What we’re about
This group is for neurodivergent adults in or near Austin, Albert Lea, and surrounding communities in Southern Minnesota. We are part of MNeurodivergent, a Minnesota-based nonprofit dedicated to creating affirming, low-pressure, and accessible spaces where neurodivergent adults can build friendships, connect with peers, and find community—without pressure to mask, perform, or “act typical.”
We use neurodivergent as a broad, inclusive umbrella. If your brain works differently from dominant social norms, you may be neurodivergent—and you are welcome here.
People in our community may identify with one or more of the following:
Autistic
ADHD / ADD
Dyslexic
Dyscalculic
Dysgraphic
Dyspraxic / DCD
Tourettic / have tic disorders
OCD
Sensory or auditory processing differences (SPD / APD)
Executive dysfunction or cognitive processing differences
Learning disabilities
Intellectual or developmental disabilities
PTSD or complex trauma
Anxiety, social anxiety, panic
Depression
Bipolar
Psychosis, hallucinations, delusions, altered perception
Dissociation or dissociative identities
Personality differences (BPD, AVPD, NPD, etc.)
Aphantasia / hyperphantasia
Alexithymia
Time blindness
Emotional dysregulation
Rejection sensitivity
Stimming or regulation through movement or sound
Speech differences, including non-speaking or semi-speaking
Neurological variation due to epilepsy, migraines, brain injury, or rare conditions
Or simply anyone who’s been told they’re “too intense,” “too quiet,” “too sensitive,” or “too different”—and just want to be understood
We affirm both self-diagnosed and professionally diagnosed individuals. You do not need a label or a piece of paper to belong.
Our local Austin/Albert Lea events are hosted by neurodivergent volunteers and designed to be comfortable, inclusive, and pressure-free. Activities may include coffee shop meetups, art and craft nights, sensory-friendly events, nature walks, quiet game nights, or just safe spaces to exist among others who get it.
All events follow MNeurodivergent’s community code of conduct, centered on inclusion, safety, consent, and access.
This Meetup page is your hub to RSVP to events, ask questions, and connect with others in your area.
Community Coordinator: Mark Ladd
📧 Email: Mark.Ladd@MNeurodivergent.org
📞 Phone (Austin/Albert Lea Region): 507.460.7261
Whether you attend every event or just one, you are part of this community. We’re so glad you’re here.
Upcoming events
No upcoming events