Autism Champions is proud to support the upcoming Oxford Health BRC 2025 Neurodiversity Conference.

This conference is more than a meeting—it’s a movement toward a more inclusive, collaborative, and impactful approach to mental health research.

Drive Change in Research and Practice

Help shape a future where neurodivergent voices are central to research that directly affects them. Be part of discussions that could inform the development of a new neurodiversity-focused research theme within the NIHR Oxford Health BRC.

Build Interdisciplinary Bridges

Connect with people across academia, clinical practice, community organisations, and public engagement. Whether you're exploring co-occurring conditions or innovative interventions, you’ll find collaborative opportunities here.

Champion Neurodivergent Inclusion

Hear from neurodivergent speakers shaping the research agenda. Learn how their experiences are transforming mental health understanding and services across people’s lives.

EVENT NOW SOLD OUT!

What to Expect

Discussion

We’ll host a dynamic programme combining lived experience, cutting-edge research, and community engagement. The event features inspiring keynotes & panel discussions led by researchers, neurodivergent advocates, and clinical professionals.

Understanding

The conference features workshops & reflective sessions designed to foster shared learning, practical collaboration, and wellbeing. Our event prioritises a focus on lived experiences, with neurodivergent speakers integrated throughout every session.

Learning

Research Flash Talks from leading academics will explore adaptations to mental health interventions and neurodivergent-led research. There will also be plenty of networking opportunities to connect across disciplines—whether you’re an academic, practitioner, neurodivergent individual, parent, educator, or ally.

Meet the Speakers

Conference Schedule

  • Friday, September 19th

    TICKETS SOLD OUT
    09:30- 16:30

    9.30am - 10am Welcome and Registrations
    10am - 10.10am Welcome Keynote with Andreia Costa
    10.10am - 10.30am Opening Address with Prof. Rachel Upthegrove
    10.30am - 11.30am OH BRC Research Showcase Flashtalks: Adapting Mental Health Interventions to Support Neurodivergent Individuals Chaired by: Jonathan Totman
    11.30am - 11.45am BREAK: COFFEE & REFRESHMENTS
    11.45am - 12.45pm Panel Discussion: Lived Experience in Action: Neurodiversity and Research Chaired by: Prof. Catherine Harmer
    12.45pm - 1.45pm LUNCH BREAK & NETWORKING
    1.45pm - 2.40pm Flashtalks: Accessing Mental Health Support Pathways & Understanding Co-occurring Conditions Chaired by: Holly Haines
    2.40pm - 2.55pm BREAK: COFFEE & REFRESHMENTS
    2.55pm - 3.30pm Exploring Mental Health and Neurodiversity: A Mechanistic Approach Chaired by: Esther Teo
    3.30pm - 4.30pm Closing Discussion: Working Together: Researchers, Neurodivergent People, and Families in Mental Health Research Chaired by: Prof. Cathy Creswell

    Featured Speakers: Prof. Rachel Upthegrove, Alex Richardson, Dee Nic Sitric, Kerri Dempster, Kimberley Ashwin, Richard Liverman, Kay Louise Aldred, Dr. Jiedi Lei, Associate Prof. Polly Waite, Lucas Shelemy, Dr. Alex Lau-Zhu, Dr. Eloise Stark, Dr. Simona Skripkauskaite, Dr. Ray Percy, Dr. Cathy Manning, Dr. Rebecca Murphy, Associate Prof. Alexandra Hendry, Edoardo G. Ostinelli PhD, Prof. Ben Seymour, Dr. Eri Ichijo,  Dr. Angharad De Cates, Dr. James Stacey, and Prof. Cathy Creswell

  • Saturday, September 20th

    TICKETS SOLD OUT
    09:30- 16:30

    9.30am - 10am Welcome and Registrations
    10am - 10.10am Welcome Keynote with Andreia Costa
    10.10am - 10.30am Inspirational Keynote: The Role of Advocacy and Community Support in Mental Health for Neurodivergent Individuals with Leandra Hamblin
    10.30am - 11.15am Panel Discussion: Day One Debrief: Key Insights Chaired by: Kerri Dempster
    11.15am - 11.30am BREAK: COFFEE & REFRESHMENTS
    11.30am - 12.30pm Flashtalks: Neurodivergent Voices Shaping Mental Health Research Chaired by: Prof. Gaia Scerif
    12.30pm - 2.00pm LUNCH BREAK & GUIDED WALK Led by: Ian Straughair 2.00pm - 3.30pm Workshop: Demystifying the Research Process Chaired by: Diana Verley, Jasmine Blaine, Holly Haines, Lena Beckers
    3.30pm - 3.45pm BREAK: COFFEE & REFRESHMENTS
    3.45pm - 4.30pm Closing Discussion: Lived Experience in Research: Reflections, Impact, and Inspiration Chaired by: Prof. Cathy Creswell

    Featured Speakers: Leandra Hamblin, Dr. Jiedi Lei, Prof. Cathy Creswell, Jonathan Totman, Prof. Clare Mackay, Jamie Douglas, Susan Liverman, Dr. Dionysios Kyropoulos, Dee Nic Sitric, Andreia Costa, and Holly Haines