The See Me Neurodiverse Community Fest, held on September 8, 2024, at Lakefront Park in Prior Lake, was a vibrant success, drawing families from all over the area. The event, which focused on creating an inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals and families, featured activities like a ninja course, inflatables, sensory glitter calming bottles, sensory-friendly spaces, 23 vendors and resources, and more. Attendees of all ages participated in the fun and shared their experiences at the event with positive feedback.
"Seeing my child light up with joy at all the different activities was an amazing experience," said Sarah, a parent of an autistic child. "It's rare to find events that are tailored to the needs of neurodivergent kids, and this one exceeded our expectations."
When asked what they enjoyed most about the event, one attendee said, “The sense of community, and having a safe and inclusive space for ALL. Feeling supported and heard, and learning about all the resources available through all different types of vendors!”
Vendors at the event also expressed their enthusiasm, with one organization commenting, "The energy here was incredible. Families were so engaged, and it was heartwarming to see so many people coming together to support neurodiversity."
With a turnout that exceeded expectations, this inaugural neurodiverse community fest was a true celebration of community. Attendees enjoyed the interactive activities, connecting with other families, and learning about neurodiverse resources, while also appreciating the quiet spaces designed for those who needed a sensory break.
"To see such a diverse crowd having fun and feeling comfortable was amazing for us to see," said Kaitlyn Nelson, See Me Neurodiverse Board President. "We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout for our first neurodiverse community fest and are so thankful for the support from our vendors, sponsors, and community. We're excited to keep this momentum going and make next year's fest even better."
The See Me Neurodiverse Community Fest was not just about fun; it was about fostering understanding and connection, and showcasing resources for neurodivergent people, a mission that clearly resonated with attendees and participants alike.
An important mission at See Me is providing a space for resource sharing, as finding the right tools and services for neurodivergent youth can be tricky and overwhelming for parents and caregivers. “Providing a setting where kids could just be kids with zero societal expectations or judgment, while also offering the opportunity for families to explore dozens of helpful resources in a single setting was a magical thing to witness,” said Board Member, Amy Crnecki. “You really never know how the community will respond to a brand new event like this, but our board was overcome with emotion at how well it was received, and we can’t wait to do it again next year!”
“I’m just so happy that there actually is an event like this!” exclaimed one parent.
While See Me Neurodiverse is excited to continue this event into the future, you don’t have to wait another year to connect with resources or other neurodiverse families. See Me Neurodiverse hosts multiple events each month, including in-person and virtual parent/caregiver support meetings and family meetups at parks, zoos, and game nights. Stay tuned for sensory-friendly movie showings and educational talks on neurodiversity, too. You can find all See Me events on the events page.
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