Neurodiversity Network of WNY

12/17/2025

NNWNY is a grassroots organization run by dedicated volunteers. We help create sensory-friendly spaces for neurodivergent children and provide free respite and education for parents through the Neurosupport Alliance. We’re committed to this work because we know how isolating and overwhelming it can feel for families when children with higher support needs become dysregulated in public settings. Families may feel judged or worry they might be turned away from receiving services. We never turn children away.

We want to enhance our supports by providing a wide variety of sensory supplies and equipment to meet diverse needs at our events. We are in need of durable, safe equipment that can be used by our community. These additional sensory tools will help every child who joins us feel supported, more regulated, and engaged.

As people think about where to give this holiday season, we’d appreciate you sharing our link with anyone looking to support local, community-based work:
https://givebutter.com/6bXGf5

You can also donate by visiting our website:
wnyneurodiversity@gmail.com&item_name=Neurodiversity%20Network%20of%20WNY¤cy_code=USD" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_donations&business=wnyneurodiversity@gmail.com&item_name=Neurodiversity%20Network%20of%20WNY¤cy_code=USD

Thank you for helping support local families this holiday season. Happy holidays from all of us at the Neurodiversity Network of WNY.

Investing in Safe, Lasting Sensory Support

12/17/2025

Representation matters. Through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, this article looks at autistic characters in youth literature, intersecting identities, and how authentic stories can reduce stigma and build understanding.
Link:

An Author Event at Alice Ever After (September 2023)

12/10/2025

Image description: Community doesn’t just appear, it forms through the work of reaching outward and reflecting inward.
Every connection we initiate, every moment of mutual support, and each time we show up for others, we help build community.

In time, we find our people — the ones who show up with encouragement, offer grace, give advice, or simply listen.

These are the connections that make life’s journey brighter.

11/24/2025

We finished another wonderful session through the NeuroSupport Alliance, “Advocacy 101” presented by the Art of Advocacy, and we’re so grateful for everyone who joined us.

As we head into the end of the year, we’re reminded of how important it is to rest and care for ourselves. We’ll be taking a break for the month of December and look forward to coming back together in January. As we take this time to pause and reflect, we want to recognize the people who make these events possible.. A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers for their time and planning. It’s through your dedication and passion for helping others that we can offer meaningful support and great respite care at every gathering. Also thank you to Kid Approved for always making sure our respite participants sensory needs are met 💕
Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season! ❄️🩵

11/20/2025

We are so proud to share this important conversation that our team member, David Herring, was invited to be a part of. His voice, insight, and advocacy continue to elevate understanding and support for our community.

Video link:

Recent public statements and "influencer" culture have fueled widespread confusion and fear around vaccines and Tylenol use during pregnancy, particularly co...

11/10/2025

Our next NeuroSupport Alliance event is coming up!
Join us for: Advocacy 101: Assuring the Rights of Neurodivergent Children with Diverse Needs
on Sunday, November 23, from 1:00–2:30 PM
This free session will help parents and caregivers build their advocacy skills, learn practical strategies, and feel more confident supporting their child’s needs.
Lunch will be provided and respite care is available, but spots are limited! Registration is required. Register at: www.neurodiversitynetworkofwny.org.

10/19/2025

This month, Neurosupport Alliance focused on Halloween, exploring ways to enjoy the holiday, supports that make it smoother, and fun seasonal activities everyone can take part in.

Halloween can look different for every family and that’s okay! However you celebrate, may it bring joy, comfort, and connection. 💚🎃

We’re so thankful for our amazing volunteers, sponsors, and every participant who showed up to learn, share, and connect. Your presence makes these gatherings so meaningful.

Also thankyou to our sponsors & collaborators for making this event possible:
GiGi's Playhouse Buffalo
Kid Approved
Art of Advocacy
Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center
ICDL - Home of DIRFloortime
EPIC - Every Person Influences Children
CAPE-Coaching Autism & Parental Empowerment
ETK Training
Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum
Parent Network of WNY

10/09/2025

We are so proud of our board member, Dawn-Marie Solais, who served as the keynote speaker at the 10th Annual Philadelphia Autism Project Conference! Dawn-Marie gave an inspiring presentation about unity and coming together to support all people. Her message highlighted the importance of collaboration, understanding, and shared purpose within the neurodiversity community.

We admire her advocacy, passion, and determination to support neurodivergent individuals, not only in New York State, but across the United States. 💙

“When we remember that we all want good for autistic people, we can join together to find solutions that work for all.” -Dawn-Marie Solais

09/24/2025

Advocacy isn’t just about speaking up, it’s about creating safe spaces where everyone feels like they belong. If you’d like to support our upcoming Halloween event, please share this flyer. You can also check out our wish list or visit our website if you’d like to donate. Every little bit helps. 💙

With all the autism news lately, so many people are searching for answers and support. One of our goals with the Neurosupport Alliance is to make everyday life feel a little easier by sharing knowledge, resources, and helping families feel more connected.

Amazon wish list: https://a.co/dGmvHZ1

Event registration: https://www.neurodiversitynetworkofwny.org/event-details/halloween-meet-up-respite-event

Donations: wnyneurodiversity@gmail.com&item_name=Neurodiversity%20Network%20of%20WNY¤cy_code=USD" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_donations&business=wnyneurodiversity@gmail.com&item_name=Neurodiversity%20Network%20of%20WNY¤cy_code=USD

09/12/2025

Had a great time presenting to Say Yes Buffalo’s Little Scholars team on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Trauma-Informed Care in early childhood. Loved the thoughtful discussions and seeing their commitment to supporting kids.

If your program is interested in a training like this, feel free to reach out!

08/24/2025

We just wrapped up another caregiver training and respite support group! This time we focused on back-to-school strategies, sharing ideas, encouragement, and a little extra hope for the season ahead. We’re so thankful for our amazing volunteers, sponsors, and every participant who showed up.

In these moments of learning together, supporting one another, and offering grace we see the beauty of community. As a new school year begins we’re reminded that none of us are in this alone. Our hope is that with support & understanding our families can face whatever comes next. 💙

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

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