2026 CONFERENCE KEYNOTES
NEURODIVERGENCE, GENDER, AND INTIMACY: CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES & BARRIERS IN EAST & WEST
​Many neurodivergent people struggle with romantic relationships, particularly in cultures where dating norms differ, and where neurodivergence + gender identity + cultural expectations intersect. This would bring in Chinese cultural context, possibly Confucian, collectivist views, etc., contrasted with Western norms.
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OFFLINE CONNECTION: REDISCOVERING TRADITIONAL & NOVEL APPROACHES TO RELATIONSHIP BUILDING WITHOUT RELIANCE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media is not always accessible or effective or even dangerous due to risks of abuse and bullying; exploring “old school” methods (in-person meetups, community spaces, events), blended with innovative offline tools. Also relevant for neurodivergent folks with sensory / anxiety concerns.
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ADAPTIVE COMMUNICATION: NEURODIVERGENT APPROACHES TO SENSING, EXPRESSING, AND UNDERSTANDING EMOTION IN RELATIONSHIPS
Builds on recent research into emotion estimation, sensory overload etc. (see, e.g., real-time multimodal systems). Incorporating how neurodivergent people may differ in perception/communication, with implication for relationships.
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NEURODIVERSITY & WORK: WHEN PROFESSION, CREATIVITY, AND RELATIONSHIPS MERGE
Explore how people’s autistic or ADHD traits influence not only work but also how they meet people & form social networks through work or creative collaboration. Could include research on neurodivergent software developers, etc.
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INNOVATIONS IN TECHNOLOGY FOR NEURODIVERGENT SOCIAL SUPPORT, MINUS SOCIAL MEDIA
This study explores tools that support neurodivergent social interaction without using social media, including interest based matching apps, VR environments for practicing social scenarios, and offline community mapping tools. It highlights how technology can enhance social participation, reduce isolation, and foster authentic relationships.
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LEGAL, EDUCATIONAL & FAMILY SYSTEMS SUPPORTING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS FOR NEURODIVERSE PEOPLE IN GREATER CHINA & ASIA
This study examines how laws, schools, and family expectations shape relationship readiness for neurodiverse individuals in Greater China and Asia. It explores cultural taboos around dating and strategies for providing education and support to help neurodiverse people build healthy social and romantic relationships.
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DESIGNING COMMUNITIES OF BELONGING: BEYOND INCLUSION TO CONNECTION
This study explores how societies can foster genuine belonging for neurodivergent individuals. Beyond access and inclusion, it examines how physical and social infrastructures—such as accessible spaces, community hubs, and interest-based networks—can enable authentic relationships and long-term social connections.
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BEYOND THE PRESCRIPTION: PARENTING THROUGH DEPRESSION, PAIN, AND THE RISKS OF MEDICATION ABUSE
This session explores depression and chronic pain in neurodivergent children, the risks of medication dependence, and evidence-based alternatives such as therapy, mindfulness, and integrative approaches. It provides practical guidance for parental support, self-care, and addresses stigma and treatment access through case studies from China and the US.
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ADVANCED METHODS FROM THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON NEURODIVERSITY AI, BIG DATA & AUTOMATED ASSESSMENT / INTERVENTION
This session explores AI-driven and big-data approaches from China supporting neurodiverse assessment and intervention. Highlights include RICE AI for autism and language impairments, ASD-HNet using resting-state fMRI for autism detection, and early autism diagnosis models combining deep learning and neuroimaging, demonstrating innovations in automated, personalized care.
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