This blog is by Neurodiversity coach, Aileen Carson . Alieen helps people and organisations thrive with tools & confidence to work in ways that work for them.
Networking events can be overwhelming for many, but can be especially challenging for neurodivergent people. Noisy rooms, crowded spaces and rigid social expectations can create more barriers than opportunities.
But networking is important for building a support network, finding collaborators and new business.
According to an October 2024 survey by IPSE, The Self-Employment Association, 18% of self-employed people identify as neurodivergent, highlighting the need for inclusive networking spaces.
Neurodivergent people choose self-employment for a variety of reasons including:
- Control over the environment: no bright lights, open-plan offices and rigid schedules, which can be overwhelming. Self-employment allows people to create a workspace that enables them to work at their best.
- Flexible working: some neurodivergent people thrive during non-traditional hours or prefer long, uninterrupted periods of deep focus. Being self-employed provides the freedom to work in a way that maximises their efficiency and wellbeing.
- Reduced social pressures: workplace politics, team meetings and forced social interactions can be exhausting. Running a business or freelancing allows people to engage in interactions in ways that are more manageable.
- Playing to strengths: self-employment enables people to focus on what they do best and enjoy most, while outsourcing or adapting tasks that don’t align with their strengths.
When it comes to networking, I and many others have found The Outsiders to be a great way of building our networks, connections and collaborations in the great outdoors.
Here are some of the reasons that networking outdoors provides a more inclusive networking opportunity for neurominorities:
Reduced sensory overload: Many neurodivergent people experience sensory sensitivities, making loud music, artificial lighting and tightly packed spaces overwhelming. Outdoor events provide fresh air, natural light and lower noise levels, creating a calmer and more comfortable atmosphere.
Increased physical movement: Sitting or standing in one spot for extended periods can be difficult, particularly for ADHD-ers or those who benefit from movement to self-regulate. Outdoor networking events often involve walking, which can make social interactions feel more natural and less pressured. The Outsiders events always feature a walk where you can talk to as many or as few people as you want.
Flexible social engagement: Traditional networking events often involve unstructured mingling, which can be daunting for neurodivergent attendees. Outdoor settings encourage a more organic flow of conversation, and having open spaces allows individuals to step away for breaks without feeling conspicuous.
Easier eye contact: Casual, side-by-side conversations, such as those that take place on a walk, can feel more comfortable compared with direct, face-to-face interactions in indoor settings.
Sensory regulation: Nature provides natural sensory regulation, such as listening to birds, feeling the wind or the sun on your face, or watching the trees sway, which can help people manage stress or anxiety. This can make networking a more positive and less draining experience.
Tips for neuroinclusive networking events
While outdoor events are often more inclusive than indoor ones, there are still many ways to make indoor networking events more neuro-inclusive:
- Offer quiet spaces: provide a designated quiet area where attendees can take breaks from socialising if they feel overwhelmed.
- Provide clear timings and expectations: outline event details in advance, including an agenda, so attendees know what to expect.
- Facilitate structured networking: conversation prompts or small-group activities can help reduce the anxiety of unstructured socialising.
- Minimise sensory triggers: avoid flashing lights, loud background music and strong scents.
Networking and professional growth should be accessible to everyone.
Outdoor networking events offer a sensory-friendly and flexible alternative to traditional networking, making them more inclusive and accommodating. I have no doubt this is one of the reasons The Outsiders has been such a success and has grown so rapidly in a short space of time.
The Outsiders events are ideal for people who don’t like the idea of traditional networking. No one will judge you for what you wear and we’re an inclusive bunch. We always meet outside in the fresh air, and you’re guaranteed a warm welcome, no matter how cold the weather!
You will find Aileen on LinkedIn, and you can also hear more about her work on her website.
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