About us
Welcome to the Autistic Professionals Network - Palmerston North!
Are you on the Autism Spectrum and seeking connection and growth? Then please join our group of neurodiverse professionals in Palmerston North!
We together embrace and celebrate neurodiversity through professional networking, career development, and shared life experiences.
We welcome all neurodivergent individuals recognising the rich mosaic of perspectives that ASD intersects with like ADHD, Dyslexia or Dyspraxia.
If you self-identify as neurodivergent you are welcome here.
Our safe and inclusive space fosters learning, support, and navigating the unique challenges and triumphs of neurodiversity in the professional world.
We're grateful for our neurotypical allies (also welcome to join this group) who build bridges and amplify our voices. Let's all celebrate the beautiful symphony of neurodiversity together.
If you'd like to get in touch with the organisers — for volunteering, sharing feedback, offering suggestions, or anything else — please send us an email at APN_Palmy@proton.me. You can also follow us on Facebook. We look forward to hearing from you!
Please note that we're individual neurodiverse people sharing our thoughts on career, business, and life. We are not a professional counselling or therapy group. If needed, please seek professional support. Thank you for understanding.
We are affiliated with the Autistic Professionals Network - Wellington, and are extremely grateful to the Wellington organisers, Robert and Crystal, for their support.
We look forward to welcoming you to our next event!
Code of Conduct
By attending any event, or using any affiliated digital platform of the Autistic Professionals Network, constitutes agreement and adherence to our adopted Code of Conduct.
FAQs
Do I need a formal diagnosis to attend?
No. If you are self diagnosed, or just wondering if you might be neurodivergent, you are welcome. Neurotypical allies are also welcome.
What do you mean by “professional”?
If you’re asking that question then you probably fit. Most of us do not go to work in a suit and tie. Whether you do paid work, volunteer work, or are looking for work, you are welcome to join us. Students are absolutely welcome.
Do you have a dress code?
No, wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Most of us are pretty casual (jeans, t-shirts etc.) but it’s entirely up to you.
Am I too old?
Absolutely not. Our membership encompasses a wide range of ages.
Upcoming events
5
Encounters with the neurotypical world
Hancock Community House (Blue room), 77 - 85 King Street (near UCOL), Palmerston North, NZDo you struggle to understand vague and imprecise instructions?
Have you ever said exactly what you meant and offended people or not been believed?
Do people find you disconcerting, even when you follow the "small talk script" correctly?Here we will dip into some research on how different neurotypes perceive and communicate (or fail to communicate) with one another.
We will focus on two papers and use these as a springboard for further discussions. The first is a research paper that investigates the initial impressions that neurotypical observers have when interacting with their autistic peers (Sasson et al., 2017). The second is a more philosophical paper that describes the 'double empathy problem' of differing experiences of the world and mutual incomprehension that can occur between autistic and non-autistic people (Milton, 2012).
There will be space to share your own experiences, if you choose to, ask questions, and learn from other attendees. Come along and join the discussion, or just sit back and take it all in.
You can find links to the two papers below. Please read them if you are interested. However, it is not essential as we will break them down during the talk.
Noah J. Sasson et al., (2017) "Neurotypical Peers are Less Willing to Interact with Those with Autism based on Thin Slice Judgments."
Damian E.M. Milton, (2012) "On the ontological status of autism: the ‘double empathy problem’."You do not need a formal diagnosis to attend. Newcomers are welcome!
Code of Conduct
By attending any event, or using any affiliated digital platform of the Autistic Professionals Network, constitutes agreement and adherence to our adopted Code of Conduct.12 attendees
Let's visit the Urban Eels
He Ara Kotahi Bridge, Corner Dittmer Drive and Ruha Street, Palmerston North, NZLet's take a walk along the river to the Urban Eels platform. We'll get to enjoy the autumn weather, hang out with our neurodiverse friends, and maybe see an eel.
We'll meet at the Dittmer Drive end of He Ara Kotahi Pedestrian Bridge at 10am. Look for the person holding the sunflower sign. The walk is mostly flat. It's 3.8 km (return) and will take approximately 50 min.
After the walk we can grab a coffee or a milkshake at the coffee cart and hang out by the river. Newcomers are always welcome. Eel sightings are not guaranteed but it should be a fun morning out.
What if it’s raining?
If it’s raining, we will cancel the event. You will receive a notification from Meetup if the event is cancelled. Please make sure you have notifications turned on. We will also post a message on our Facebook page on the morning of the event if we have to cancel.Code of conduct
By attending any event, or using any affiliated digital platform of the Autistic Professionals Network, constitutes agreement and adherence to our adopted Code of Conduct.6 attendees
From Fridge to Fed: Why Toast is a Valid Dinner
Hancock Community House (Blue room), 77 - 85 King Street (near UCOL), Palmerston North, NZFunctional food systems for the neurodiverse brain when executive dysfunction takes hold
Feeding ourselves sounds simple, but for many neurodivergent adults it can be surprisingly difficult. Executive function challenges, interoception differences, energy limitations, and everyday life pressures can make planning, preparing, and eating regular meals feel overwhelming.
This practical and compassionate seminar explores why nutrition can be challenging for neurodiverse brains and introduces realistic strategies to make feeding yourself easier. We'll discuss the science behind executive function, dopamine, and hunger signals, and share practical “food system” hacks such as component cooking, freezer strategies, low-effort meals, and ways to reduce decision fatigue.
This session focuses on building flexible, functional systems that support you when motivation, time, or energy are low — because sometimes toast really is a valid dinner.
Newcomers are welcome. We look forward to seeing you!
Code of conduct
By attending any event, or using any affiliated digital platform of the Autistic Professionals Network, constitutes agreement and adherence to our adopted Code of Conduct.4 attendees
Autism assessment and diagnosis seminar
Hancock Community House (Blue room), 77 - 85 King Street (near UCOL), Palmerston North, NZDetails coming soon!
Code of conduct
By attending any event, or using any affiliated digital platform of the Autistic Professionals Network, constitutes agreement and adherence to our adopted Code of Conduct.4 attendees
Past events
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