Neurodiversity Network of WNY

08/11/2025

Hi & welcome to our new followers!
Since 2019, we’ve been dedicated to creating a space where neurodivergent people and their families feel supported, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. We believe in the power of community to break down stigma and build understanding💙

If you haven’t already, we’d love for you to join our Facebook group, a space to ask questions, share resources, and be inspired
Resource Network: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/177zvfHdzk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We also know there’s a need for respite, community habilitation, and other supports. If you’re in need of support, or if you’re looking for flexible, meaningful work where you can truly change lives, this is your chance to be part of something impactful. WNY caregiver connections: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19ZTjuJWFn/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Together, we’re changing the narrative, one connection at a time. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

08/01/2025

We’re excited to share information about our next Respite & Caregiver Support Event! This is a great opportunity to connect, recharge, and access neurodiversity-affirming resources.

This event is part of our ongoing work with the Neurosupport Alliance (NSA). The NSA’s mission is to uplift neurodivergent people and their support systems through affirming resources, collaborative trainings, and compassionate respite care.

Here is the link to register:
https://www.neurodiversitynetworkofwny.org/event-details/summer-respite-caregiver-training

07/20/2025

We just wrapped up our first-ever Neurodiversity Collaborative- Free Community Training/ Respite Event!

While parents joined us for a training session on “Simple summer strategies for supporting Neurodivergent Kids”, their children got to play and enjoy Gigi’s Playhouse.

We would like to give a huge thank you to all of our amazing volunteers and to GiGi’s Playhouse for graciously hosting us. We’re so grateful for all of the support that made this event possible.

We’re also excited to announce that this is just the beginning! Our goal is to host these events monthly, offering meaningful training opportunities with built-in respite support for families. Stay tuned for details about our next event.

Thank you to all of our sponsors/collaborators:
CAPE-Coaching Autism & Parental Empowerment
ETK Training
GiGi's Playhouse Buffalo
Art of Advocacy
Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center
ICDL - Home of DIRFloortime
Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum

06/28/2025

During this session you'll learn about inclusive summer activities, sensory activities, and how to be Nerodiversity Affirming at home. Tickets are free/donation based. Please register at https://ow.ly/JzJB50WgVYU

06/28/2025

If you missed our 3rd annual Recreational Festival in February, our 2025 Recreation and Leisure Directory is now available for download!

The directory has over 200 recreational programs, activities, camps, and inclusive playgrounds in WNY to help keep children active. The directory includes pricing, locations, and information for all things to do and places to visit in WNY with your kids and families.

Download it for FREE today: https://parentnetworkwny.org/printable-tip-sheets/ -df_28362/1/

06/25/2025

06/16/2025

Please join Mike July 19th, 12:00pm at the Audubon library. There will be a sensory backpack launch that day! 🎉🎊 Also there’s a playground that just opened this month right next to the library 🛝

05/27/2025

05/21/2025

We were so excited to be part of the 37th Annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day (DD Day)! DD Day is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate, learn, and raise awareness together. A big thank you to David and Mike for volunteering to share resources and connect with the community.

If you know a caregiver who could benefit from connection and community support, please join & share our Caregiver Connections group. We’re working to help build a stronger network of support. Link to group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16Z4MCkJ5u/?mibextid=wwXIfr

05/07/2025

Please join us in thanking Mike Schmitt for spreading awareness about neurodiversity & supporting the mission of the Neurodiversity Network. We’re so grateful for his dedication to promoting neurodiversity-affirming practices in the community and for sharing information about the principles of neurodiversity affirming care.

Mike’s also selling copies of his book. If you’d like to learn more about his work or purchase his book, please visit his website: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BNNW2RBK

04/19/2025

💙 A Party Where Everyone Belongs

Our Silent Disco isn’t just a dance party — it’s a celebration of inclusion.

Kids (and adults!) of all abilities can express themselves in the way that feels best for them. Whether that’s dancing, exploring our sensory stations, or just being surrounded by joy — this day is theirs.

💫 April 27 | 1–4 PM
🎟️ Grab your tickets via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1287504483569?aff=oddtdtcreator

TAG a friend you want to dance with!!!

04/02/2025

As a part of ongoing work to defend Medicaid from being defunded, the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) is looking for folks who want to share stories about how Medicaid has helped them personally. People can share their story by filling out this form: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=BrMnqmOHHkafcmgXwLtBHzzyORBtZ85BvWmfrzaKaDFUOVVPTDVMRlVUMzhQWVJTU1U0TVI2WUtCSS4u&route=shorturl

Even if you are not using Medicaid right now, but Medicaid has helped you in the past, you can share your story.

If anyone would rather email NDRN with their story directly rather than fill out the form, you can do so at: medicaid@ndrn.org

Thank you for your interest in sharing your Medicaid story! The Faces of Medicaid project aims to highlight the real-life impact of Medicaid through short video vignettes featuring individuals, families, and communities. Your experience can help raise awareness and shed light on the lived realities....