NWU Centre for Health and Human Performance

18/06/2026

The 10th National Autism Symposium is an annual event hosted by the North-West University, in partnership with Autism South Africa (A;SA) and supported by the South African Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (SA-ACAPAP)

The organising committee invites you to submit an abstract for a workshop presentation at the 10th National Autism Symposium, taking place in August 2026

As we celebrate over a decade of learning, advocacy, and collaboration, our 2026 theme—Celebrating Autism: Next Steps—highlights the importance of moving forward with purpose, inclusivity, and innovation. We welcome submissions that present practical, compassionate, and forward-thinking approaches that support autistic individuals, their families, and the professionals who accompany them on their journeys

We invite practical and interactive abstracts aimed at parents, autistic persons, educators, clinicians, and allied professionals to submit abstracts. Abstract sub-themes and guidelines are available on the website.

Abstracts must be submitted in Word document format via email to [email protected]

Please ensure your abstract includes all of the following:
•⁠ ⁠Full name, email address, and mobile number
•⁠ ⁠Title of the workshop (maximum 20 words)
•⁠ ⁠A statement explaining how the presentation relates to the symposium theme
•⁠ ⁠An indication of which sub-theme your presentation aligns with
•⁠ ⁠Your title, occupation, affiliation, and interest in autism, neurodevelopmental disorders and/or child or adolescent mental health
•⁠ ⁠An outline of the presentation slides
•⁠ ⁠Presentation summary (max 300 words)
•⁠ ⁠Presenter biography (50–80 words)
•⁠ ⁠A high-quality photograph

Important Dates:
•⁠ ⁠Submission deadline: 22 June 2026
•⁠ ⁠Notification of acceptance: 5 July 2026
•⁠ ⁠Presenter registration deadline: 30 July 2026
•⁠ ⁠Symposium dates: 28–29 August 2026
•⁠ ⁠Venue: Potchefstroom

For more information, please contact [email protected] / 018-299-1737

We look forward to receiving your workshop proposal and advancing the next steps in Celebrating Autism together

18/06/2026

📅 SAVE THE DATE: 10th National Autism Symposium!

After a short pause in 2025, the National Autism Symposium is back in 2026 — stronger than ever — with an inspiring theme:

“Celebrating Autism – Next Steps.”

This milestone event remains South Africa’s leading platform for exploring autism through a neuro-affirming lens:
✅ Honouring autistic voices
✅ Promoting inclusive practices
✅ Showcasing cutting-edge research and practical approaches that embrace neurodiversity

With its unique blend of academic insight, professional development, and real-world application, the symposium offers a dynamic space for dialogue, networking, and action. Whether you’re involved in research, direct support, education, mental health, or advocacy, attending means being part of shaping the “next steps” in how autism is supported and celebrated in South Africa and beyond.

Who should attend?
The 10th National Autism Symposium welcomes a wide audience committed to inclusive, evidence-informed autism support:
* Healthcare professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, GPs, therapists, allied health workers)
* Educators (teachers, learning support specialists, school leadership teams)
* Researchers and academic staff in autism and neurodevelopmental studies
* Autistic adults, self-advocates, and individuals with lived experience
* Parents and caregivers of autistic individuals
* Social workers, community workers, and policy makers
* Students and interns in health sciences, education, and social sciences

Whether you want to expand your professional practice, deepen your understanding of autism, or connect with others passionate about neurodiversity, this symposium offers valuable insights, connections, and inspiration.

Co-hosted by Autism South Africa(A;SA) and the NWU Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP), with support from SA-ACAPAP, this is more than a conference — it’s a movement toward fostering a deeper understanding of autism across clinical, educational, family, and community settings.

📌 Mark your calendars — you don’t want to miss this!

16/06/2026

🌟 Youth Day | Investing in the Wellbeing of Our Youth 🌟

This Youth Day, we celebrate the potential, resilience, and future of South Africa’s young people. At the NWU - North-West University Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP), we believe that emotional, physical, and cognitive wellbeing are key to helping youth thrive — in school, sport, and life.

💬 Emotional wellbeing matters
It empowers young people to:
-Build confidence and self-worth
-Develop meaningful relationships
-Navigate challenges effectively
-Find purpose and belonging

🏋️ How CHHP supports youth:
We offer evidence-based services to support healthy development and performance:
-Sport science assessments (fitness, strength, speed, and conditioning)
-Performance testing and talent identification
-Biokinetics and rehabilitation support
-Mental and emotional wellbeing support programmes
-Youth development programmes focused on long-term athlete development
-Workshops for schools, coaches, and parents

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Supporting youth is a shared responsibility. Parents, teachers, and coaches play a crucial role in creating safe, supportive environments for growth.

Let’s work together to empower the next generation to thrive.

📍 Contact the CHHP:
📞 Phone: +27 (0)18 299 1737
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://health-sciences.nwu.ac.za/chhp
📍 Location: North-West University, Potchefstroom

NWU Faculty of Health Sciences
NWU CHHP: Psychology & Wellbeing
CHHP: Sport Science and Biokinetics

15/06/2026

🚀 Call for Abstracts Now Open! 🚀

Join us at the 2nd Spring Sport Science Summit (SSSS) 2026 under the theme “Focus, Excellence, and Innovation: Redefining Sport Science” from 16–18 September 2026 at North-West University, Potchefstroom. Hosted by the Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP), School of Human Movement Sciences and the Research Focus Area Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation (PhASRec) of the Faculty of Health Sciences and presented in collaboration with CEOs in Sport, and the NWU Institure for High Performance in Sport, this summit advances academic excellence and professional growth in Sport and Coaching Sciences.

📝 Submit your abstract by 30 June 2026

🔗 More info: https://chhpevents.zohobackstage.com/SpringSportScienceSummit #/

15/06/2026

Join us at CHHP for Pilatus classes from May onwards. For more information contact us at [email protected] or 018 299 1822/4.

Join our WhatsApp group to choose a timeslot for your session: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FQiprrD9o2M7KXiqXyYJlz

12/06/2026

🎓 Counselling Psychology Internship Opportunity at the NWU Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP)

Are you a passionate and dedicated Counselling Psychology graduate looking to complete your HPCSA internship in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment?

The NWU CHHP: Psychology & Wellbeing unit of the Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP) at NWU - North-West University’s Potchefstroom Campus is inviting applications for a Counselling Psychology Internship (Position TB00326), commencing in January 2027.

As an intern, you will gain valuable experience in:
✔️ Psychological assessment of children, adolescents and adults
✔️ Counselling and psychotherapy services
✔️ Psychoeducation and community engagement
✔️ Workshop facilitation and content development
✔️ Working within multidisciplinary teams under professional supervision

Minimum requirements:
🔹 MA/MSc in Counselling Psychology (NQF Level 9)
🔹 At least one year of counselling skills experience at Master’s level
🔹 Registration with the HPCSA as an Intern Counselling Psychologist
🔹 A supervisor’s reference letter

📍 Location: Potchefstroom Campus
📅 Closing Date: 26 June 2026
🚀 Planned commencement: January 2027

This is an excellent opportunity to develop professionally while contributing to the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities through evidence-based psychological services.

Apply here: https://nwu.ci.hr/applicant/index.php?controller=Listings&method=view&listingid=4bc8980b-86a7-4c14-954a-f873182eb796

Please share this opportunity with suitable candidates in your network.

Join Our Team: Counselling Psychology Internship (TB00326) Opportunity at North West University Looking for a rewarding career? Explore our Counselling Psychology Internship (TB00326) position at North West University. Apply now and be part of an innovative team, driving success and growth in your c...

11/06/2026

Fascinating podcast interview with Prof Pieter Kruger on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby! They describe him as one of sport's most quietly influential figures.

Prof. Pieter, who has worked with teams such as the Springboks, Bath Rugby and Formula 1 racing teams, gave his fascinating insights into what really separates the good from the great. He explained that performance psychology extends beyond individual mental coaching. “It is a systemic process that integrates team culture, environment and individual behaviour.”

He highlighted among others that sustained success is not accidental but carefully designed. High-performing teams train consistently, replicate pressure scenarios and develop processes that remain unchanged regardless of the match context. This consistency allows players to remain composed and focused, even in high-stakes situations. Prof. Pieter said a collective purpose is very important. “The most successful teams share a strong sense of “why”. This shared motivation ultimately drives sustained excellence.

The good, the bad and the rugby podcast is consistently among the highest-ranking rugby podcasts internationally

NWU - North-West University
NWU Faculty of Health Sciences
NWU CHHP: Psychology & Wellbeing
CHHP: Sport Science and Biokinetics
NWU Physical activity, Sport and Recreation
CEOs in Sport Association
Sport Man SA
Potchefstroom Dorp Rugbyklub
Potchefstroom Herald

Payno and Tins sit down with Professor Pieter Kruger, a clinical ps...