A Place to Be Yourself: The CNSC Experience

It's April, which means we are celebrating Autism Acceptance Month by amplifying Autistic voices and perspectives. Recently, I had the chance to sit down and talk with Jes, one of our Steering Committee members, to learn more about her experience with the group.

One of the things I love most about the Chicago Neurodivergent Social Club (CNSC) is that the people who help shape the community are often the same people you’ll see regularly showing up to events, support groups, and casual outings. CNSC is organized by neurodivergent adults, for neurodivergent adults.

Jes has been part of CNSC for a long time; she’s been attending since the second support group back in 2022. Over the years, she’s seen the community grow and evolve, and she’s been there for many of the milestones along the way.

Jes shared with me that she is AuDHD (Autistic + ADHD). She wasn’t formally diagnosed until she was a young adult. But even before having the words for it, she said she always had the feeling that there was something about her that she couldn’t quite name yet.

After receiving her diagnosis, she spent years searching for community in the Chicagoland area — a place where she could meet people who shared similar experiences. When she found CNSC, it quickly became that space for her.

Since joining, Jes said she’s always wanted to contribute more to the group. Giving back to the community has always been important to her, so when the opportunity came up to join the CNSC steering committee, it felt like the right moment.

“It was the perfect opportunity at the right time,” she told me.

When it comes to events, Jes said it’s hard to pick just one favorite. She enjoys the outdoor excursions, the museum trips, and the many casual events that bring members together. These gatherings offer something really meaningful: a space where neurodivergent adults can show up as themselves without feeling the need to mask or perform a version of themselves for others.

That said, Jes did admit she has a soft spot for one particular event: support groups.

For Jes, the support groups offer something special — the chance to talk openly, hear different perspectives, and connect over shared experiences. She often finds herself relating to the struggles other members talk about, while also gaining new insights from their perspectives.

At the heart of it all, Jes said what she loves most about CNSC is the community.

Now, as a steering committee member, she’s especially excited about the chance to help host new events. Jes is a very creative person, and she’s excited about bringing new ideas with positive energy into the community.

Our conversation honestly could have gone on much longer — it was a joy getting the chance to talk with Jes. But one thing really stood out to me during our conversation.

Jes talked about how meaningful it is to have a space where you can simply exist around people who understand you: a community where you don’t have to mask, explain yourself, or shrink parts of who you are.

And if you’ve ever been to a CNSC event, you probably know exactly what she means. We believe in the power of community, authenticity, and support. Whether it’s through social gatherings, support groups, or creative events, CNSC is a space where neurodivergent adults can connect, belong, and thrive.

There’s a place for you here, too!

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