Welcome to our little landing page!
Friends of Neurodiversity Meetup
Are you neurodivergent, or wonder if you may be, and want to meet like-minded folks in real life? Are you a friend? If you're in Vienna, this meetup is your peer-to-peer space for authentic chats and neurodivergent connections. We (the organizers) were craving community and maybe you are, too? Be yourself and make new friends β every second Wednesday. Sign up
A survival guide for events β the neurodivergent edition (+ why join?) π
[Not sure if to join this or other events? Having a bad day? Need ideas to lean on? Instead of reassurance, here's a list β might help; especially if you're an autistic, AuDHD, ADHD and sensitive individual]
β’ Participate in the way that works for you. Use expressions that come natural to you, make pauses, conserve your energy for what matters most to you. If you feel comfortable and can relax a little, this may also be a chance to take some space & practise speaking, listening or other (in our case: you do NOT need to speak, and you're expressely encouraged to unmask e.g. dropping eye contact, stimming / fidgeting etc. if you want to). Also, we all have good and bad days β so honor your current capacity. And don't let anyone pressure you into networking or extra activities.β’ Do your research and clarify questions in advance. Do you know where to go, how it will work etc.? For some, this information is regulating (in our case: we did our best to make the event description comprehensive and clear).β’ Make yourself comfortable. Wear your favourite clothes. Bring fidgets (if you use them; in our case: we have some on site), a grounding object, ear protectors, water or snacks β anything that will help you feel like yourself. If you're in a less friendly space or it's your first time joining, you can bring a smaller fidget that you can discreetly hold in your pocket, take a (longer) bathroom break if you feel overstimulated, leave earlier β because neurodivergent limits are a valid reason to do so etc. Debrief with yourself after the event so you can be there for yourself more and more; or simply do something to decompress β e.g. listening to music, or white noise, or silence β before jumping onto the next thing.β’ Don't let the obstacles win. Break down your routine into manageable steps to take a decision / get ready / come to the event. Reach out to an organizer to break the ice. Plus: see all from the point above. (In our case: directions are included in the event description, and requests for accommodations are encouraged).β’ Keep your reasons close. Why do you care about connecting with others (even if you may have had stressful or traumatic experiences in the past, have doubts etc.)? For the author of this page, the spark was this: "The neurotypical world is losing its glamour; maybe I wished to belong for too long." There had to be something else. Remember: you deserve community.
No "excuses" left? >>>>
Join one of the next events via meetup.com α΅α΄α΅
The event description features details about: event scope and flow, the facility, the organizers, donations / payments / support, and staying in touch. In case of questions please contact us at [email protected].
PS: We're also testing the Eventbrite platform. You may find our events there in the future, if you're not on meetup.com. You have other ideas on how to reach neurodivergent folks who may benefit from this? Let us know via the feedback below!
Now . . . you can shape the experience (both your own and of the group!)
We're learning, so come learn with us. Scroll down for options on how to dive into exciting resources, propose discussions topics, give feedback and more.
Discover resources
Before the meetup . . came the research. In an effort to re-understand ourselves and the world, we β too β watched videos, read books, joined spaces, discovered role models, talked and thought and took on a new relationship with the world once we realized we may be, or were, neurodivergent. What helped most: immersing ourselves, even every day, into broadcasts from the neurodivergent world (read: an Instagram or Youtube account, for example) till we would see ourselves as part of that world and learn its language. In short: we needed a place to go.Fast forward, here's a place: a resource guide. It features: books, websites, Instagram accounts, graphics etc. Please note that this isn't a course / educational endeavor but an informal space to expand your horizons, discovering informative websites and content creators and new language and maybe even shareable content. Built in: Notion. Status: work in progress. Easily shareable via the link: bit.ly/neurodivergentresources
. . . . . . . . . . ."Weβre not damaged;
weβre disabled.
Weβre not broken;
weβre different.
Weβre not bad people;
weβre just misunderstood."
Ellie Middleton, in: Unmasked β the ultimate guide to ADHD, autism and neurodivergence
Propose topics
The intro round of each event shouldn't be your only way to shape the conversation by suggesting questions towards the group; especially if we want to honor neurodivergent processing differences. So, we created a Padlet-board in which everyone can add digital post-its and even "vote" on existing topics. The meetup offers an exchange centered on lived experiences. What's on your mind, and what would feel most meaningful (beyond a bilateral talk)? Maybe it just came to you, or maybe a current event of your life or a resource sparked the question. Let us know!
PS: Check our group rules in the meetup event descriptions, for example here to co-create a mindful conversation giving space to diverse people and perspectives. And don't forget to sign up on time.
We're grateful for your feedback! βα°
. . . and your donations.If you have any suggestions related to the Friends of Neurodiversity meetup β or its roles and resources β you have a few options on how to make them count: talk to the organizers (in person, via WhatsApp or the messaging function of meetup.com), write us a mail or fill out the anonymous survey. If you want to support further, read on below β an update will follow soon.
[the event space and some of the fidgets you can try; third picture: Hiki App on Unsplash]
Be yourself. Make new friends. Find belonging. Regardless of what the world may tell you. If you're in Vienna, communities are waiting. For everyone online we particularly recommend: ποΈ Adult Neurodivergent Educational & Support Group Online CET (links to meetup.com)
Join the community. Or help it grow.
Learn more and sign up, discover resources, support us or get in touch β via these links or the icons below. See you soon and help us spread the news about this space, especially if you're in Vienna. We're volunteers doing this in our free time, and we're glad you're also sharing your time by showing up. Best, Mario & Adriana
[content by: Adriana Bascone]
