“Gee, Brain, what do you want to do tonight?” “The same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world.”
Join the CSPC the first Sunday of the month from 5-7 p.m. and the fourth Tuesday of the month from 7-9 p.m. Pacific Time for a discussion by and for our neurodivergent members. Using communication styles unique to the neurodivergent population we’ll explore the world of kink in a comfortable and inclusive environment: a place we fit in, a place we can breathe, a place we aren’t awkward. We will be discussing any topics that fall under the CSPC’s mission statement. Add a 60-sided-die to roll for fun and boom!
We are hosted by a mix of Atlas, Brian W., Gloria, Khaos, and Turtle, with Aaron and Teeebone running Tech. We are neuro-divergent. We are also a study in Intersectionality! See below for guidelines we plan to provide within the group for everyone’s comfort and support.
Question: Can the neurotypical come to the DG? Answer: Yes. That being said, we plan to use non-mainstream communication styles. As long as you remain understanding and supportive, anyone is welcome.
ND/DG guidelines:
1. New situations make communication a challenge. To that end, everyone is not expected to participate or more specifically, participate in a typical fashion. People can be vocal without being verbal and non-verbal is perfectly acceptable. Long pauses will be honored. There will be extensive chat, perhaps even a mostly non-verbal breakout room or chat-only breakout room.
2. Don’t assume abstract or hidden meanings. We will likely add in the “unstated meaning” of words, for example… “That’s what she said means innuendo.” Participants may use the timeout sign to get a quick : “what do you mean by that?”
3. Be specific about what you are saying. Include descriptive words. “I had fun.” What was fun about it?
4. Talking about feelings is NOT easy. It’s okay to pass/swipe if you don’t want to talk about emotions. Discussion hosts will do their best to be supportive.
5. Respect all forms of communication.
6. Be aware eye contact and listening poses may vary.
7. Be patient when communicating. If someone is struggling, they are welcome to chat with one of the hosts for assistance or make the ASL All Done sign or Pass/Swipe signal to signal the group to move on.
8. Talking can be hard work. Quiet breaks are welcome and expected. We may consider a breakout room where people can just be together.
10. Please follow CSPC DG rules.
Understand there will be some adjustment as we work out what works best for our attendees. Please see the link below as to who is considered by neurotypical people to be neurodivergent but remember, we are only who we think we are as defined by us.
https://www.andnextcomesl.com/2021/03/types-of-neurodivergence.html
https://www.planetneurodivergent.com/communication-what-it-means-to-be-non-verbal-to-me/
Have questions? Email the team at NDDG@theCSPC.org or the CSPC Events department at eventsdirector@theCSPC.org for more information.
Registration is open to all. Click the button below to register. The link to participate will be emailed to you shortly after you register. If you haven't received it within an hour of registering or if you have opted out of emails from the CSPC, please contact us at registration@theCSPC.org. Please take a moment to review our event agreements.
Cost
Discussion Groups at the CSPC are free for members and cost $5 if you are not a member. Membership is $10/month, so if you’re going to two Discussion Groups, your membership is essentially paid for! To become a member, sign up for a New Member Orientation here! Any further donations are appreciated and help us keep quality programming coming your way!