeutic services, diagnostic assessments, supervision, and consultancy with a focus on neurodiversity, advocacy for neurodivergent community needs, and professional development for mental health professionals and education providers.

Prior to founding her private practice, Dr Falchi set up and managed Kotahitanga Psychological Services, a charitable organization launched in 2016 that focused on similar client needs. Since 2020, Dr Falchi has been actively developing training resources and leading professional development workshops aimed at psychologists, intern psychologists, and teachers. She has shared her expertise through seminars, workshops, and presentations at conferences.

Dr Falchi also serves on the education committee for the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA), a role she has held for the last 18 months. Her professional insights are further enriched by her personal experience as an individual with ADHD and as a parent of two neurodivergent children, which deepens her understanding and advocacy for the neurodivergent community.

For over two decades, Jonathan has held pivotal roles in the small business, corporate, and government sectors, intimately understanding both the advantages and challenges of life with autism. Recognized as a leading authority in autism employment and a celebrated Australian keynote speaker, he’s triumphed over personal obstacles linked to autism, steering him to dedicate his life to the empowerment of the neurodiverse community in professional settings.

In 2019, he founded Self Plus Plus, spearheading a skilled team of support workers and coaches committed to enhancing the lives of autistic individuals. Under his guidance, numerous individuals have been equipped with the skills and self-assurance needed to flourish in their careers.

A passionate orator, Jonathan elucidates the intricacies of the neurodivergent mind, imparting strategies that have propelled many organizations to unprecedented success. Holding a Master’s in Information Technology in Business Informatics, his academic pursuits centered on harnessing IT for organizational gains, a principle he seamlessly integrates into the realm of neurodiversity today.

Monique is an Autistic and ADHD’er Clinical Psychologist and Co-Director of Divergent Futures training. She is a Board Approved Supervisor, has consulted on the National Autism Strategy and has co-authored ‘The Neurodivergence Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD’ (2024) by New Harbinger. Monique has an interest in Autism and ADHD particularly in women and girls, and co-occurring chronic pain/illness, and trauma. Monique also co-hosts The Neurodivergent Woman Podcast with Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr Michelle Livock which shares free clinical and lived experience information on Neurodivergence in Girls and Women for professionals, neurodivergent people and their loved ones. The podcast has over 2 million downloads and is in the top 1% of podcasts on Spotify.

Justine is a skilled strategic thinker and sleeves-rolled up leader with a passion for young people, education and innovation. She led the development of the Neurodiversity in Education Project, the Neurodiversity in Education Coalition and the Young Neurodiversity Champions from an earlier organisation, and has led or co-led the development of many other innovative organisations and projects including the 21C Skills Lab, TupuToa, Champions for Change, BrightSpots and the Starpath Project together with leading organisations such as NZ Global Women, Social Ventures Australia, the University of Auckland, the Knowledge Wave Trust and the NZ Institute.

Simon Rinne is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and the Founder of Mindful Men, a therapy service dedicated to supporting men’s mental health. With over 30 years of lived experience navigating co-occurring OCD, depression, and anxiety, Simon understands firsthand the challenges men face when it comes to seeking support. As a lived experience therapist, he blends personal insight with professional expertise to create a safe and relatable space for men to explore their mental health. Simon is passionate about helping men engage with therapy in authentic and meaningful ways, breaking the stigma and fostering real conversations about well-being.

Dr Gail Alvares is a senior researcher within CliniKids, The Kids Research Institute Australia) and The University of Western Australia. Her research focuses on improving mental health outcomes for children diagnosed with autism and their families. Her research program is embedded within CliniKids, The Kids' first clinical service for supporting children diagnosed with autism or other developmental delays and their families. She is also passionate about science communication and translating research outcomes into clinical practice.