Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy Conference Australia (NATCA) & LOAPAC Expo 2026

The Power of Community in Social Change

The Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy Conference Australia & LOAPAC Expo is back in 2026 after launching in 2025 with its first inaugural event, hosted at the Hyatt Place Event Centre in Melbourne and online. We had over 300 attendees from around the globe enjoy us in person or online for an amazing two days of learning and connection and we are so excited to connect with you all again for 2026.

This conference brings you world leading experts in the field of Neurodiversity Affirming Practice 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 Speakers for 2026:

• Professor Nick Walker (USA - Virtual - he/him) - What We Affirm - Clarifying the Values and Premises of Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy

• Associate Professor Monique Botha (UK - they/them) - Reclaiming Humanity: Identity, State-based Violence and Neurodivergent Resistance

• Khadija Gbla (they/them) - Community Care as Therapy Across the Intersections

• Sonny Jane Wise (they/them) - Pathology or Protection: Depathologising BPD & NPD through the Neurodiversity Affirming Lens