Making Divertical welcoming for everyone.

Our events are designed for neurodivergent adults (18+), including autistic people, people with ADHD, and people with other forms of neurodivergence.

You do not need a formal diagnosis to attend.

Friends, partners, caregivers, aides, or other support people may attend when appropriate, but our events should remain centered on the neurodivergent adults participating.

Aides and support people are welcome. We don't want someone to be unable to attend an event because they need another person there to support them.

However, aides and support people are there primarily to support the attendee they are accompanying, rather than participate as an additional attendee themselves.

Whenever possible:

• Allow the attendee to introduce themselves and speak for themselves.
• Give them space to participate in conversations independently.
• Avoid answering questions directed toward the attendee unless they need assistance.
• Avoid dominating or redirecting group conversations.
• Allow attendees to socialize directly with one another.
• Step in when support is needed, while otherwise giving the attendee room to participate on their own.

Everyone's support needs are different. Some attendees may need their aide to be more involved than others, and that's completely okay.

Be mindful of how much space you take up in conversations and activities.

Give other attendees opportunities to speak, ask questions, and participate. Avoid repeatedly interrupting, speaking over others, or dominating a group conversation.

It's also okay for someone to be quiet, take time to respond, or participate differently from you.

Everyone has different social and sensory boundaries.

Always respect someone's decision if they don't want to talk, exchange contact information, participate in an activity, be photographed, or have physical contact such as a hug.

A "no," "not right now," or similar response should be accepted without pressure.

Our events are primarily social spaces, and friendships, crushes, and connections can naturally happen.

It's okay to ask someone if they'd like to hang out, exchange contact information, or go on a date.

If they decline or don't seem interested, respect their answer and don't repeatedly ask.

Attending the same event does not mean someone owes another attendee their time, attention, friendship, or romantic interest.

If someone gives you their phone number or social media, be respectful when contacting them outside of events.

Repeated messages, invitations, or requests after someone has declined or stopped responding may make them uncomfortable. Give people space.

Do not share another member's contact information without their permission.

Ask before taking or posting identifiable photos of other attendees.

Some events may include group photos. We'll try to let attendees know beforehand or at the event so anyone who doesn't want to be photographed can opt out.

Please respect people's privacy and don't share personal information about other attendees without their permission.

People communicate, socialize, and regulate themselves differently.

Someone may need to step outside, use headphones, stim, take a break, leave early, talk a lot, talk very little, or participate differently from you.

That's okay.

Please avoid judging other attendees for behaviors that aren't harming or significantly disrupting anyone else.

Harassment, bullying, discrimination, threats, unwanted sexual behavior, deliberate boundary violations, or behavior that makes the event unsafe will not be tolerated.

This includes repeatedly pursuing someone after they've expressed that they're not interested.

Depending on the situation, organizers may speak with an attendee, ask them to leave an event, or prevent them from attending future Divertical Philly events.

Divertical Philly events may take place at restaurants, parks, arcades, and other public or private venues.

Please follow the venue's rules, respect employees and other guests, and be responsible for your own purchases unless the event description says otherwise.

If another attendee makes you uncomfortable or you have a concern during an event, you can talk privately with one of the Divertical Philly organizers.

You don't have to confront another attendee yourself.

We'll do our best to understand what happened and determine an appropriate response while respecting everyone's privacy.