The Neurospicy Corner: A Weekly Meeting for Neurodiverse Survivors with Laura

***Established Members Only***
This is a brand new meeting, open to anyone who identifies as Neurodivergent, Neurospicy, or whatever you like to call yourself!

Those of us with neurodivergent conditions are particularly vulnerable to abuse tactics such as coercive control, so it's no wonder that a Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse support group would be so full of us.
We can also have our own struggles when it comes to dealing with past abuse, or coping with CPTSD and its interaction with pre-existing conditions.

What is "neurodivergent" or a "neurodivergent condition"?
Neurodivergence is a term used to cover a broad range of conditions where a person's brain works in ways that deviate from the "typical" brain we find in society. It's not an inherently good or bad thing, we are just different.

Neurodivergent conditions could include:

• Autistic Spectrum/ Asperger Syndrome
• ADHD/ADD
• Learning difficulties such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia
• Tourette's
• OCD
• Intellectually gifted and hyperlexic
• ...

There are many more conditions that could fit in here, but it's up to you to decide how you identify. If you identify as neurodivergent, then you're in the right place. I'm not going to be asking for your full diagnostic report!

So what's this group for?
This is a space to discuss common challenges, share coping strategies and tips, explore how to handle situations, or simply vent!
I'm going to be open to what people want, so if you have anything you'd like to get out of these meetings, I'm all ears.

About me:
In 2019 I got out of a 5 year old relationship with a narcissist, and shortly after that received my autism, and then ADHD diagnoses. I'd spent my whole life asking what was wrong with me, and wondering if I would ever be normal. Finally getting an explanation as to why I'd always felt so out of place was a huge relief - I wasn't imagining things: I am different to other people, and that's ok! It's taken a lot of work, but I'm much more comfortable with my differences nowadays. I look forward to meeting you, and hearing about your experiences :)

~ZOOM LINKS WILL BE SENT OUT THE DAY OF THE MEETING VIA YOUR MEETUP MESSAGES~

GROUP RULES:
1. Do not contact other members directly without first going through an organizer. A big safety issue. We want to make sure contact is wanted. TELL AN ORGANIZER IMMEDIATELY if someone contacts you without consent. We take that very seriously here. Please WRITE to an organizer through Meetup. Please refrain from asking openly in the zoom meeting because it can put people on the spot. Also, don’t share personal contact information in any public forum for your own safety.
2. Recognize we are PEERS not professionals or experts. We are not psychologists, attorneys, or medical doctors. This group should be in conjunction with one-on-one therapy. Never a substitute. We cannot create a feeling of perfect safety so one must largely manage own triggers by muting or signing out for a period. We are volunteers and cannot give any one member personal time. The beauty of the group is to get multiple perspectives.
3. Cameras must be ON and microphones should stay muted until it is your turn to share. Unless you write to an organizer a reason to have it off in advance. Having it off for brief periods is allowed as long as your camera remains on for the vast majority of the meeting.
4. We are all inclusive here. No matter what race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious or political affiliation we accept everyone. We have many people on the spectrum and we do give extra time to share. Thank you for understanding. We will not tolerate derogatory language towards any population of people. No stereotyping or making sweeping statements. Also, do not bring up race, gender or any other identity unless you are of that identity.
5. Please use “I” statements, unless people explicitly ask for advice. People are in different situations and different things help different people. We support one another with compassion rather than judgement, so please careful about telling someone what they should do.
6. Do not bring up controversial topics unrelated to narcissism/ neurodivergence/ CPTSD
7. Please RAISE YOUR HAND and you will be called on when it is your turn. There will be no interrupting one another or talking over someone else.
8. Do not raise your voice at another member or the organizer. Behavior like this will get you kicked out of the group immediately.
9. No soliciting or pedaling of products
**We appreciate you following the rules and respecting everyone's healing process!**