A Place Where No One Stares

How one CNY mom turned her own experience with isolation into a community for neurodivergent families.

By Lauren Wojtalewski

CNY Neurodivergent Social Group Booth at Resource Fair | Photo courtesy of CNY Neurodivergent Social Group

As a stay-at-home mom with young children, it can be difficult getting social interaction. It was especially difficult for mom Katy Nicole of Phoenix, NY. 

“As a neurodivergent mom raising a neurodivergent child, life definitely comes with challenges,” Katy said. “When my son was younger, I struggled with taking him out in public because of his behaviors and sensory needs.” 

This isolation is common for parents due to neurodivergent children’s disruptive behavior and the lack of understanding from the community at large. Combined with a higher demand for care leading to exhaustion and the complicated logistics of going out in public, social isolation is often unavoidable. 

Katy spent years feeling alone until one event changed everything. 

“Alicia Morris, another amazing mom who runs the CNY Support Group for Autism and Special Needs, hosted a Halloween trunk-or-treat event, and we decided to go,” Katy said. “It was the first time I had ever felt comfortable in public, both as a person and as a mom. I didn’t feel judged, and I didn’t feel like people were staring. It was such a great feeling.” 

Katy then realized that many families of neurodivergent children were looking for support and information.  

All moms thrive when they can get out with their children for activities. Those activities lead to social support: a safe space to share feelings and a sense of belonging in the community. With that said, it is even more crucial for mothers of neurodivergent children to have a network of peers who understand the extraordinary demands of being a caregiver to a special needs child. 

After experiencing the joy and comfort of the Halloween event, Katy started to think about creating similar events on a more regular basis.

“I wanted to give that feeling back to other families because we all deserve it,” Katy said. “The group started with simple playground meetups, but I quickly realized that what many families really needed was a safe place to connect, talk, share experiences, and take part in activities that work for our families.”

The simple playground meetups turned into the CNY Neurodivergent Social Group. In addition to the meetups for parents and kids, Katy recognized the importance of support for just parents and caregivers and the ability to feel comfortable in public spaces. Katy and her co-host Carrie have monthly coffee social hours. Parents and caregivers can get together, enjoy coffee and snacks, and chat for a couple of hours. 

Bowling Meeting up at Flamingo Bowl | Photo courtesy of CNY Neurodivergent Social Group

CNY Neurodivergent Social group has grown to over 800 members and Katy has spoken with about half of them. 

“There’s something really special about being in a room where nobody has to explain themselves. Whether it’s neurodivergent individuals attending on their own or families attending together, there’s a sense of understanding that naturally happens,” Katy said.

Because Katy understands sensory needs, she plans ahead for accommodations before people even have to ask. She wants families to know they can walk into an event and just relax instead of worrying about whether they’ll fit in.

In addition to the regular meetups, Katy has partnered with Brayhope Farm, a non-profit organization in Phoenix, NY, whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for special needs individuals and animals. They will be hosting a Back-to-School Neurodiversity Fair on August 30th at the farm.

“Earlier this year, I hosted my first resource fair, and it was a huge success. Seeing families connect with services and resources was incredible,” Katy said. “This time, we’re making it even bigger with more activities, more resources, and more opportunities for families to connect.”

Katy’s first resource fair in early 2026 | Photo courtesy of CNY Neurodivergent Social Group.

Many parents have to face a neurodivergent diagnosis of their child and that can be so overwhelming. However this resource fair is a great place to find the support and information one needs to navigate this stressful time. 

“Learn as much as you can, not just about your child’s diagnosis, but about the broader neurodivergent community as a whole,” recommends Katy, “What you’re dealing with one week may look completely different the next, so having a wider understanding can really help along the way.”

Connection is key when navigating parenthood and even more so for parents of neurodivergent children. Groups like Katy’s CNY Neurodivergent Social Group are making it easy and comfortable for families to make connections with the outside community and most importantly the ability to just be themselves. 

Connect with CNY Neurodivergent Social Group on Facebook.

Brayhope Farm, Phoenix, NY.
Brayhope Farm is only open by appointment to individuals with special needs and their families. To make an appointment and learn more about the farm click here.