Autistic Professionals Network - Palmerston North

Connecting through curiosity
Join us for a fun and engaging event where members share the topics that spark their curiosity and passion.

This special event showcases the diverse interests, expertise, and perspectives within our neurodiverse community. Participants are invited to present a 10-minute talk on a special interest, hobby, area of expertise, or topic they are passionate about, followed by 5 minutes of audience questions and discussion.

Whether you're presenting or simply attending, you'll have the opportunity to discover new ideas, engage in meaningful conversations, and connect with others through shared curiosity.

Event Format

• 10-minute member presentation
• 5-minute audience Q&A
• Multiple speakers over a 2-hour session

Why Attend?

• Learn about a variety of fascinating topics
• Celebrate the unique strengths and interests of neurodiverse adults
• Practice presenting in a supportive environment
• Meet others who value curiosity, knowledge, and authentic connection

No topic is too niche—if you're passionate about it, we'd love to hear about it.

Newcomers are welcome. We look forward to seeing you!

Join Occupational Therapist Nicky Crooks and Autistic Professionals Network members for a discussion of sensory processing and strategies for sensory calming/ alerting for neurodiverse people.

Nicky is a registered Occupational Therapist, with 30 years experience working in mental health, including adults, adolescents and children and in a range of community and inpatient services. A large part of Nicky's work is supporting neurodiverse people who experience sensory processing differences and challenges to find tools and strategies to make daily life easier. This might include doing a sensory assessment, exploring sensory based strategies for calming and alerting, or improving interoception.

You do not need a formal diagnosis to attend. This event is open to anyone who is interested. Newcomers are welcome!

It's December, the silly season is here! You are invited to join this low-key end-of-year gathering where we'll hang out and explore topics you choose!

This will be an unconference style event, but with a holiday theme. This is your chance to discuss the things you love or hate about the holiday season, to celebrate or commiserate with a group of neurodiverse peers. If you don't feel like saying anything, that's fine too.

You are invited to bring some festive food to share. Don't have the energy to cook? - join us anyway, there will be plenty.

Newcomers are welcome. We look forward to meeting you!

How it works:
Participants propose topics (10 minutes)
We will provide post-it notes and pens. Participants write topics they would like to discuss on post-it notes and stick them to the wall. Topics can be a special interest, something related to neurodiversity, or anything else you'd like to talk about. You do not have to suggest a topic if you don't wish to.
Topics are sorted into themes
The post-it notes are sorted into themed groups. If there are topics that are very similar then these can be combined into one topic.
Participants vote on topics (5 minutes)
Voting is done by "dot voting". Each participant is allowed three votes. They draw dots on the post-it notes of the topic(s) that they most wish to discuss.
Votes are counted
The number of dots on each post-it note are counted to select the most popular topics.
Split up into topic groups
Participants split up into smaller groups according to their preferred topic and choose a meeting space. If your topic is chosen, you should go with that group. You may choose to lead the conversation on that topic, or one of the organisers will help facilitate the discussion if you prefer.
The law of two feet
You can leave the discussion you're in at any time and join another group (or sit on a couch and chill).
Option to switch topics
The organiser will come around after 20 minutes and ask if each group wishes to stick with the initial topic, or switch to a different topic.
Wrap up
We will gather in the main meeting room to summarise what we have learnt, or any interesting points to come out of the discussion.