What It’s Like Being Part of a Neurodivergent Community: Interviews from Inside a Neurodivergent Friendship Group
We asked members of The London Neurodivergent Friendship Group what it is like to be part of a close knit Neurodivergent community after spending a lifetime struggling to fit in with Neurotypicals
Tyrone
‘In a word, it’s amazing — because in this kind of community, you actually find people who see the world the way you do, who react to the world the way you do, who respond to things the way you do, and who you can genuinely communicate with in a way that feels natural. You don’t have to hide who you are. You don’t have to mask or put on a different personality to meet the world’s expectations. You can be yourself, they can be themselves, and you can relate to each other as people — not as artificial roles defined by a society that thinks differently. That’s a huge relief for all of us. It’s a way of escaping the pressures we face day to day and being with people we can truly relate to.
Lara
For me, it’s about being part of a really fun, really lovely group—something I’ve never experienced before. I only recently found out I was neurodivergent, and I’ve been so welcomed and, in a way, loved as well. It’s really lovely to be part of this group, to get to know other neurodivergent people like me, and to be able to share my experiences and hear other people’s experiences too.
Andrew
For me, there's a feeling of acceptance. There's a feeling of being seen—being in a group of people who are very similar to me. That’s something unique. I find that I operate in a neurotypical world day to day, and coming to this group, I can interact with people who are similar to me in different ways. That's incredibly liberating. It gives me a sense of being seen and accepted by people who are like me, and that’s very liberating.
Kane
This was the first one [group] I’ve ever come to, and it was great because I’ve met people I can relate to. Growing up, I was told I was different, but everyone here relates to me in different ways. It’s great to feel normal among others, rather than feeling different.
Mike
So what is it like being part of a neurodivergent community? It’s brilliant. I’ve been part of this for well over six months now, and it’s great—meeting people and just having conversations with others who are very similar and share a lot of the same traits. It’s just really easy. I don’t usually like big group socialising, but with this, it just feels very natural.
Rosie
I felt a sense of belonging—loved, cared for—everything I needed in my life. Before I was in this community, I didn’t socialise or have any kind of social life. I didn’t belong anywhere. This is my true place. I’ve never been judged; everyone here cares for me, and I like to think I give the same back.
Sam
Being part of the London Neurodivergent Friendship Group is great. I get to feel like I’m part of something. I can see that there are lots of events I can get involved in, if I want to. There are lots of different types of activities—whether it’s meeting up in East London, discussing things related to my interests, or trying different things I’d like to do. It gives me hope for building friendships and relationships in the future, and for feeling like I truly belong.
The London Neurodivergent Friendship Group (LNFG) is a friendship group for Neurodivergents based in London, UK, founded by Jeanie Gee in 2022 [pictured below]. The LNFG is a sanctuary where members are encouraged to be their authentic, Neurofabulous selves. Members chat daily and socialise frequently.
This group has been described as life changing by most members and life saving by some <3
Go here to apply to join (criteria applies, must be Neurodivergent to join and there is currently a waiting list for new members)
The ND Collabs is a non-profit CIC established by LNFG members Jeanie Gee (pictured), Andrew Ledwidge, Fauve Thorpe, Fran Arrigoni, and Zora Bishop.
ND Collabs works collaboratively with places and spaces to ensure they are neurodivergent-friendly and inclusive for all.
