Explore Autism, Neurodiversity & Psychedelic Experiences

Gather monthly to explore where our Autism, Neurodiversity and Psychedelic experiences meet, as well as how each plays out separately in our lives.

In many circles talking about autism, neurodiversity or psychedelics can be awkward or even taboo. This is our space to explore and share, unmasked. Come as you are, with your fidget toy, your quirks and special interests, and all that is uniquely you. This is an inclusive group where all are welcome, including allies.

We'll start each meeting sharing guidelines to help us co-create our meetups with comfort and flexibility, knowing that our guidelines will evolve over time. Then we'll have brief check-ins to help us get to know each other. Following will be time to chat about the topics anyone would like to discuss. Our shared purpose is to allow us to come together, be our authentic selves, and connect with others who can relate to many of our own experiences.

Suggestion - Bring some paper or a journal, and a pen, to jot down thoughts during the meeting while another person is speaking, so you remember all the brilliant thoughts you had on the topic when you get a chance to speak at the MeetUp! From experience the thoughts will spark. ;)

Our meetings are monthly online, and we are adding in person events 1-2 times a year, in addition to the monthly online MeetUps. In person events announced at the online meetings as they are planned.

(Please avoid fragranced products at our occasional in person meetings to support those with sensitivity to smells. We'll do our best to find in person meeting locations with decent lighting, and low levels of auditory distractions. Suggestions welcome on locations too!)

About the host:

Be Friend is an ordained minister in a non-denominational "church without walls" for over 16 years, a late diagnosed autistic woman, and an advocate who is steeped in the newly legal psilocybin ecosystem in Oregon. Currently she is in the middle of starting up a psilocybin service center, and an adjacent retreat center. She's been involved since Nov. 2022 with grassroots advocacy, encouraging our state's legislators and the Oregon Health Authority to improve the rules for the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act (OPSA).

Be has also been part of the Autistic Psychedelic Community (APC) for quite a while now and has witnessed and experienced how coming together to chat about being on the spectrum and psychedelics, can be a powerful community building space. So when Aaron Orsini (the co-founder of the APC, and author of Autism on Acid) asked Be to connect with PPS to get a group going in Portland, she jumped at the chance.

************************

Portland Psychedelic Society (PPS) is a donation-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

We ask for a sliding scale donation of $0-$10 to attend this event. You are not required to pay and no one will be turned away. Cash, Card, PayPal and Venmo are accepted.

PPS Members: your seat is always free!

Visit our website for info about PPS memberships, volunteer opportunities, and much more.

Thanks for your participation and support!