Neurodivergent Meetup 4

Who This Is For

This gathering is for Autistic adults of all genders, including those who identify as Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, or are still exploring their neurodivergence. Self-identification is valid here. No diagnosis required. No masking expected.

Conversations will naturally center around first-hand autistic lived experiences and will center autistic voices.

This meetup is a rest & support space. We gather to connect, share special interests, laugh, relate to one another, and recharge. Our goal is simple: to create a space where people can exist without judgment, gatekeeping, or the expectation that they must defend their identity or traits.

What This Space Isn't:

It is not a space for debates about the validity of self-identification, discussions about who is "autistic enough," or conversations that question another person's neurotype or lived experience.

It is also not an advocacy forum, policy discussion, or a place to debate service allocation or the experiences of neurodivergent children. Those are important conversations, but this gathering is intentionally centered on the experiences of neurodivergent adults seeking community.

Facilitated by

Facilitated by Baya Ipatowicz (they/them),

Autistic & ADHD therapist at Diverse Minds Counselling.

Baya will help guide conversations and introduce topics, while keeping the space grounded and supportive—not clinical or rigid.

What to Expect

• Registration options from $0–$5

  (pay what feels accessible and sustainable for you)

• Rolling arrival from 7:00–7:30 PM

  (settle in, decompress, find your spot)

• Guided content and discussion begins at 7:30 PM (this month's topic: Autistic nervous systems and regulation)

  Group runs until 9:00 PM

• Optional sign-in (stay anonymous or share info to stay connected)

• Colour-coded name tags to signal your social capacity

  (chatty / minimal / please don’t engage)

• A short guided opening (topic intro or shared reflection)

• Open connection time

• Creative / fidget-friendly space

  • colouring, simple crafts, or bring your own activity

• Low-stimulation environment

  • dim lighting, flexible seating, movement-friendly

Non-alcoholic drinks are available. You’re welcome to bring your own comfort items.

Participation Looks Like…

• Talking a lot

• Talking a little

• Not talking at all

• Sitting nearby

• Doing your own thing quietly

• Leaving early

• and from past experience totally forgetting to attend then connecting the next day!

All of it is valid.

In Case You Need to Hear It

You don’t need to be “social enough.”

You don’t need to explain yourself.

You don’t need to prove you belong here.

This space is intended to grow gently over time, with room for both familiar and new faces.