The Largest Asia Pacific Autism Conference to Date Brings Global Inspiration to Perth
From the 13th to the 15th of November 2025 at Crown Perth, the Autism Association of WA proudly hosted what is now the largest Asia Pacific Autism Conference ever held!
Creating and Inspiring the Future Together
This November, we welcomed more than 1,500 people from over 30 countries to Perth with a shared purpose: to work together to build a more connected, affirming, and equitable future for Autistic people, their families, and communities.
The last time the Autism Association of Western Australia hosted the Asia Pacific Autism Conference was in 2011. Hosting for the first time in 14 years, and the first time in six years since COVID, our aim was to deliver a Conference that provided attendees with an unforgettable learning experience and left them feeling inspired and connected to a global network.
Watch the video to see the Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC 2025) in action.
Diverse Minds Choir
At the start of 2025, a group of singing enthusiasts came together to form the Diverse Minds Choir. The choir meets weekly throughout the year to rehearse, welcoming singers of all abilities and ages. It offers Autistic and other neurodiverse individuals a safe place and supportive community to enjoy singing and music.
We were honoured to welcome Diverse Minds Choir to perform during APAC 2025. Congratulations to the singers and everyone involved in this wonderful performance.
The Asia Pacific Autism Awards
During the APAC 2025 Gala Dinner, we were delighted to host the Asia Pacific Autism Awards.
The awards are held to acknowledge a select group of people who have made a significant contribution in the field of Autism.
By receiving this recognition, these individuals joined a prestigious list of past recipients of the Asia Pacific Autism Awards for their outstanding work and service to Autistic people and their families.
The 2025 Asia Pacific Autism Awards were presented to:
- Dr Gauri Divan
- Susan Rosendorff
- Dr Adam Brett
- Forum Peduli Autisme Jawa Timur
Congratulations to all recipients for their impactful efforts.
Speakers From Around the Globe
The APAC 2025 program featured more than 200 presentations across four conference themes – Children, Adolescents and Education; Individual, Family and Community Leadership; Adults, Quality of Life, Employment and Community Living; and Health, Wellbeing and Complex Needs – designed to offer delegates invaluable insights from a diverse lineup of international speakers, including those with lived experience.
The presentations showcased the latest findings, innovative practices, and impactful approaches in the field of Autism to our international audience of educators, medical professionals, academics, allied health professionals, government policy makers, NGOs, Autistic individuals and families.
Among the presenters were our internationally-recognised Keynote Speakers:
- Professor David Amaral (USA)
- Professor Francesca Happé (UK)
- Professor Stephen Shore (USA)
- Professor Matthew Siegel (USA)
We were also delighted to have 10 staff from the Autism Association present throughout the Conference on topics including goal setting, enhancing communication and decision-making, mealtime management, improving positive behaviour supports, creating inclusion through sport and more.
APAC 2025 in Pictures
APAC 2025 created a space for diverse perspectives, sharing new research, challenging assumptions, and ensuring Autistic voices are heard. Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, or otherwise contributed to make the Conference such a success.
