MNeurodivergent NFO Community

MNeurodivergent – Northfield / Faribault / Owatonna (NFO) Community

This group is for neurodivergent adults in or near Northfield, Faribault, Owatonna, and surrounding areas of Southern Minnesota. We’re part of MNeurodivergent, a Minnesota-based nonprofit dedicated to building affirming, low-pressure, and accessible spaces where neurodivergent adults can connect socially, find support, and build meaningful community—without pressure to mask, “perform,” or fit into neurotypical expectations.

We use neurodivergent as a broad and inclusive umbrella term that refers to people whose brains or nervous systems function in ways that diverge from dominant social norms. If you feel your brain works differently, you may be neurodivergent—and you’re welcome here.

People in our community may identify with one or more of the following:

Autism / Autistic

ADHD / ADD

Dyslexia

Dyscalculia

Dysgraphia

Dyspraxia / Developmental Coordination Disorder

Tourette Syndrome / Tic disorders

OCD

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Executive functioning or cognitive processing differences

Learning disabilities

Intellectual and developmental disabilities

PTSD / complex trauma

Anxiety / panic / social anxiety

Depression

Bipolar

Psychosis, altered perception, hallucinations, or delusions

Dissociation / dissociative identities

Personality differences (BPD, AVPD, NPD, etc.)

Aphantasia / hyperphantasia

Alexithymia

Time blindness

Rejection sensitivity

Emotional dysregulation

Stimming or movement-based regulation needs

Non-speaking, semi-speaking, or selective mutism

Neuroimmune or neurological conditions (migraines, epilepsy, brain injury, etc.)

Or anyone who has been told they’re “too much,” “too quiet,” “too sensitive,” or “too intense”—and just wants a space to feel understood

Whether you're formally diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or still exploring what neurodivergence means for you—you belong here.

Our local NFO events are designed by and for neurodivergent adults and are hosted by volunteers who share lived experience. Events may include cozy coffee meetups, game nights, crafting socials, nature walks, sensory-friendly gatherings, or other low-pressure ways to connect. You can stim, bring fidgets or headphones, take breaks, speak freely—or not at all.

This Meetup group is your place to RSVP to events, ask questions, and connect with others. All gatherings follow our community code of conduct, focused on inclusion, consent, access, and safety.

Community Coordinator: Kelly Ness
📧 Email: Kelly.Ness@MNeurodivergent.org

📞 Phone (NFO Region): 507.291.5482

Come exactly as you are. Whether you join every week or just once, you’re part of our community. We’re so glad you’re here.