Monthly Neurodiversity Night
Spreading Neurodiversity Awareness!
This vibrant bilingual event had an impressive start! We were delighted to host over 15 families from four different towns and two counties at our inaugural monthly event focused on inclusion. Representatives from local agencies graciously shared their community contributions, including the Redwood Coast Regional Center (RCRC). And Slam Dunk Pizza was all fired up and ready to rock by sponsoring the pizza for this shindig!
We established this event with the aim of uniting all neurotypes, celebrating both our unique qualities and commonalities. Our goal is to support the neurodiverse community, ensuring they are not marginalized, and to remind the neurotypical community to embrace equality among all neurotypes. Despite advancements in neuroscience, societal acceptance, accommodation, and adaptation are progressing slowly. We aspire to promote and advocate for these advancements through our inclusive play environments.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the diversity of human minds and the infinite variations in neurocognitive functioning within our species. Humanity is neurodiverse, just as humanity is racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse. When an individual diverges from the dominant societal standards of “normal” neurocognitive functioning, they don’t “have neurodiversity,” they “are neurodivergent.”
Mendo LEAP is committed to fostering unity and embracing diversity. Through it’s facilities, Mendo LEAP creates opportunities for inclusivity, connection, safety, acceptance, and love. By maintaining an open environment for the public, specialists, and organizations, LEAP advocates for collaborative efforts centered on empathy and comprehension. Our core belief is in the inherent worth of every neurotype, embracing diverse thinking patterns and communication styles.
COLLABORATION for the enrichment of the COMMUNITY!
We provide a safe, diverse, climate-controlled environment with top-tier specialized therapeutic play equipment that local organizations like RCRC (Redwood Coast Regional Center) and Easter Seals, AAI (Autism Advocacy Intervention) get to utilize with their clients. Our daily interactions with a diverse range of specialists and their clients highlight the value of our setting, fostering neurodivergent and neurotypical inclusion. The mutual benefits these different neurotypes bring to each other's development are truly transformative.
Everyone who comes to our event from the various local organizations wear name tags that say “Ask Me About What I do.” Guests ware encouraged to mingle and connect to learn about each other. Fantastic connections were made during this inaugural event and cultural awareness and understanding was celebrated.
End of the Night Tales
As we expressed our gratitude to everyone for attending, heartwarming stories unfolded. Witnessing parents and caregivers engaging and forming connections was truly special. While this may seem like an ordinary park visit, but for parents of neurodivergent children, it goes beyond. In social gatherings for their children, they often experience feelings of isolation and disconnection when interacting with other parents. Judgemental stares and whispers are usually inevitable.
The event provided a rare and valuable opportunity for these families to build a supportive community. The laughter of children playing freely, without the worry of judgment, was a testament to the safe space that has been created. Conversations flowed easily among the adults, who shared experiences, advice, and stories of both challenges and triumphs. It was a night where everyone felt understood and accepted, where differences were celebrated, and where a sense of belonging was fostered.
As the evening drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of warmth and gratitude in the air. Friendships had been forged, and bonds strengthened. The event was more than just a gathering; it was a reminder that no one has to walk this journey alone. It was a beacon of hope, illuminating the path forward with the promise of continued support and camaraderie.
Such gatherings are not merely events; they are lifelines. They empower parents and caregivers, filling them with renewed strength and optimism. Most importantly, they remind everyone involved that while the road may be challenging, it is also filled with moments of joy, connection, and shared humanity.
My personal favorite memory of the evening was when one of the moms of a young child we get the pleasure of seeing often came up to me to share that she had never seen her son so “happily stimulated.” She went on to explain that stimulation is difficult for her child and playing “with” others can be a challenge. She shared that stimulation usually resulted in meltdowns and having to leave whatever event or activity they are at early. But Neurodiversity night was different. That night her son had more fun excitedly playing “with” other children then she had ever seen. As a mom myself, to see this moms smile and tears in her eyes made all the ups and downs of running a small business in a rural community worth it!
This is why Mendo LEAP exists. For children to thrive, they NEED love, safety and connection. We get to foster that in our facility and influence the growth of it in our community; enriching the lives of all!
Join us for our next event the last saturday of every month! All neurotypes (neurodivergent and neurotypical!) are welcomed and encouraged to attend!
If your agency would like to attend and share about what you do please reach out to us!
Mendo LEAP Founders - Megan (the visionary) & Jonathan (the active doer)
