Friends of Neurodiversity Meetup

A survival guide for events — the neurodivergent edition (+ why join?) 𐃘

We know that events can be tricky for neurodivergents. So, you're not sure if to join this or other spaces? Having a bad day? Need ideas to lean on? Instead of reassurance, here's a list — including how we help; especially relevant if you're an autistic, AuDHDer, or ADHDer.

• Participate in the way that works for you. You can 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 and 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 — so honor your current capacity. And don't let anyone pressure you into networking or extra activities.• Do your research and clarify questions in advance. Do you know where to go, what would be helpful to bring with you, how the event will be structured? For some, this information is regulating. In our case: we did our best to make the event description comprehensive and clear; you can rely on the core structure to stay the same unless you're joining one of our approx. bimonthly informal events without facilitation.• Make yourself comfortable. You could wear your favourite clothes. Bring fidgets, if you use them (in our case: we usually have quite a few on site), a grounding object, ear protectors, water or snacks — 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 bathroom break if you feel overstimulated, leave earlier — because neurodivergent limits are a valid reason to do so. You can debrief with yourself after the event so you can be there for yourself more and more; or simply do something to decompress — e.g. listening to music, or white noise, or silence — before jumping onto the next thing.• Don't let the obstacles win. You can seize the opportunity to break down your routine into manageable steps to take a decision, get ready, come to an event. Reach out to an organizer to break the ice. Plus: see all from the point above. In our case: detailed directions are included in the event description, and requests for accommodations are encouraged.• 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 whether an event is for you, or are dealing with worries? 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? Our space at Verein MUT is waiting for you.

Sign up for an upcoming event ᵔᴗᵔ

Craving community? We can help! And did you know that you can join us anytime? Since we're no closed support group: if you don't like us, you don't have to come back. The events of Friends of Neurodiversity (FoND) live on the meetup.com community platform. The event description features details about: the event scope and core structure, the facility, the organizers, donations, getting involved and staying in touch. Reach out at [email protected].

• Take me to the event platform

Disclaimer: Friends of Neurodiversity is run by peers with lived experience, not trained mental health professionals. As organizers, we do not share professional advice and are not responsible for decisions participants make based on the meetup's discussions. Our events are no substitute for therapy, counselling or coaching. Instead, we provide a conversational space, and — on most dates — the gentle facilitation of a host who trained and was certified as a trauma-informed coach (in the first program accredited by the International Coaching Federation on the topic). Hence, we encourage participants to seek qualified support when the latter may be needed to address further topics or accompany them in the process of neurodivergent self-discovery.Participation in this support group is voluntary and at your own risk. By joining, you agree to take care of your own well-being, needs and belongings.