July 2026 'Multicultural and Unmasking' Intersectional Meetup: Accepting Neurodivergent Processing
Mark H. Durgee
July 29, 2026 - 8pm EDT (New York), 5pm PDT (Los Angeles)
A community space for adults who discovered their neurodivergence later in life, shaped by culture and identity. Cultural, familial, and social influences may affect how you learned to mask, what feels unsafe to show, and what unmasking brings up now.
This isn’t therapy or coaching. It’s a welcoming space to explore masking, cultural identity, life transitions, and the unique challenges of late recognition. Join however feels comfortable. Speak, listen, chat, or simply be present.
July 2026 Intersectional Meetups: Accepting Neurodivergent Processing
A community space for adults who discovered their neurodivergence later in life, shaped by culture and identity. Cultural, familial, and social influences may affect how you learned to mask, what feels unsafe to show, and what unmasking brings up now.
This isn’t therapy or coaching. It’s a welcoming space to explore masking, cultural identity, life transitions, and the unique challenges of late recognition. Join however feels comfortable. Speak, listen, chat, or simply be present.
July 2026 Intersectional Meetups: Accepting Neurodivergent Processing
For many late-identified neurodivergent adults, processing the world doesn’t always happen in real time. Information may take longer to land, responses may come after a delay, or clarity may arrive hours, days, or even longer after an interaction has already moved on.
This can be misunderstood as overthinking, avoidance, forgetfulness, or not caring enough.
But what if it’s something different?
What if it’s not a problem to fix, but a way your mind and nervous system naturally work?
What if processing isn't immediate, but layered, embodied, and time-dependent?
What if understanding that could shift how you relate to yourself?
This month, we’ll explore Accepting Neurodivergent Processing through a multicultural lens. We'll honor our lived experiences while recognizing the shared challenges many neurodivergent adults face when navigating delayed processing, sensory and emotional integration, interoception differences, alexithymia, and auditory processing differences.
Together, we’ll explore questions such as:
- What does my processing actually look like when I’m not forcing speed?
- What helps me understand what I think or feel, after the moment has passed?
- Where have I learned to rush myself in order to be understandable to others?
- What becomes possible when I stop interpreting delay as failure?
These gatherings are grounded in a befriending approach, a practice of compassionate presence popularized by Chad Varah of the Samaritans movement. Together, we create space for conversation and shared understanding without pressure to fix, advise, or reach conclusions. A place to explore the questions, experiences, and challenges you’re navigating, listen with curiosity, and connect with others who may recognize parts of your experience.
You’re welcome to share, offer support, or simply be present. There’s no right way to participate, and your autonomy around how you show up will always be respected.
Community Guidelines for Monthly Intersectional Meetups
Please review the following Community Guidelines and be prepared to follow them during our meetup.
- Autonomy in Participation
Join in the way that feels right for you. You may use your webcam, speak, type in the chat, use reactions, or simply listen. All forms of participation are valid. - Confidentiality
What is shared here stays here. Please protect the privacy of everyone in the group. - No Recording
Recording audio, video, or screenshots is not allowed. This helps keep the space safe for genuine connection. - Mutual Respect
Treat each person with care and respect. We honor diverse lived experiences, identities, and communication styles. - Non-Judgment and Curiosity
We approach each other with openness, not correction. Lived experiences may differ, and that diversity is welcome. - No Advice-Giving Without Consent
Sharing personal experiences is encouraged. Offering advice is optional and should only be given when someone clearly requests it. - No Diagnosing, Pathologizing, or Gatekeeping
We don’t evaluate or label each other, nor do we require or prioritize formal diagnosis. Access to diagnosis varies, and self-identified neurodivergent people are fully welcome and respected. - Speak From Your Own Experience
Use “I” statements and avoid assuming someone else’s reality. Every story is unique. - Allow Space for All Voices
Be mindful of participation so everyone who wants to share has the chance to do so. Support will be provided to limit sharing to windows of five minutes or less. - Identity and Intersectionality Are Respected
We honor each person’s self-identification regarding neurodivergence, gender, sexuality, culture, and lived experience. - This Isn’t Therapy or Coaching
These meet-ups offer conversation and community. They are not a place for crisis support, mental health treatment, or coaching sessions. - Care for Yourself
Take breaks, step away, or log off at any time. Your well-being comes first.
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Price
$0
This package includes
When you register, you'll receive Meltdowns: A Guide for Autistics & Allies, a five-page guide filled with practical, supportive resources you can use yourself or share with others.