Neurodiverse Network: A community founded by necessity
Leann FirestoneWe all deserve a safe community.
Hey Friends, I am Leann Firestone, The director of Neurodiverse Network and I am here to tell you the back story, and why I founded Neurodiverse Network Non profit!
After receiving my adult autistic diagnosis a little late in life at 30 years old, I quickly realized there was no active community for me to turn to. Diving deeper into the systems and learning more about neurodivergent individuals, I realized there is very little medical and state support for someone like me. From my own need for connection and resources, I found other later-diagnosed Autistic adults internationally through Facebook groups. The online community was a huge help at a critical time, and I realized that, yes, this is what I need to build LOCALLY! I need to help people like myself and caregivers of Neurodivergent Kids to find and connect with each other. We must share our experiences and feel accepted and understood in a safe space. I started tiny support groups through Facebook where we provide Local Support, which are now growing daily with hundreds of members! When this all launched, it was 2022, and many people were not comfortable meeting in person yet. As we came further from the pandemic isolation, we would grow the need for connection again. This resource needed to develop more significantly than through the web. The problem was I didn’t know what I was doing and/or how to start. So, let’s take it back and learn a bit about the path that led me here!
I’ve always been a serial entrepreneur. Since I was a young child and learned what a business was, my brain has been finding ways to start or fix it! My experience spans many different fields. I went to cosmetology school before college, and I still work in the Hair industry part-time. Most of my current clients are neurodivergent. I love helping kids who struggle to cope with sensory aversions or fears of haircuts! While I was working as a young stylist, I earned an associate’s degree in Marketing/Management. I have held positions that specifically utilized that education, such as bridal services coordinator and social media affiliate. Over the past 13 years, I used these skills to maintain my Hair Stylist social media page. This has translated well to managing the social media presence for Neurodiverse Network and my current growth as an Autistic Advocate.
I have a massive drive for the community. When I had my daughter in 2016, I had no local mom friends–I had to start from scratch. I had postpartum depression and tons of anxiety having a newborn at home. So, I found local mom communities, started support groups, and facilitated events and meetings–I unknowingly created this fantastic support system that carried me through a difficult time. I want to make that kind of supportive community again, this time for Neurodivergent people and their families. I want us to have people to turn to, people who understand and support us. I want parents to have a place to connect with each other and children to have a safe space to just BE THEMSELVES.
The long road that led me to this point is what makes my non-profit so unique! I am coming at this from a place of understanding and unity. Neurodivergent adults diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, etc. have little to NO support. The only way we will find it locally is if we create it! In 2022, with passion in my heart and fear in my eyes, I took the steps to get my non-profit legalized and jumped right in. I started hosting monthly adult support groups for Neurodivergent Adults and another for Parents/Caregivers. Over the past 2 years, with the help of other volunteers, we have added a variety of monthly activities and have hosted many inclusive events.
The struggle we are facing now is that most people in our community need familiarity and sensory regulation to be comfortable. The parents need a safe environment with childcare and social opportunities for their families. Having our events at multiple locations limits our control of adaptations and accommodations. To help resolve this, we are working to open a Local Community Center for Neurodivergent People! Within this Inclusive community center we will be able to offer things like social groups and activities, support groups, parent and child activities, adaptive yoga, new skills education and much more! We have found a location in the New Cumberland Area and are currently working to get approval with the borough and the landlord. If all goes as planned we will be opening a community center and start programs in September! But just wait. We don’t want to stop there—our team has plans to advocate, educate through community outreach, private grants, and more!
Along with wishing us good luck, we are also in need of immediate funding! The costs that come with securing a space and paying the first few months rent as we establish programs will likely diminish our savings account. In order to help us succeed we would love a donation towards our community center! Click here to contribute!
Please contact leann@ndnet.org if you are a passionate and active volunteer looking to get involved today!!!
*This original blog post was published in 2023. It has been revised to have updated information.