What does it truly take to support autistic girls and gender-diverse students? Understanding is only the first step. We believe meaningful action is what drives real change, especially in addressing the often hidden and overlooked needs of our ladybugs.
The 2025 Yellow Ladybugs Conference is your opportunity to learn from over 50 different perspectives, blending lived and professional expertise. You will gather authentic insights and practical tools to create safer, more inclusive spaces for our ladybugs.
This isn't just about learning. It is about addressing the unique and often misunderstood challenges faced by our community, and about driving authentic and meaningful change. Across three transformative days, you will explore deeply nuanced, neuro-affirming and trauma-informed strategies that can empower autistic girls and gender-diverse students to thrive at school, at home and in the world.
The conference is for anyone passionate about creating safer, more inclusive environments for our ladybugs:
The 2025 Yellow Ladybugs Conference offers three transformative days of online interactive content, including expert panels, in-depth presentations, and immersive spaces designed with our community’s unique needs in mind.
Day 1: Building Foundations
Learn strategies for creating inclusive
classrooms, supporting anxiety responses, and fostering sensory inclusion. Discover
tools for parents and carers to manage stress and avoid burnout.
Day 2: Deep Dives into Hidden Needs
Explore topics like interoception,
monotropism, family dynamics, and identifying high-masking autistic students. Hear from
experts blending lived and professional perspectives on these often-overlooked
challenges.
Day 3: Relational Safety and Empowerment
Gain insights into masking,
people-pleasing, and microtraumas. Celebrate sensory joy and special interests as
protective factors, and learn how to support students with Pathological Demand Avoidance
(PDA).
What sets this conference apart is its interactive format. The purpose-built virtual platform replicates the energy of a live event, with a virtual stage, resource booth, sensory room, and more. For Hybrid (in-person) attendees on Day 3, enjoy catered lunch, gift bags, sensory-friendly networking, and access to exhibitors.
The conference runs from 3 to 5 June 2025, offering flexibility and accessibility to suit your needs.
Online: Watch live from anywhere in the world, whether from the comfort of your home or office, and enjoy the flexibility of accessing recordings OnDemand for 90 days at your own pace.
Hybrid: Join us for Day 3 at Hyatt Place, Essendon Fields, Melbourne, on 5 June 2025, for a sensory-friendly, neuro-affirming Hybrid (in-person) experience featuring catered lunch, networking, and exhibitors.
Janine, Occupational Therapist
"Let’s
just say I have attended MANY conferences over the years, and none have had such an impact on me. I
have laughed, cried, and been angry at how people have treated neurodivergent people. I feel so
connected with your community, and I thank you for what you are doing."
Imelda, Paediatric Occupational Therapist
"This
was my second year of participating in the conference. I have really enjoyed both years and found
the content very helpful. The conference has given me a greater understanding of how I can support
my daughter and my clients in a more compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming way."
Dave, Teacher with 38 Years of Experience
"I
attended the recent Yellow Ladybugs conference, and it was absolutely brilliant. One of the best
professional learning experiences of my career. Thank you for the amazing work you do—I now
feel equipped to better support my autistic students and advocate for change in my school."
Rachael, Speech Pathologist
"The conference was
the best professional learning I have ever attended. It has really invigorated me to advocate for
our autistic students, including my own daughter. The information has been so helpful in educating
my team, and we are all hoping to attend next year!"
Parent of a Recently Diagnosed
Teen
"We just got a diagnosis for my 14-year-old daughter, and attending the
conference has been life-changing. I’m learning so much to understand her better and support
her in ways that truly matter. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
We can't wait to see you there.