AADPA 9th Annual Conference (2)
Past Conferences

Highlights from AADPA 9th Annual Conference

Whether you joined us in Melbourne or online, thank you for your curiosity, your willingness to share ideas and experiences, and for helping create such a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere.

Held in Melbourne and online from 25–26 July 2026, with Pre-Conference Workshops on 24 July 2026, AADPA’s 9th Annual Conference brought together more than 800 clinicians, researchers, educators, advocates and lived experience experts from Australia and around the world.

Our largest Annual Conference to date reflected the rapid evolution of ADHD research, clinical practice and advocacy. Across two inspiring days, delegates explored the latest evidence, practical clinical strategies and multidisciplinary approaches to improving outcomes for people with ADHD across the lifespan.

This year’s theme, Embracing Change For Every Mind, recognised that meaningful progress requires more than new research—it demands thoughtful clinical innovation, collaboration and a continued commitment to evidence-based, person-centred care.

The conversations, connections and shared learning throughout the conference demonstrated the strength and passion of the ADHD community working together to create lasting change. Relive the atmosphere and highlights below.

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Three people pose in front of a large conference banner that reads '9th Annual Conference Embracing Change for Everyone' with the AADPA logo (Melbourne, 2026).
Two smiling women with conference badges posing in front of a colorful backdrop.
Group of about 20 adults posing for a photo in a conference setting, badges visible, colorful mural in the background.
Two attendees pose beside a colorful banner for the 9th Annual Conference Embracing Change for Everyone, Melbourne 2026.
Smiling woman in a black jacket and white sneakers stands beside a large poster about ADHD-related diet and pain in Australian adults.
Two conference speakers pose on a stage in front of a bright screen; a woman in a rust blazer and beige pants beside an older man in a green jacket and khaki pants, both wearing badges.
Two presenters stand beside a research poster titled 'Puberty and Emotional Reactivity in Female Adolescents With and Without ADHD'.
Person standing beside a large poster titled 'Getting the Whole Picture' about ADHD, IVF, pregnancy, and the perinatal period in a bright indoor space.
Female speaker at a podium on stage, holding a microphone with aadpa signage in the background.
Four people pose in front of a colorful conference backdrop with the words 'Annual Conference Embracing Change for Everyone 2026' and the aadpa logo.
Conference scene with two presenters on stage and large screens displaying slides and portraits, as audience listens from tablet- and laptop-filled tables.
Group of three adults posing for a photo at an event, all wearing lanyard badges; woman in green patterned top on the left, man in the middle, woman in white blouse on the right.
Two people pose in front of a colorful conference backdrop advertising the 9th Annual Conference: Embracing Change for Everyone, Melbourne 2026.
Speaker presenting on a stage at a conference to an attentive audience seated at long tables with water glasses and notepads in a large, well-lit hall.
Two women smiling and posing together at an indoor event, one in a red sweater with a lanyard badge and the other in a leopard print coat with a colorful dress and yellow hat.
Three women pose for a photo in front of a colorful conference backdrop reading '9th Annual ... Embrace Change for Ev... 2026 Melbourne 24-26 July' and aaadpa logo above.
Woman speaking at a podium on a stage during a conference, with seated audience in front.
Conference hall with a speaker at a podium giving a 'Discussion' presentation to a seated audience, with two large screens behind.
Speaker at a podium delivering a presentation on a stage with a large slide projected behind, Monash University logo visible, and striped chairs on the floor.
Three women posing and smiling at a conference, wearing lanyards and name badges in a bright indoor venue.
Two women with lanyards stand in front of a colorful conference banner reading '9th Annual Conference Embracing Change for Everyone' in Melbourne 2026.
Three women stand together, smiling at the camera in a spacious indoor venue, each with a bag or jacket and wearing event badges.
Two presenters stand on a stage smiling, with a large screen behind them and a striped couch to the left.
Two adults stand beside colorful posters at a conference, smiling for the camera in front of poster boards 46 and 47 and lanyards visible.
Three women chatting in a conference hallway near poster boards; one wearing a pink sweater smiles, others hold coats and bags.
Young woman in a plaid blazer and pink sweater stands beside a large blue research poster at a conference, wearing a name badge and smiling.
Smiling woman in a black blazer stands beside a large blue research poster labeled 30 at a conference.
Two women stand beside scientific posters at a conference, smiling for the camera in front of poster boards 26 and 27.
Two women in professional attire read a series of scientific posters displayed on black partition boards at a conference poster session.
Woman posing in front of a colorful conference backdrop that reads '9th Annual Conference Embracing Change for Everyone' in Melbourne, 24–26 July.
Woman in a bright green blouse stands beside a conference poster titled 'Monkey See, Monkey Do?' in a bright indoor atrium.
People reading scientific poster boards in a conference hallway.
Two women chat at an event near a snack table; one in a red sweater with a lanyard, the other in a leopard-print coat and yellow hat.
Two conference attendees smiling at the camera, wearing name badges, in a busy event hall with booths in the background.
Two women in business attire pose together at a conference, smiling for the camera with name badges visible.
Three professionals pose behind a table at a medical conference booth with Novartis branding and a colorful abstract backdrop.
Three men pose for a photo in a hotel conference lobby, all wearing event badges and smiling at the camera.
Two conference attendees pose for a photo, both smiling and wearing name badges at a busy event venue.
Woman at a podium presenting to an audience while a man in a suit stands nearby; a slide with portraits and a QR code is projected behind them.
Two professionals stand behind a booth with NovoNote and NovoPsych banners at a conference, smiling at the camera.
Staff member in a blazer chats with attendees at a mental health expo booth, All Psychiatry banner in the background, table with brochures and badges nearby.
Woman in a suit giving a talk at a conference podium with a large presentation slide behind her.
Four men wearing conference badges pose together and smile in a lobby area, suggesting a networking event.
Two men at a conference booth conversing, with a NovoPsych banner showing psychometric tools in the background and a table with papers in the foreground.
Two smiling presenters stand behind a MedX Finance booth at a conference expo hall, with banners in blue and black nearby.
Two professional women in suits pose and smile at a networking event with a table of brochures in the foreground.
People line up at a long buffet table in a conference hall, plates in hand, waiting for food.
Two smiling attendees stand side by side at a conference entrance, wearing event badges and casual business attire.
Young woman in a black top and cream wide-leg pants stands beside a large research poster at a conference, smiling at the camera with a lanyard and badge.
Three adults converse in a hotel lobby: a man in a suit, a smiling man with a hat holding a brochure and drink, and a woman in a colorful sweater holding a phone.
Speaker presenting a lecture on stage to a large audience in a conference hall with projected slides on the left side of the room.
Speaker in a pink jacket addresses a large conference audience from a stage in a modern, decorative hall with patterned ceiling panels.
Woman in a dark denim jacket sits at a conference table, listening attentively to a speaker.
Large conference hall with hundreds of attendees seated in rows, watching a presentation.
Woman in a black blazer speaks on stage to an audience, while a man with hands behind his back stands nearby.
Older man with glasses giving a talk on a dark stage, wearing a navy sweater and gray pants, gesturing with his hand.
Woman speaker on stage, raising one finger while holding a remote, wearing a patterned dress and dark blazer.
Woman in a red blouse holds a smartphone at a conference table, others listening in the background.
Woman presenter on stage wearing a blazer, speaking with hands clasped and a badge visible. Behind her is a large screen with text, to the left of the image.
Group of attendees clapping at a conference, foregrounded by a woman in a dark blazer. (informative)
Panel discussion: four people seated on striped chairs on a stage, one woman speaking while others listen, with glasses and water pitchers on a table in front of them.
Woman speaker at a podium with aadpa logo, presenting at a conference.
Female presenter at a conference podium, addressing an audience; a large screen shows a QR code to the left of the stage.
Female speaker at a podium presenting at a conference, aadpa branding on the lectern and colorful banner beneath it, audience in foreground.
Woman in a pink top taking a photo with a compact camera at a crowded event by the tables in the foreground.
Woman standing at a lectern on stage, delivering a talk with hands raised and a microphone nearby
Man in a tan blazer speaks into a handheld microphone on a stage, papers in hand, at a lectern with a blue and yellow sign.
Smiling woman with gray hair in a brown sweater and conference badge sits at a round table, with other attendees behind her.
Audience at a conference or formal event; foreground features an older woman with white hair, red glasses, and red blouse at a table, listening attentively
Asian man in a black shirt gazes upward at a conference table with water glasses and a pitcher in the foreground
Woman in a dark blue blouse speaks into a microphone at a podium during a conference, with a banner on the front of the podium and glasses on a nearby table.
Group of professionals seated at a long conference table, listening intently during a presentation.
Woman wearing a hijab speaks into a microphone at a round table during a conference, surrounded by attentive attendees.
Woman in a black hoodie sits at a round table during a meeting, looking upward with a thoughtful expression.
Female speaker at a lectern with a colorful aadpa conference banner, delivering a talk.
Woman in a beige blazer smiles as she speaks at a conference podium with an aadpa banner nearby.
Man standing with a microphone speaks to an attentive audience at a conference room event.
Audience of diverse adults seated at round tables, attentively listening to a presentation at a conference.
Woman speaks at a podium on stage with a microphone and a banner reading 'aadpa' at a conference.
Woman speaking at a podium with a banner that reads Embracing Change for Every Mind at a conference stage (aadpa logo visible)
Speaker presenting on a stage to a seated conference audience with two large projection screens nearby
Female speaker standing at a podium with a colorful conference banner, presenting at the 9th Annual AADPA Conference in Melbourne 2026.
Audience seated at a conference or seminar, a smiling woman wearing glasses rests her chin on her hand at the foreground table.
Speaker in pink hoodie at podium giving a presentation to a conference audience with large slides on screen behind him.
Speaker in a pink sweater presenting at a podium on stage, gesturing with her hands.
Audience at a conference: a man in a suit raises his phone to take a photo, others seated and watching ahead.
Two conference speakers stand at a colorful podium, presenting at a conference banner that reads 'Embracing Change for Every Mind'.
Woman in a colorful floral top sits among conference attendees, listening attentively to a speaker.
Man in a blue-gray shirt holds up a smartphone to photograph the event while jotting notes at a conference table.
Older man in a suit giving a presentation at a conference podium with a colorful banner and 'aadpa' logo.
Speaker at a podium delivering a conference talk with a large slide projected behind him.
Two men sit at a conference table listening attentively, with notebooks, water glasses, and a laptop nearby.
Woman speaker at a podium during a conference, wearing a colorful patterned blouse and blue earrings, with 'aadpa' branding on the lectern.
Young woman speaking at a podium during a conference, wearing glasses and a green traditional-style top with a beige cardigan.
Conference stage with a speaker at a podium presenting a 'Medication' slide showing charts to a crowded audience at a conference hall.
Older woman sitting in an auditorium, wearing a patterned shawl over a red top, with glasses hanging from her neck and a notebook on her lap.
Audience seated in rows at a conference, watching a presentation in a large hall with cameras in the back.
Group of professionals seated at a conference table, some talking and others looking at devices, with coffee cups and papers in view.
Speaker at a podium giving a presentation to an audience seated at long conference tables in a decorated hall.
Audience seated at long tables in a conference hall, listening to a presentation
Audience at a conference clapping and smiling, with laptops and water bottles on the table.
Female speaker at a podium delivering a talk; banner on the lectern reads '9th Annual Conference Embracing Change for Every Mind' Melbourne 2026.
Older man in a dark suit sits in a conference hall, arms crossed and listening attentively.
Two smiling adults posing together at a conference, man in striped shirt with glasses on a lanyard and a badge, woman in dark blue top and orange skirt.
Three event attendees pose for a photo in a conference hall, smiling and wearing lanyards.
Four professionals posing for a group photo at a conference, each wearing name badges in a bustling indoor venue.
Three women with name badges posing and smiling at a conference expo, holding coffee cups.
Two smiling women posing together in a hotel lobby, one in a pink jumpsuit and the other in black with a red dress.
Crowded hotel lobby or reception area with a long serving table and stacks of plates, people mingling under decorative ceiling lights.
Two smiling women at a conference, each holding a plate of snacks, standing in a crowded exhibition hall.
Young staff member behind a red table with brochures, smiling as she helps a visitor.
Two women stand at a high cocktail table with coffee cups, smiling at the camera at a conference venue.
Two women stand at a high, white table chatting at a networking event, with expo booths and banners in the background.
Busy conference foyer with attendees mingling, many chatting and holding cups of coffee or plates of snacks.
Two women smiling at a conference break, each holding a beverage and wearing name badges, with a buffet area in the background.
Two women chat at a tall white table during a networking event, with others mingling in the background.
Two women converse at a conference expo with display booths in the background, one holding a cup and saucer.
Two professionals converse at a conference, with exhibition booths in the background. (informative)
Two men converse at a conference, one in a gray sweater facing the other in a black shirt holding a plate and napkin, with attendees mingling in the background.
Four people converse around a round table at a conference event, with water glasses, a pitcher, and a notebook on the table.
Group of professionals seated around a round table in a conference room, discussing and taking notes.
Four women sit around a conference table reviewing documents, with water pitchers and recording equipment in the background.
Conference room full of attendees listening to a presenter at a podium with two large screens showing speaker bios and photos behind them; ceiling decor above the stage.
Speaker on stage addressing attendees at a formal conference room with round tables.
Two smiling representatives sit at a GoldMind Academy booth with banners about ADHD coaching diplomas, at a conference table under blue artwork.
Three women attending a conference posing for a photo in a hallway, wearing badges and smiling at the camera.
Two adults stand indoors at a conference, smiling while holding cups and wearing name badges.
Woman with curly hair in a light blue suit sits on a green armchair on a stage, smiling, with a small table of flowers and a glass of water beside her.
Two smiling women hold glasses at a networking event, standing by a refreshment table with a red cloth in a bright indoor venue.
Man in a dark blazer browses brochures at a red-covered information table as staff talk nearby in an expo booth.
Smiling woman with glasses sits behind a conference table of blue and green brochures against a floral-patterned curtain backdrop.
A man sits behind a long black-draped registration table with two laptops, flanked by purple aadpa banner on the right and flower arrangements on both ends.
Two smiling women at a conference or event, wearing name badges on lanyards and standing indoors with a warm background.
Two men talk at a conference booth; a presenter in a suit stands behind a table with MedX banners in the background.
Vendor at a trade show booth assists attendees with product samples on a display table, including a mannequin head in the foreground.
Store clerk with glasses behind a counter, assisting two customers with colorful boxed products on display.
Two presenters talk with visitors at a conference booth with a blue tablecloth and tall informational banners in the background.
Two vendor staff behind a booth displaying keychains, magnets, and desk accessories while a customer in a beige coat browses a product display.
Two vendors behind a bead and jewelry-making supply stall smile at a customer browsing the display.
Exhibitor at a conference booth greets a guest with a teal floral shawl, a banner advertising ADHD coaching diplomas behind them, and a bowl of candies on the table.
Two women at a conference booth examining a laptop, with NovoPsych and ADHD Australia banners in the background.
A woman demonstrates a tablet at a conference booth while a visitor looks on near banners for NovoNote and NovoPsych accessories.
Man in a navy suit with glasses stands beside a MedX Finance banner at a conference, smiling.
Man presenting at a Goldmind booth about ADHD coaching as a visitor listens nearby in a conference hall.
Row of exhibition booths along a carpeted hallway; a smiling woman sits at a black-draped table in the foreground.
Two women standing side by side smiling at a conference reception, both wearing lanyards with name badges in a modern venue.
Three smiling women posing together at an event in a modern lobby, each wearing an event badge around the necks.
Woman stands behind a black table at a conference booth with colorful Ritalin (methylphenidate) posters by Novartis in the background.
Two women chat at an event booth; a table with brochures and candy sits between them, with colorful banners in the background.
Man standing behind a GoldMind Academy booth table at a conference, flanked by banners advertising the ADHD Specialist Coaching Diploma and coaching program.
Woman standing behind a conference booth with NovoNote and NovoPsych banners and a table of promotional materials in front of her, smiling at the camera.
Two women sit behind a conference booth with Aspen Australia branding on a blue tablecloth and brochures laid out on the table.
Booth with Kaiko branding displaying a variety of accessories and demos, two staff behind the table in a bright showroom.
A booth at a conference with a woman seated behind a blue table distributing brochures to a standing visitor.
Woman standing at an exhibition booth for Voguily and LINK, with brochures on a table and a large product banner behind her.
Center-aligned brochure titled 'Become an ADHD-specialist coach' in a clear acrylic holder on a round black table, with bowls of candy on the left and dark objects in a bowl on the right.
Promotional banner reading 'Become an ADHD Coach' in a waiting room with a teal wall, couch, and posters on the wall.
Cozy lounge area with white and yellow bean bags, a teal paneled wall, and a round table with bottled drinks.
Wide hotel hallway with blue patterned carpet and a banner reading '9th Annual Conference Embracing Change for Everyone 2026' on the left as two people walk away in the distance.
Two event booth staff standing behind a red table with promotional brochures and a Takeda backdrop in the background.
A woman in a black coat and pink scarf browses conference badges laid out on a table in a lobby area behind registration desks.
Conference stage with a large colorful abstract backdrop and two green armchairs for a speaker, podium to the right, at a formal event. The screen reads “9th Annual Conference Embracing Change for Every Mind.”
Stage at a conference with a large screen displaying '9th Annual Conference Embracing Change For Every Mind' and a podium marked 'aadpa' on the left.
Panelists at a conference table: woman with a microphone smiling as she speaks, man beside her looking at his phone.
Two older adults sit on stage in striped chairs during a panel discussion, with a flower arrangement between them and a bright screen behind them.
Two professionals converse at a round-table in a conference room, gesturing as they talk.
Center: a woman with curly brown hair wearing a bright floral blouse, looking thoughtful at a conference table with blurred colleagues around her
Group of four coworkers around a round table engaged in a discussion during a meeting.
Man in a tan blazer seated with a laptop on his lap, conversing with a man in a checkered shirt in a conference setting.
Three people sit around a table in a meeting, the central woman in an orange top reading or reviewing documents while the others look on.
Three professionals sit at a round conference table in a meeting room, one resting his chin while another smiles and talks.
Three coworkers sit around a table in a conference room, discussing with papers and cups on the table.
Two women sit at a round table in a conference setting, engaged in a serious conversation with papers in front of them and beverages nearby.
Older man in a patterned short-sleeve shirt seated cross-legged on a stage, speaking at a conference with a large text-filled screen behind him.
Woman in a blazer and floral blouse sits on a striped armchair, speaking during a panel discussion on a stage with large text in the background.
Two women sit on striped armchairs on a stage, engaged in a panel discussion, with a vase of flowers and audience in the foreground.
Woman with glasses resting her chin on her hand at a conference table, others listening in the background.
Two panelists seated on stage in conversation, with a slide reading 'Persist towards goals' visible behind them and a small table with flowers nearby.
Panel discussion on stage with three speakers seated in striped chairs, one woman speaking while others listen; large presentation screen behind shows diagrams and the AAD branding.
Woman raises her hand to speak during a meeting, seated with two other attendees in a conference room with striped chairs.
Woman with curly gray hair in a blue cardigan taking notes at a round-table conference event, focusing intently on the speaker.
Three panelists sit on a stage during a conference, with a large screen behind them and an audience in the foreground.
Two women sit on stage in striped chairs, talking at a conference, with a small table and a bouquet between them.
A woman with curly hair sits in a green armchair on stage during a conference, addressing an attentive audience with a projected slide nearby.
Speaker seated in a green chair on stage at a conference, with a tall colorful banner to the right.
Speaker seated on stage left addressing an audience as a large slide titled 'Divergent Futures' is projected on screen
Group of diverse adults seated around a round table at a conference, listening attentively.
Conference attendees seated at round tables in a ballroom, listening to a presentation.
Woman with dark hair tied back sits at a conference table, wearing a teal paisley scarf and gray cardigan, looking to her left.
Woman with curly hair in a blue suit sits in a teal armchair on stage during a panel discussion, with the audience visible in the foreground.
Female presenter stands at a podium on a stage, with a large screen behind reading 'THE ADHD + AUTISM NEXUS' and abstract colors.
Speaker at a podium delivering a talk at a conference with a colorful banner reading '9th Annual Conference Embracing Change for Every Mind' (Melbourne 2026).
Three men sit around a round table at a conference, talking and listening, with drinks and a carafe on the white-tablecloth table in front of them.
People at a round-table event smiling and chatting, with a man on the left and a woman with a lanyard in the center foreground.

Our sincere thanks to each and every speaker who contributed to this year's program.

From groundbreaking research to community impact and lived experience perspectives.  Thank you to every speaker who so generously shared their knowledge, research and experience throughout the conference.

Prof Anita Thapar - Wales UK

Professor
Anita Thapar

Prof. Anita Thapar is one of the world’s leading authorities on ADHD and neurodevelopmental disorders. Based at Cardiff University, Prof. Thapar has transformed understanding of the genetic and environmental influences on mental health. She currently chairs the NHS England ADHD Taskforce.

A/Prof Guilherme Polanczyk - Brazil

Guilherme V. Polanczyk, MD, PhD

Assoc. Prof. Guilherme Polanczyk is an internationally recognised researcher in ADHD and child and adolescent mental health. Based at the University of São Paulo, he directs the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Division and serves as Vice President of IACAPAP, influencing clinical practice and policy worldwide.

Alison Clink - Scotland UK

Alison
Clink

Alison Clink is founder and CEO of the Dundee & Angus ADHD Support Group, one of the UK’s leading ADHD charities. A qualified ADHD Coach, Treasurer of the Scottish ADHD Coalition and member of ADHD Europe, she is a passionate advocate for sustainable, community-based ADHD support.

Melissa Webster

Melissa Webster
Melba – CO Community Services
CEO ADHD Australia

Dr Alice Morgan

Dr Alice Morgan
Clinical Psychologist
Starling Health Collective

Prof Edward Ogden

Prof. Edward Ogden
Addiction Medicine Specialist
Swinburne University

Dr Yunhe Huang

Dr Yunhe Huang
Research Fellow
The University of Melbourne

Jacqui Louder

Jacqui Louder
Psychologist
Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre

Dr ANIK SHAWDON

Dr Anik Shawdon
AFL Medical Director
Community Football & Talent Pathways

Prof Tim Silk

Prof. Tim Silk
Director, Brain and Cognitive Development Lab, Deakin University

Prof Mark Bellgrove

Prof. Mark Bellgrove
Director, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University

Dr Anne-Marie Cullen

Dr Anne-Marie Cullen
GP and ADHD Educator
Khandallah Medical Centre, NZ

Dr Dominic Harris

Dr Dominic Harris
Mental Health GP & Founder
Reflect Health

Dr Priya Krishnan

Dr Priya Krishnan
GP & Co-Director
Pramana Medical Centre

Smiling woman with dark hair in a black blouse, in an office with a bright mural and computer monitors behind her.

Kate Fulford
Director, Strategy and Clinical Innovation, Pramana Medical Centre

Nat Bartsch

Nat Bartsch
Acclaimed Pianist, Composer and Neurodiversity Advocate

Portrait of a young woman in a burgundy blazer and beret, white shirt, and green earrings, looking at the camera with a soft smile.

Matilda Boseley
Award-winning reporter and Conference Co-Chair

Portrait of a smiling woman with light brown hair wearing a black sweater and light blue collared shirt, standing against a light wall.

Emily Friedel
Graduate Researcher
Deakin University

Close-up portrait of a young man with curly red hair and blue eyes, looking straight at the camera.

Ollie Steve
Student
Geelong Grammar

With Thanks to Our Sponsors & Partners

AADPA is proud to partner with organisations that share our vision of improving outcomes for people with ADHD through research, education, advocacy, and evidence-based practice. We extend our sincere thanks to the sponsors and partners whose support has helped bring the 9th Annual AADPA Conference to life.

Interested in partnering with AADPA in 2027? Contact us at admin@aadpa.com.au.

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