Finding Belonging at the Neurodivergent Wellness Conference

Walking into the Neurodivergent Wellness Conference on the Gold Coast felt like stepping into something rare and precious. Everywhere I looked, there were autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent people—gathered not to “fix” or be “managed,” but to celebrate, connect, and share wisdom. The energy in the room was warm, vibrant, and alive.

What stood out most was the diversity. It was wonderful to see so many women, gender diverse, and queer people not only attending, but leading conversations and shaping the space. That kind of representation matters. It created a sense of safety and belonging that you could feel in every session and every casual chat in the hallways.

The speakers were inspiring—open, honest, and deeply affirming. Each talk offered a reminder of our shared strengths and challenges, and how powerful it is when we lift each other up. And just as important were the conversations in between sessions: meeting delegates, hearing their stories, and realising how much community there is when we come together.

By the end, I felt both grounded and energised. The conference wasn’t just an event—it was a safe space where neurodivergent people could show up as ourselves, without apology, and know we were seen and valued. That’s something I’ll carry with me for a long time.

At Affirming Access, we’re committed to building more of these safe, inclusive spaces—where neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+SB people are celebrated, heard, and empowered. This conference was a beautiful reminder of why that work matters so deeply.