Confirmed Speakers For The Autistic Mental Health Conference
All Those So Far With More To Come
The NeuroHub Mental Health Conference is rooted in our core belief that neurodivergent voices should lead the conversation about neurodivergent lives. Shaped by our ethos, the conference centres lived experience, alongside research and education created by neurodivergent individuals themselves—not framed solely through external observation. We move beyond deficit-based, pathology-driven narratives and instead champion the neurodivergent paradigm: one that recognises difference, celebrates creativity, and honours the depth, insight, and potential of those who experience the world in uniquely powerful ways.
Who is this conference for?
Neurodivergent individuals – Diagnosed and Self Identified and those who are unsure are welcome
Parents and families
Professionals and practitioners
Educators and support workers
Advocates and allies
What to expect from the conference
Across three inspiring days, the NeuroHub Mental Health Conference explores the theme “Ecosystemic Causes of Mental Health Issues”—examining how environments, systems, and societal structures shape neurodivergent wellbeing.
From Friday 14th to Sunday 16th August (10am–6pm BST), you’ll experience a rich and varied programme of 40-minute talks, 15-minute lightning sessions, and pre-recorded contributions from both experts and lived-experience speakers. Each session is designed to deepen understanding, challenge traditional narratives, and offer meaningful, practical insight.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn from neurodivergent-led research and perspectives, connect with a supportive community of peers, professionals, and allies, and gain practical strategies you can apply in everyday life or professional practice.
The conference is fully hybrid and accessible, with online access available for all three days—so you can join from anywhere in the world. Day two (Saturday 15th August) also offers an optional in-person experience in Coldean, Brighton & Hove, UK, where attendees can enjoy additional elements including stalls, food, and entertainment alongside the live sessions.
All talks will be recorded and made available to ticket holders, so you can revisit sessions or catch up in your own time.
https://neurohubcommunity.org/2026-autistic-mental-health-conference/














Speaker Line Up
Friday 14th August
Friday August 14th 12:05pm – 12:20pm
Sarah Meharg
‘Self advocating for reasonable adjustments’
Friday 14th August 1:50pm – 2:30pm
Lawrence Kampf
‘Grounding: Embodiment and Regeneration for the Neuro-complex – an experience’
Friday August 14th 3:30pm – 4:40pm
David Gray-Hammond & Tanya Adkin
‘The Ecosystemic Model Of Distress: An ecological approach to Autistic and monotropic wellbeing’
Friday 14th August 5:00pm -5:40pm
Dr. Nick Walker
‘Unorthodox Approaches to the Cultivation of Autistic Psychological Resilience’
Saturday 15th August
Saturday August 15th 10:20am -11:00 am
Dr. Nathan Keates
‘Power and Meaning: Autistic Mental Distress’
Saturday August 15th 11:10am -11:50am
Ed Shearer
‘Being Pushed from Pillar to Post’
Saturday August 15th 12:05pm – 12:20pm
Nic James
‘The Sensory Scrum: Navigating the Microclimate of the Rugby Pitch as an Autistic Referee’
Saturday August 15th 1:10pm – 1:50pm
Jessica Dark
Saturday August 15th 2:00pm – 2:40pm
Karen Parker
Saturday August 15th 3:00pm – 3:40pm
Nikki Smith
‘Platforming autistic voices in research’
Saturday August 15th 3:50pm – 4:30pm
Ava McAuley
‘Survival on the Surface: Understanding Masking, Misunderstandings and Mental Health in Autism’
Saturday August 15th 5:00pm – 5:40pm
Erin Ekins
‘Under The Double Rainbow: Growing up Queerly Autistic and Proud’
Sunday 16th August
Sunday August 16th 2:45pm – 3:25pm
Stacy Badon
‘Parallel Neurotypes: Navigating Co-Regulation in Neurodivergent Families’
Sunday August 16th 3:30pm – 4:10pm
Amber Dawn
‘The Breadth of Breaking Bread; Supporting Neurodivergent Relationships with Food Intake and Sharing A Meal’
To purchase your ticket, click the link below!


