Building a Neurodiverse Community

Monday 3rd March  -  Thursday 6th March 2025

Space is available on this event

An opportunity to build and explore spaces where all neurotypes can feel welcome and safe. The program will include workshops and talks on a variety of issues, with an emphasis on building common understanding and acceptance. 

This event is primarily targeting Neurodivergent adults, whether diagnosed or self-determined and is open to anyone interested.

We are sorry to advise that this event is unsuitable for children.

Building a Neurodiverse Community - Course details:

This event runs from Monday until Thursday with two full days of talks and workshops, in the unique setting of the Othona Community at Bradwell-on-Sea, and is an opportunity to build and explore spaces where all neurotypes can feel welcome and safe. The space will provide plenty of room to accommodate everyone's need as well as nourishing community building.

On Monday arrivals are from 3pm onwards, with dinner at 7pm followed by an introductory session in the evening, helping to set expectations and outcomes for the course.

On Tuesday,  there will be a discussion on the history of the concept of Neurodivergence to this day, facilitated by Marie and Paula.

The afternoon will be focused on Ableism and Advocacy, facilitated by Andrea and Marie.

On Wednesday, during the morning, there will be a focus on Communication and Language, facilitated by Susanne. In the afternoon, we will explore  Sensory Processing differences, facilitated by Jenne.

The whole event will thrive on open discussions, people sharing their personal experiences and willingness to 'bounce off each other' in order to increase understanding and promote acceptance.

This event is primarily targeting Neurodivergent adults, whether diagnosed or self-determined and is open to anyone interested.

Facilitators:

Marie Martin

Marie is a self-determined autistic woman, part of a family spanning three generations of neurodiversity. Over the past 5 years, Marie has been on her own personal neurodiversity journey, with a focus on advocacy. She has been calling Othona her spiritual 'home' for the past 8 years.

Paula Farrow

Paula is the CEO of MyOTAS (My Own Time and Space), an Essex based charity that supports parents with neurodivergent children on their journey. She co- authored the ‘Supporting your Neurodivergent Child’ book which has been distributed to more than 14k families in Essex.  

She regularly talks to families , service providers and community groups about the joys and challenges of parenting a neurodivergent child, based on her own lived experiences and those of the families supported by the charity.

Andrea Walter

Andrea has three adult neurodivergent sons; she has worked for the charity SAFE Essex for nearly eleven years, raising autism awareness and providing essential support for autistic people of all ages and their families/carers.

She also has her own training and advocacy consultancy at https://www.andreawalter.co.uk/

Susanne Paez

Susanne is a Speech and Language Therapist who has worked with autistic children and their families since 2008. Susanne is passionate about listening to the neurodivergent community and supporting them to feel empowered about their communication preferences.

Jenne Seibolt

Jenne is an Occupational Therapist with over twenty years of experience of working in the NHS and Special Schools; he has a special interest in Sensory Processing differences and how these can impact on participation in daily life. Jenne has been a member of the Othona Community for 40 years.

If you have any questions or concerns please call or email us and we will be happy to help. You are welocme to come as a day visitor for one of the days, please indicate on the booking form which day you would like to attend.

Arrivals: from 3pm Monday - first meal is dinner at 7pm

Departures: Thursday morning 11am

Cost: We have two rates for adults £150 (Basic Rate) or £200 (*Benefactor Rate), If you are able to afford the Benefactor rate this helps to support the work of Othona and enables us to provide bursaries to support those who cannot afford to come. If you wish to come as a day visitor the cost per day (including lunch and evening meal) is £25. We may be able to offer a bursary if needed. Please contact us to find out more.

*(Find out about our Benefactor Rate)