What we’re about
As we increase our awareness and the amount of discussions we have about diversity in our field, I would like to bring awareness to something that isn’t necessarily thought of as much - neurodiversity.
Neurodivergence is a term used to describe people whose brains develop or work differently from most people. This can include people with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, and other conditions.
Neurodivergent people are often drawn to STEM careers because they enjoy the challenge and stimulation of these fields. They may also have skills that are well-suited to STEM careers, such as pattern recognition, systems thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
Neurodivergent people often face challenges in society and the workplace. They may be misunderstood, discriminated against, or excluded. They may also find it difficult to navigate social situations or to keep up with the demands of a job. This can be due to communication, social, sensory, and executive function difficulties, but also due to mistreatment due to stigma, bias, and incorrect assumptions. This often results in higher rates of mental health problems and burnout, as well as feelings of isolation and being fundamentally misunderstood.
By understanding these differences we can make the workplace and society a more tolerable place to those that are different and help them shine and use their abilities to their fullest. There are still lingering bad attitudes and misinformation surrounding neurodiversity that I would like to start the conversation to combat.
We are still finding our feet with what this meetup group is and how it will function, but know that it will always be a safe space for those neurodivergent and those that want to see our industry become a more open and welcoming place.
Code of Conduct:
This group is dedicated to providing a harassment-free community for everyone, regardless of sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, body size, race, nationality, or religious beliefs. We do not tolerate harassment of community members in any form. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the community at the discretion of the organizer(s).
Harassment includes offensive verbal or written comments related to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, body size, race, nationality, or religious beliefs, deliberate intimidation, threats, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any of our events or communication channel. Community members asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Sponsors and presenters are also subject to the anti-harassment policy.
If a community member engages in harassing behavior, the organizer(s) may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the community. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact the organizer(s) of this group immediately.