About
Why Neurodevelopmental Disorders*?
The Australian Conference on Neurodevelopmental Disorders* covers the group of conditions with onset in the developmental period, typically manifesting early in development before a child enters school. The range of developmental impacts varies from very specific limitations of learning or control of executive functions to global impairments of social skills or intelligence. These disorders frequently co-occur; for example individuals with autism spectrum disorder often receive a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder. Issues with sleep, eating and anxiety can also be common.
*Usage of the term Disorders for our conference is intended to align with current DSM-5-TR terminology. The approach of our conference is to highlight "Differences" in neurodevelopment.
What to expect?
- Increased understanding of key aspects of neurodevelopmental disorders
- Exchange of ideas and perspectives
- Networking opportunities with peers and others with professional and personal experience
- Learn about a wide range of interventions and supports to enhance outcomes
- Understand the commonly occurring issues across a range of diagnoses
The conference program will be organised into three streams:
Stream 1: Neurodivergent Life (Neurodivergent Families/ Neurodivergent Adults) - theme-based material designed to enhance capacity.
Stream 2: Learning and neurodevelopmental disorders* (Education professionals - teachers, professional support personnel, school nurses and support teachers) – theme-based material designed to upskill professionals, improving practice for enhanced outcomes.
Stream 3: Engagement with/Approaches for Neurodevelopmental Disorders* (Medical professionals - CAMHS teams, allied health practitioners, clinicians, and researchers / Social Care professionals - community service providers, and NDIS providers.) – theme-based material designed to upskill professionals, improving practice for enhanced outcomes.
Keynotes and Plenary sessions are for all streams while concurrent sessions are provided for each stream.
Neurodivergent Life registrations have access to Keynotes/Plenaries and Stream 1 concurrents only.
Porfessional registration provides access to all sessions.
Meet Our Organising Committee:
Dorothy Roberts, B Ed., M Ed. (Founding Chair)
Dorothy has over 20 years’ experience in Early Childhood Education, as a teacher, regional facilitator of numeracy and literacy, and school leader. She has conducted professional development across Tasmania and in Victoria. As a mother of two sons, one diagnosed with ASD, ADHD and ODD, she brings a perspective as a parent and an educator to the table.
Tara Baillie (Founding member)
Tara is the founder of ADHD Support Groups and a trained counsellor. She is a mother of two boys who is on a mission to connect families living with ADHD, providing a safe space to interact, share experiences, worries and strategies to use in everyday life. She is passionate about creating a community of acceptance, understanding and inclusion for all.
Lindsay Smith, PhD, RN (Founding member)
Lindsay is a Lecturer in the School of Nursing at the University of Tasmania, Australia. He is an elected Board member of the International Family Nursing Association (IFNA) with the vision of nurses transforming health for families worldwide. Lindsay links his policy work with his nurse educator role and was the inaugural ARACY State Convenor—Tasmania. Lindsay believes family strengths are a key to resilience and family wellbeing.
Danielle Le Rossignol BSpPath (1st Class Hons), MClinEd, BA (Prof. Hons.) (Public Sector Leadership and Management),CF (Founding member)
Danielle is a qualified speech and language pathologist with a Master of Clinical Education degree, and a Churchill Fellow. Currently, she works as the Manager of Professional Support Staff for the Department of Education, Tasmania. Danielle believes that communication is a basic human right and is passionate about giving children a voice.
Charl Fourie (M.A.) Psych (MAPS) (Founding member)
Charl is a clinical psychologist and director of Windsor Allied Health Practice, working in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. Charl is a father of twins who brings compassion and understanding to his work. He has experience in both the government and private sector and has presented at University and Conferences in Australia and Internationally.
Lisa Van Zetten, B Dis Dev Ed (2024 appointment)
Lisa is a behaviour therapist and NDIS behaviour support practitioner working in private practice at Windsor Allied Health who loves working in the neurodevelopmental field. Her interests are ASD, ADHD and Sensory Processing. Lisa works to help her clients and their families better understand behaviours and sensory needs, implementing strategies to improve daily living. Lisa is passionate about ACND as an outlet for educating professionals and families alike and has been a committed volunteer for the past 4 years.