Profound Autism Symposium 2025
We are delighted to host Australia’s first-ever national event focused solely on profound autism.
The Profound Autism Symposium 2025 is a landmark event, placing the voices of families and needs of people with profound autism on the national stage for the very first time.
Many profoundly autistic people are non-speaking or minimally verbal. Most have the co-occurring effects of intellectual disability and complex health conditions. Daily life often includes a range of behaviours of distress and safety risks. Consequently, diligent, comprehensive, person-led, 24/7 care is required each and every day, week, month and year of their lives for as long as they live.
Recognising profound autism means holding space for the whole spectrum. All the moments of happiness, connection, and success, and the painful realities of medical emergencies, aggressive behaviours, or lifelong dependence. It is only by acknowledging this complexity that we can build systems that truly work.
Join us on 17 and 18 November in person at the State Library of NSW or via Livestream, as we convene world-class expertise, lived experience voices, and practical solution-building in a mix of presentation and discussion panels across:
- Profound autism’s place in the broader autism community
- Advocacy, rights, and the NDIS reforms
- Post-school transitions and adulthood pathways
- Housing, supported living, and long-term care
- Legal and estate planning for families
- Family stories and lived experience
- Carer wellbeing and mental health
Whether you are a parent or caregiver, a family member, clinician, educator, service provider, or policymaker, we invite you to be part of this history-making event designed to put profound autism back on the national agenda.
Ticket Options
In-person or via Livestream
Full Symposium (2 Days) – attend both 17 & 18 November in person or via livestream
Single Day Pass – attend on either 17 OR 18 November (in person or via livestream)
All tickets include – 6 months’ on-demand access to session recordings after the event
Ticket categories
Parents & Caregivers – for parents, carers, and family members supporting someone with profound autism.
Includes a special flexible pass option that allows family members to share attendance across both days in one ticket
Professionals – for educators, allied health professionals, clinicians, support workers, researchers, policymakers and service providers
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Confirmed speakers
Judith Ursitti
Cofounder and President of Profound Autism Alliance
Dr Amy Lutz
Historian at the University of Pennsylvania and VP of the National Council on Severe Autism (NCSA).
Katherine Peereboom
Founder of Spectrum Support, Parent & Advocate
Karen McKinnon
Psychologist and National Clinical Director of Autism Partnership
Brent Woolgar
Principal Consultant at DSC
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Jonathan Harris
Director of Harris Friedman Lawyers, Chair of Woodbury School
Tim Pryde
Parent and advocate
Event Details
Dates: 17–18 November 2025
In person: State Library of NSW, Sydney Australia
Livestream: Available nationwide
Recordings: Available for 6 months post event
Strictly Limited Early Bird Pricing Now Available
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Our Sponsors
The inaugural Profound Autism Symposium is made possible with the support of our founding sponsors. Their leadership ensures that families and professionals have access to the expertise, tools, and community they deserve.
Founded by NRL legend Ricky Stuart, the Foundation works to improve the lives of people with disability and their families through advocacy, awareness, and practical support initiatives.
A national grassroots organisation giving voice to the autism community. A4 advocates for recognition, inclusion, and better services for autistic people and their families across Australia.
Australia’s largest online platform connecting people with disability and aged care support. Mable empowers families to find flexible, tailored support while creating meaningful work for independent support workers.
