Setting the Table to Create Authentic Connections for Neuroaffirming Environments
Tracks
Prince Room - In-Person Only
| Tuesday, September 29, 2026 |
| 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM |
| Prince Room |
Overview
Jacinta Critchley, Lyn Beazley Academy
Key Learnings
1. Intentional Connection Practices: Learn techniques for fostering genuine relationships, including communication approaches, active listening, and recognising neurodivergent strengths. These practices will enable participants to set a strong foundation for trust and collaboration.
2. Structuring Neuroaffirming Environments: Discuss how to support positive, authentic team participation and engagement through predictable routines and sensory-conscious spaces.
3. Collaborative Accountability: Discover strategies that balance leadership authority and accountability with individual autonomy. This segment focuses on creating a shared responsibility framework where expectations are clear, outcomes are monitored, and feedback is constructive.
Speaker
Jacinta Critchley
Diversity, Inclusion, And Employment Facilitator
Lyn Beazley Academy
Setting the Table to Create Authentic Connections for Neuroaffirming Environments
Presentation Overview
Creating environments where neurodivergent individuals feel genuinely understood and included goes beyond physical accessibility; it requires intentional connection. “Setting the Table” offers practical strategies for educators and industry and community leaders, to cultivate neuroaffirming spaces that promote authentic engagement, belonging, and meaningful outcomes.
In this session, participants will explore a framework for building authentic connections grounded in respect, curiosity, and shared purpose. We focus on practical, actionable strategies that will help attendees understand how to create environments where neurodiversity thrives. Key takeaways include:
1. Intentional Connection Practices: Learn techniques for fostering genuine relationships, including communication approaches, active listening, and recognising neurodivergent strengths. These practices will enable participants to set a strong foundation for trust and collaboration.
2. Structuring Neuroaffirming Environments: Discuss how to support positive, authentic team participation and engagement through predictable routines and sensory-conscious spaces.
3. Collaborative Accountability: Discover strategies that balance leadership authority and accountability with individual autonomy. This segment focuses on creating a shared responsibility framework where expectations are clear, outcomes are monitored, and feedback is constructive.
Through lived experience, real-world examples, and actionable tools, this session provides delegates with a clear, practical roadmap for creating neuroaffirming environments where individuals are not only included but empowered. By setting the table thoughtfully, educators and leaders can implement strategies immediately that will foster authentic connection, enhance engagement, and promote meaningful inclusion.
In this session, participants will explore a framework for building authentic connections grounded in respect, curiosity, and shared purpose. We focus on practical, actionable strategies that will help attendees understand how to create environments where neurodiversity thrives. Key takeaways include:
1. Intentional Connection Practices: Learn techniques for fostering genuine relationships, including communication approaches, active listening, and recognising neurodivergent strengths. These practices will enable participants to set a strong foundation for trust and collaboration.
2. Structuring Neuroaffirming Environments: Discuss how to support positive, authentic team participation and engagement through predictable routines and sensory-conscious spaces.
3. Collaborative Accountability: Discover strategies that balance leadership authority and accountability with individual autonomy. This segment focuses on creating a shared responsibility framework where expectations are clear, outcomes are monitored, and feedback is constructive.
Through lived experience, real-world examples, and actionable tools, this session provides delegates with a clear, practical roadmap for creating neuroaffirming environments where individuals are not only included but empowered. By setting the table thoughtfully, educators and leaders can implement strategies immediately that will foster authentic connection, enhance engagement, and promote meaningful inclusion.
Biography
Jacinta Critchley was diagnosed with Autism and Dysgraphia at 13 and has been involved in neurodiversity advocacy for the last 12 years. She specialises in the Diversity Equity and Inclusion space with a specialisation in neurodivergence in the workplace and has trained leaders in industry helping them to create authentic connection and build neuroaffirming spaces with confidence. Currently she is the Diversity, Inclusion, and Employment Facilitator at the Lyn Beazley Academy. Jacinta also helped shape the Curtin Specialist Mentoring Program, serves on the board of Spectrum Space and Brilliant Brains, and mentors young people on the spectrum.
