Four global experts in Autism will be among more than 200 presenters when one of the world’s largest autism conferences hits Perth next month.
More than 1400 attendees from 30 countries have already registered to attend the Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC 2025) hosted by the Autism Association of Western Australia from 13-15 November this year.
Attendees will hear from thinkers, researchers, educators, clinicians, policymakers and leaders.
CEO of the Autism Association of Western Australia, Joan McKenna Kerr AM, said she hoped APAC 2025 will help shift perceptions, foster inclusivity and empower better outcomes for those with autism.
“This is about creating space for diverse perspectives, sharing new research, challenging assumptions, and ensuring Autistic voices are heard,” McKenna Kerr said.
“It is an extraordinary opportunity to come together across cultures, professions, and experiences to learn and shape the future we want to see.”
Keynote speakers
Keynote speakers will include Professor of Special Education at New York’s Adelphi University, Professor Stephen Shore.
Nonverbal until age four, Professor Shore was once recommended for institutional care. With strong support from his family, teachers and others, he became one of the world’s most respected voices in autism education, advocacy, and inclusive practice.
His keynote, ‘The 4 As of Autism’, focuses on how embracing autistic strengths fosters more inclusive and empowering outcomes.
“We are at the frontier of shifting the paradigm from deficit to abilities-based supports for autistic individuals,” Professor Shore said.
“Instead of attempting to make the autistic person a poor imitation of a non-autistic individual, the focus now changes towards supports empowering them to be the best autistic person they can be with their autistic characteristics. I hope attendees take away that the potential of autistic people is unlimited – just like for everyone else.”
Keynote speakers will also be presenting on autism’s biological foundations, support for individuals with profound autism, and autism across the lifespan. The full program can be viewed at apac25.org/.