Beyond People-Pleasing: Communication, Connection, Conflict, and Repair in Neurodivergent Relationships
Tracks
Jacaranda - In-Person Only
Prince Room - In-Person Only
Monarch - In-Person & OnAIR
Marquis - In-Person Only
| Tuesday, September 29, 2026 |
| 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM |
Overview
Kai Schweizer, University Of Western Australia | The Kids Research Institute Australia
Key Learnings
1. Understand how neurodivergent traits and lived experiences can shape communication, connection, conflict, and repair in relationships.
2. Recognise common barriers to healthy communication and conflict in neurodivergent relationships.
3. Discover neuro-affirming strategies to communicate needs and navigate conflict.
Speaker
Mx Kai Schweizer
Phd Candidate
University Of Western Australia; The Kids Research Institute Australia
Beyond People-Pleasing: Communication, Connection, Conflict, and Repair in Neurodivergent Relationships
Presentation Overview
This keynote will explore how neurodivergent traits and lived experiences of neurodivergence can shape communication, connection, conflict, and repair in relationships. Drawing on peer-reviewed evidence, neuro-affirming practice experience, sexological training, and lived experience, the session will discuss how neurodivergent people experience and navigate relational challenges, and will offer practical strategies for communicating needs, building connection with partner/s, and approaching conflict in ways that support repair, deepen understanding, and foster greater intimacy.
Key Learnings:
1. Understand how neurodivergent traits and lived experiences can shape communication, connection, conflict, and repair in relationships.
2. Recognise common barriers to healthy communication and conflict in neurodivergent relationships.
3. Discover neuro-affirming strategies to communicate needs and navigate conflict.
Key Learnings:
1. Understand how neurodivergent traits and lived experiences can shape communication, connection, conflict, and repair in relationships.
2. Recognise common barriers to healthy communication and conflict in neurodivergent relationships.
3. Discover neuro-affirming strategies to communicate needs and navigate conflict.
Biography
Kai Schweizer (he/they) is a sexologist, researcher, and educator with a focus on gender diversity, neurodivergence, sex, relationships, and embodiment. He is a PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia and The Kids Research Institute Australia. Kai’s work explores how trans and neurodivergent people navigate embodiment, relationships, intimacy, and consent, and how sex education can be reimagined to be more affirming, accessible, and empowering. Drawing on lived experience and years of work in peer support, youth work, and LGBTIQA+ health, Kai is passionate about creating spaces where all people can explore sex and relationships without shame, coercion, or erasure.
