The International Conference on Neurodiversity and Inclusion (ICNI 2026) is an upcoming international academic conference focusing on inclusion, accessibility, neurodevelopmental disabilities, and mental health. The conference will be held on 18–19 August 2026 at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru Central Campus, and is organised by the Centre for Neurodiversity Research & Innovation (CNRI), School of Psychological Sciences. The conference is centred around the theme: “Advancing Inclusion Across the Lifespan: Global Practices and Innovations for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities.”
ICNI 2026 aims to bring together researchers, academicians, clinical psychologists, rehabilitation psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, therapists, special educators, occupational therapists, speech therapists, policymakers, social workers, NGOs, caregivers, students, advocates, and neurodivergent individuals to engage in discussions on inclusive practices, accessibility, intervention strategies, and evidence-based approaches for neurodevelopmental disabilities.
About CHRIST (Deemed to be University) and CNRI
CHRIST (Deemed to be University) was established in 1969 and has developed interdisciplinary academic and research initiatives across multiple disciplines, including psychology, education, and mental health.
The Centre for Neurodiversity Research & Innovation (CNRI), functioning under the School of Psychological Sciences, focuses on research, innovation, advocacy, and evidence-based practices related to neurodiversity and inclusion. The centre works towards developing inclusive environments and strengthening support systems for neurodivergent individuals across educational, workplace, clinical, and community settings.
The vision of CNRI is to promote inclusive and accessible spaces for neurodivergent individuals through interdisciplinary research, awareness, and community engagement. Its mission includes encouraging evidence-based interventions, collaborative research, advocacy initiatives, and training programmes that contribute to neurodiversity inclusion across the lifespan.
Neurodiversity and Mental Health in the Contemporary Era
In recent years, discussions surrounding neurodiversity and mental health have gained increasing importance across academic, educational, clinical, and social sectors. Growing awareness regarding autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and related neurodevelopmental conditions has highlighted the importance of building inclusive systems that support individuals throughout different stages of life.
ICNI 2026 seeks to create a multidisciplinary platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration. The conference will focus on inclusive education, employability, emotional well-being, rehabilitation, accessibility, assistive practices, and community participation while encouraging evidence-based and culturally sensitive approaches. The conference also aims to bridge the gap between research and practice by encouraging meaningful discussions among professionals, caregivers, researchers, students, and neurodivergent individuals.
Conference Sub-Themes
The conference will focus on the following sub-themes:
- Early Pathways in Neurodiverse Development
- Inclusive Education & Pedagogical Practices
- Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
- Employability and Participation
- Mental Health & Well-being
- Families, Communities & Systems of Support
- Community Inclusion
Abstract Submission Guidelines
Abstract submissions are currently open to researchers, professionals, scholars, practitioners, and students.
Submission Guidelines
- Abstracts must align with the conference theme or the listed sub-themes.
- Submissions are invited from professionals across psychology, mental health, education, rehabilitation, disability studies, social sciences, and allied disciplines.
- Individual as well as collaborative submissions are accepted.
- Authors must ensure originality and academic integrity in their work.
- Submitted abstracts will undergo a review process by the conference organising committee.
- Selected abstracts will be shortlisted for oral or poster presentations during the conference sessions.
- Registration and abstract submission links are available through the official conference portal.
Registration and Selection Process
Participants are required to complete the registration process through the official conference portal and submit the Google Form after payment confirmation. All submitted abstracts will undergo screening and review by the organising committee. Based on relevance to the conference theme, originality, and academic quality, selected abstracts will be accepted for presentation during the conference. Information regarding abstract acceptance, presentation schedules, and conference updates will be communicated through the official conference platform.
| Category | Early Bird Registration (Till 28 Feb 2026) | Regular Registration (Till 5 Aug 2026) | Spot Registration |
| Indian Participants – Professionals | ₹3,000 | ₹3,500 | ₹4,000 |
| Indian Participants – Research Scholars | ₹2,500 | ₹3,000 | ₹3,500 |
| Indian Participants – UG/PG Students | ₹2,000 | ₹2,500 | ₹3,000 |
| International Participants – Professionals | $100 | $120 | $130 |
| International Participants – Students | $70 | $90 | $100 |
| Accompanying International Participants | $30 | $50 | $70 |
| Pre-Conference Workshop – Indian Participants | ₹2,000 | ₹2,500 | ₹3,000 |
Conference Essentials
- Early bird registration closes on 28 February 2026.
- Regular registration closes on 5 August 2026.
- Spot registration will be available during the conference dates.
- The pre-conference workshop will be conducted on 17 August 2026.
- Participants must complete the Google Form after payment confirmation to finalise registration.
- Participants are encouraged to regularly check the official conference website for updates regarding abstract deadlines, acceptance notifications, presentation schedules, and conference announcements.
| Event | Date |
| Early Bird Registration Deadline | 28 February 2026 |
| Pre-Conference Workshop | 17 August 2026 |
| Conference Dates | 18–19 August 2026 |
| Regular Registration Deadline | 5 August 2026 |
| • Spot Registration | During the Conference |
| • Abstract Submission | Open Now |
Official Conference Reference
For detailed information regarding conference brochures, registration, abstract submission, and payment procedures, visit the official conference website: ICNI 2026 Official Conference Website – https://icni.christuniversity.in/
Leave feedback about this