Friends of Neurodiversity

Hi, everyone!

Are you neurodivergent, or wonder if you may be, and want to meet like-minded folks in real life? Are you a friend? This is your safe, peer-to-peer space for authentic chats and neurodivergent connections: in-person, in Vienna, one-of-a-kind. Be yourself and make new friends — every second Wednesday.

Meetup participants have a strong connection with the topic (no formal diagnosis necessary!), are aged 18+ and feel comfortable speaking English when sharing about their different-from-the-norm life, asking curious questions to others and spending an evening together that “just flows”.

You? Join us!

We've been running these meetups (first founded in summer 2023, by Mario) to fill the gap on supporting spaces that are: easily accessible — which includes avoiding long wait lists, peer- and youth-led, open to the whole neurodivergent spectrum, English-speaking, taking neurodivergent needs like sensory sensitivities into account, and offering an in-person community ✅ 🤝

Now, let us be transparent on a few changes we’ve made: to secure the future of the meetup and to support the amazing NGO space currently hosting us, we’re testing a new way in which we’re introducing a little fee per event, after trying out a donation-based approach. You can read more at the end of the description (at the bottom), and please note that we're still figuring it out!

🧡 What to expect when you join 🧡

• No set agenda, and instead a conversation centered on lived experiences accompanied by gentle moderation, for focus and inclusion — however, you do NOT need to speak; please inform us about your needs in the intro round, or directly with the hosts;
• A very international group, with locals and folks who’re new to Vienna alike (fyi, the age group so far: 20s-40s, many AuDHDers or autistics);
• Fidget toys that you can try out during the event (to support concentration, relaxation, playfulness & more), tea, water + feel free to bring snacks either for yourself or for sharing;
• Occasional social activities beyond the official meetup, and potential new friendships;
• Finally, the spark to co-create a more inclusive, neurodiverse society! The ingredients to it? Experiencing neurodivergent conversations — maybe even for the first time (it's refreshing and expansive, promised), learning from and showing up for and seeing each other, adding new resources and options to one's map. PS: did we mention we have a resource guide?

Your questions — to everyone present or to single people, as a follow-up on something they shared — have a place here. Humour, too. You can bring in topics either during the intro round or later on, when they may fit in without disrupting others or taking us away from (neurodivergent) topics relevant to all.

***Talking of expectations . . If you've signed up, we expect you to be there.***

🤝 Our Group Rules 🤝

• Your participation is confirmed once you have bought your ticket. Please read more at the end of the description (at the bottom + exceptions for first-time participants!).
• To allow us to plan and honor our energy, please sign up 24h in advance at the latest.
• Please be mindful of the language you use and the space you take during the meetup, since we want to give everyone the chance to participate and to feel welcome. Be kind, speak for yourself, accept differences. The facilitator reserves the right to intervene in cases of discriminatory speech, disruptive behaviour or other dynamics that carry the event away from its original purpose. Know that you can talk to the organizers if you have concerns, require accommodations etc. And that you share as much as you want to about yourself (also during the intro round).

🌐 Staying in touch 🌐
We have a WhatsApp group for discussions, recommendations & sharings, and encourage meaningful connections beyond the meet-ups. You can join it after the first event with us. The common language remains English; so far, it's calm.

So, what are you waiting for? There’s no need to bring your best mood; bring you. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

TIME FOR SOME FINAL LOGISTICS, INTRODUCING THE SPACE & THE PEOPLE . . .

🗺️ The space & how to get there 🗺️
Till further notice, all meetups will be taking place in the cozy space of the NGO MUT (Mensch.Umwelt.Tier), right at Kettenbrückengasse U4. As neurodivergents, we may not be huge fans of surprises. To help you avoid yours, let us walk you to the entrance: Once you’re at the address, walk straight through the courtyard — leading up to a big gate in front of you. Walk on into another courtyard that you’ll recognise by its funky assembly of plants & objects (open the door first, should it have fallen close) and the meetup will be on your right! (behind the yellow door 🌱). The space features sofas and other seating opportunities, along with dimmable lights. Bring your snack if you need one :) Kitchen & bathroom are on site. The space is very calm.

Can’t find us? Please write a message to Mario, the organizer, or Adriana, the co-organizer, either on the platform or in the WhatsApp group (if this isn’t your first time joining).

🦸🏻 The organizers 🦸🏻‍♂️
So who are the volunteers behind this meetup series?

• Mario is an AuDHDer, backend developer, and the founder of a group on a mission to change society!
• Adriana is a multicultural wanderer, certified trauma-informed coach, experienced team leader, writer and creative communications professional supporting the meetup as co-organizer — and making sure we look clear and cool to you. I'm also autistic + ADHD. PS: I run another meetup on grief, on this platform.
  
  

🎫 Tickets 🎫
We’re thrilled to have you with us! Here’s everything you need to know:

→ Your contribution:

• First-time attendees: Your first event is completely on us! Just get a "First-time attendee ticket"!
• General admission: 4€, payable via this link: https://revolut.me/mariomignemi. No Revolut-account required — simply pay with card, without any fees (inside SEPA). And don't forget to write the your name and the date of the meetup in the notes! (Note: you'll need the phone number of the organizer, Mario, to make this work. First-time attendees can ask for it at the end of the meetup.)

❗Exceptions:
If finances are a challenge and would prevent you from attending, for example you're a student and don't work, please reach out — we’ll find a solution.

🙏 Want to contribute more?
You like what we do and want to help with a little more than your fair & low ticket price? We’re grateful for every contribution. Your help will be used exclusively to enable many more meetups (through digital infrastructure, additional formats & Co.). Just follow the same intruction in the "ticket" section! And approach us in case of questions.

📅 Sudden changes of plans
Tickets are generally non-refundable. However, we understand that unexpected situations may arise, such as medical emergencies (e.g. sudden illness or accident) or urgent personal matters (e.g. urgent caregiving responsibilities). In such cases, please contact the organizer, Mario, and we will do our best to assist you. We kindly ask that this option be used only for genuine emergencies to respect the organizer's time and efforts. And please remember to cancel your participation on the platform.

See you very soon! :)