Sometimes Community Looks Like Watching Fish Together

Editor's note: The Chicago Neurodiverse Social Club is a program of CAYR Connections, organized by neurodivergent adults, for neurodivergent adults. More details at www.cayrconnections.org/cnsc

If you’ve been to a few Chicago Neurodiverse Social Club (CNSC) events, there’s a good chance you’ve seen me around. My name is Ricki, and I’ve been involved with CAYR Connections for about a year now as both a volunteer and a member of the CNSC community. Over that time, I’ve had the chance to help out with events, meet a lot of incredible people, and watch the community continue to grow in exciting ways.

Even though we’re only a few months into the year, I think I’ve already found my favorite CNSC event. Recently, I had the chance to co-host an outing to Shedd Aquarium, and honestly, it was just a really good night.

We met outside the aquarium a little before our 7:10pm meet-up time. Some people came by train, others drove in, and a few walked over along the lakefront. There were familiar faces greeting each other and a couple of new members joining us for the first time. One of the things I’ve always appreciated about CNSC events is how natural the start of the evening feels. There’s no pressure for big introductions or structured icebreakers. People just arrive, say hello, and settle in.

Thanks to Illinois Resident Free Days, members were able to attend at no cost, which helped make the event more accessible. Once we got inside, everyone explored the aquarium in their own way, which is really one of the best parts of CNSC outings. There’s no single “right” way to participate. Some members read every exhibit description with curiosity, others gravitated toward the larger tanks and spent time simply watching the movement of the water. Some people explored together, while others enjoyed the space quietly on their own.

Throughout the night we saw colorful fish, penguins, sea otters, reptiles, and plenty of other marine life. But the beluga whales quickly became a favorite stop for a lot of us. At one point, a few of us stood together watching them glide through the water. Nobody felt the need to fill the silence with conversation. It was calm, comfortable, and shared. The kind of moment that reminds you why spaces like this matter.

There were also plenty of small moments throughout the evening that stuck with me. Someone excitedly shared a random marine fact they had just learned. There was a quiet laugh about a fish that seemed to have “main character energy.” People stood side by side in that soft blue aquarium light, taking everything in.

They might seem like small moments, but those are the kinds of experiences that build community.

That’s really what the Chicago Neurodiverse Social Club is all about. Whether it’s museum trips, outdoor outings, support groups, or casual meetups, CNSC creates low-pressure gatherings for neurodivergent adults. There’s no expectation to socialize a certain way or keep up with a group. People participate however feels comfortable for them, and that flexibility is what makes the space feel welcoming.

Being part of CNSC over the past year has been an amazing experience. The community continues to grow, new ideas keep emerging, and every event brings together people who understand each other in ways that can be hard to find elsewhere.

CNSC is all about building community, creating inclusive spaces, and supporting neurodivergent adults through meaningful connection and shared experiences. From support groups to social events, we offer opportunities to show up as your full self and find your people.

If you’re a neurodivergent adult in the Chicago area and you’ve been thinking about joining a CNSC event, I hope you’ll consider coming out sometime.

You might see me there!

And who knows — maybe we’ll end up watching fish together.

Click here to visit the CNSC website