

About us
Welcome to our safe space in Sarasota where neurodivergent and shy people can connect authentically.
This group is part of and paid for by the International Friend Connection. We partner with The Octopus Movement Think Tank in Europe. We believe that everyone is important to the future of humanity. It doesn't matter what your past or present looks like.
What We Offer
This is an oasis from the outside world where you can be yourself without judgment. We create a peaceful environment where meaningful connections happen naturally.
Whether you're:
- Navigating social situations differently
- Processing the world in your own unique way
- Preferring deeper conversations over small talk
- Looking for genuine understanding and acceptance
You belong here.
Our Values
Acceptance - Everyone's way of being is valid
Peace - We maintain a calm, respectful atmosphere
Authenticity - No masks or pretending required
Connection - Building real relationships at your own pace
Who's Welcome
Everyone who comes in peace is welcome. We're here to support each other and create the kind of community we wish existed everywhere.
Come as you are. Leave feeling understood.
Find out more about the International Friend Connection at:
https://internationalfriendconnection.com/
Find out more about The Octopus Movement at:
https://www.theoctopusmovement.org/
Nobody under the age of 18 is allowed to attend without a parent present.
Upcoming events
3

GAME Night! π² Shy/Neurodivergent Friends Hangout
The Dark Side, 935 N Beneva Road, Suite 902, Sarasota, FL, USποΈ RSVP Event ποΈ Join us for a fun, low-pressure game night! This week we've pre-selected some games and will have tables running Yahtzee and Scattergories, or you can always Choose-Your-Own-Adventure with the huge selection of games available for us to play from the Dark Side's library.
What to Expect:
6:45 PM Welcome & Mingle
π₯€ Grab a drink/snack
β Check in with host
π² Yahtzee/Scattergories/Choice
πͺ Pick your seat & chat7:00 PM Let the games begin!
β° Games begin promptly
π Lots of laughs & funDon't know how to play? No worries! We'll help bring you up to speedβeveryone learns fast and there is zero pressure here. π² β
β° (6:45 Arrival so we can kick off games at 7:00!) π
IMPORTANT NOTES:
π’ Venue:- π₯€ Drinks: No outside drinks allowed (personal water bottles, travel mugs, and tumblers from home are not permitted inside). The venue sells drinks and snacks.
- π Outside Food: Outside takeout food is allowed for a small venue fee ($1 per meal, $3 per pizza).
- π The Vibe: Low-pressure, welcoming & fun!
β οΈ Attendance: Please look over our attendance policy below. Weβve had a recent wave of no-shows and would really value your cooperation.
π©πΏβπ€βπ¨πΌπ¨πΎβπ€βπ¨π»π«π©πΏβπ€βπ¨πΌππ©π»βπ€βπ¨πΎπ«π¨π»βπ€βπ¨πΏπ©πΏβπ€βπ¨πΌπ©πΌβπ€βπ¨π»π©π»βπ€βπ¨πΎπ©πΌβπ€βπ©πΏπ«
Tired of masking? Need a break from explaining yourself? This meetup is for adults with Social Anxiety, ADHD, or Autism who want to connect with others who "get it."
As Always:
- No pressure to be "on" or perform to social norms.
- Conversations that can jump topics (we love tangents!)
- Acceptance of stimming, and room to be your authentic self.
β One Rule:
Our group is about light-hearted, stress-free (platonic) socializing. Let's focus on uplifting, casual topics! πͺ·π§π»ββοΈπ§πΎπ§π§π»πͺ·π‘ IMPORTANT:
- This is a social meetupβwe are not a mental health support group. Just a comfy place to connect. π
- This group is designed for individuals with low-support needs who can attend independentlly.
β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨
π The Fine Print (Our Attendance Policy):- To keep things fair for everyone and protect spots for those eager to show up, hosts review all attendance.
- We do not issue automatic bans for a first no-show offense. Instead, to keep our RSVP process running smoothly and to be fair to those eager to attend, the account is placed on standby status.
- Removal from events and waitlists for prior no-shows and chronic or last-minute cancellations will be at the host's discretion.
- While we may consider certain circumstances, our focus is preserving open spots for those eager and able to attend, ensuring fairness for the entire group.
β¨ Standby Status β¨
- A no-show is when attendees miss an event without proper cancellation. Canceling within 24 hours of event time is also considered a no-show.
- A no-show offense, late cancellation, or chronic cancellation can move your account to standby status, meaning any future RSVPs you make will be removed.
- When this happens, you may direct message the Co-host, Janna A, within 2 hours of an event to check for unbooked seats.
- If a spot is open, you will be manually added to the event. If no spot is open, there will be no replyβmeaning you should not attend the event.
Standby status gives members a clear path to still attend future events by filling late cancellations or unbooked seats, without risking another empty spot on our roster. We genuinely want everyone to be able to attend. ππ» π
β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨Do you have social anxiety? Are you struggling with having conversations? Please feel welcome to see our original FREE classes here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVhrbTYkCPs&list=PL7dZ0pbrV6fTSANlyWr58fqm-Wejf0OjTThis group is brought to you by the International Friend Connection in partnership with The Octopus Movement Think Tank.
Find out more here:
https://davidgood.org12 attendees
Morning Cuppa: β A Shy & Neurodivergent Friendly Hangout
Coastal Grind Coffee, 2661 Mall Dr, Sarasota, FL, USποΈ RSVP Required ποΈ (20 Spots)
Join us for a morning of low-pressure conversation and kind company. This is a comfortable, laid-back space to enjoy a cuppa (your drink of choice) and connect with some really great people. Whether you want to chat with the group, or just quietly listenβyour presence is welcome just as you are!βΊοΈ- Tired of masking? Need a break from explaining yourself? This meetup is for adults with Social Anxiety, ADHD, or Autism who want to connect with others who "get it."
As Always:
- No pressure to be "on" or perform to social norms.
- Conversations that can jump topicsβwe love tangents!
- Acceptance of stimming, room to be your authentic self.
π¦ What to Expect:
- β Cafe Purchase: Cafe tables are for patronsβwe don't charge an event fee, but a cafe purchase is required to attend. Please, no outside food or drinks.
- πͺͺ Adults Only Please: This event is designed for adults 21 and over with low-support needs who can attend independently.
π©πΏβπ€βπ¨πΌπ¨πΎβπ€βπ¨π»π«π©πΏβπ€βπ¨πΌππ©π»βπ€βπ¨πΎπ«π¨π»βπ€βπ¨πΏπ©πΏβπ€βπ¨πΌπ©πΌβπ€βπ¨π»π©π»βπ€βπ¨πΎπ©πΌβπ€βπ©πΏπ©πΏβπ€βπ¨πΌπ«
β One Rule:
Our group is about light-hearted stress-free (platonic) socializing; Let's focus on uplifting, casual topics! πͺ·π§π»ββοΈπ§πΎπ§π§π»πͺ·π‘ IMPORTANT:
- This is a social meetupβwe're not a mental health support group. Just a comfy place to connect. π
β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨
π The Fine Print (Our Attendance Policy):- To keep things fair for everyone and protect spots for those eager to show up, hosts review event attendance.
- We do not issue automatic bans for a first no-show offense. Instead, to keep our RSVP process running smoothly and to be fair to those eager to attend, the account is placed on standby status.
- Removal from events and waitlists for no-shows and chronic or last-minute cancellations will be at the host's discretion.
- While we may consider certain circumstances, our focus is preserving open spots for those eager and able to attend, ensuring fairness for the entire group.
β¨ Standby Status β¨
- A no-show is when attendees miss an event without proper cancellation. Canceling within 24 hours of event time is also considered a no-show.
- A no-show offense, late cancellation, or chronic cancellation can move your account to standby status, meaning any future RSVPs you make will be removed.
- When this happens, you may direct message the Co-host, Janna A, within 2 hours of an event to check for unbooked seats.
- If a spot is open, you will be manually added to the event. If no spot is open, there will be no replyβmeaning you should not attend the event.
Standby status gives members a clear path to still attend future events by filling late cancellations or unbooked seats, without risking another empty spot on our roster. We genuinely want everyone to be able to attend.
β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨Do you have social anxiety? Are you struggling with having conversations? Please feel welcome to see our original FREE classes here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVhrbTYkCPs&list=PL7dZ0pbrV6fTSANlyWr58fqm-Wejf0OjTThis group is brought to you by the International Friend Connection in partnership with The Octopus Movement Think Tank.
Find out more here:
https://davidgood.org5 attendees
π₯ Panera Hangout (Shy & Neurodivergent Friendly!)
Panera Bread, 2821 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL, USποΈ RSVP Required ποΈ (28 Spots)
π¨ By request, a Meetup on the Bradenton/Sarasota line!! β¨π€
Come unwind in a low-key, judgment-free zone where everyone belongs. Chat with the group, work on an art project, play a game, or just listen quietlyβthis is a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure night and the choice is yours! Grab a drink & pull up a chair. ππ»β οΈ GPS Check: THERE ARE 2 PANERAS on the UNIVERSITY PARKWAY CORRIDORβΌοΈ Be sure to GPS 2821 UNIVERSITY PKWY, so you'll arrive at the right one! It's at the INTERSECTION of TUTTLE AVE & UNIVERSITY PKWY (NOT @UTC Mall).
Tired of masking? Need a break from explaining yourself? This meetup is for adults with Social Anxiety, ADHD, or Autism who want to be around others who "get it."
π¦ What to Expect:
- No pressure to be "on" or perform to social norms.
- Conversations that can jump topicsβwe love tangents!
- Acceptance of stimming, room to be your authentic self.
β Cafe Purchase: Cafe tables are for patronsβwe don't charge an event fee, but a cafe purchase is required to attend. (Please no outside food or drinks.)
πͺͺ Adults Only Please: This event is designed for adults 21 and over with low-support needs who can attend independently.π©πΏβπ€βπ¨πΌπ¨πΎβπ€βπ¨π»π«π©πΏβπ€βπ¨πΌππ©π»βπ€βπ¨πΎπ«π¨π»βπ€βπ¨πΏπ©πΏβπ€βπ¨πΌπ©πΌβπ€βπ¨π»π©π»βπ€βπ¨πΎπ©πΌβπ€βπ©πΏ
β One Rule:
- Our group is about light-hearted stress-free (platonic) socializing; Let's focus on uplifting, casual topics! πͺ·π§π»ββοΈπ§πΎπ§π§π»πͺ·
π‘ IMPORTANT:
- This is a social meetupβwe're not a mental health support group. Just a comfy place to connect. π
β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨
π The Fine Print (Our Attendance Policy):- To keep things fair for everyone and protect spots for those eager to show up, hosts review event attendance.
- We do not issue automatic bans for a first no-show offense. Instead, to keep our RSVP process running smoothly and to be fair to those eager to attend, the account is placed on standby status.
- Removal from events and waitlists for no-shows and chronic or last-minute cancellations will be at the host's discretion.
- While we may consider certain circumstances, our focus is preserving open spots for those eager and able to attend, ensuring fairness for the entire group.
β¨ Standby Status β¨
- A no-show is when attendees miss an event without proper cancellation. Canceling within 24 hours of event time is also considered a no-show.
- A no-show offense, late cancellation, or chronic cancellation can move your account to standby status, meaning any future RSVPs you make will be removed.
- When this happens, you may direct message the co-host, Janna A, within 2 hours of an event to check for unbooked seats.
- If a spot is open, you will be manually added to the event. If no spot is open, there will be no replyβmeaning you should not attend the event.
Standby status gives members a clear path to still attend future events by filling late cancellations or unbooked seats, without risking another empty spot on our roster. We genuinely want everyone to be able to attend.
β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨Do you have social anxiety? Are you struggling with having conversations? Please feel welcome to see our original FREE classes here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVhrbTYkCPs&list=PL7dZ0pbrV6fTSANlyWr58fqm-Wejf0OjTThis group is brought to you by the International Friend Connection in partnership with The Octopus Movement Think Tank.
Find out more here:
https://davidgood.org24 attendees
Past events
84
