Neurodivergent Liberation Community
What is self-liberation?
Self-liberation is reclaiming your mind, body, and life from all the ideas, beliefs, and judgements that were imposed on you. It is making your life your own.
As you unlearn the strategies you adopted to survive, you rediscover your intrinsic nature and reclaim your natural joy, power, and freedom.
Here’s what self-liberation is NOT:
- self-improvement
- hustle culture
- “fixing” yourself
- endless therapy
- pushing or forcing yourself to change
Self-liberation is:
- rejecting the idea that your value ever depended on conforming to neurotypical expectations
- unlearning shame
- grieving and releasing the past
- transforming patterns that keep you from living your best life
- giving yourself everything you need to recover from burnout
- building a life that truly works for your brain & nervous system
Freedom means:
- Pursuing whatever excites or interests you, without apology.
- Making weird, beautiful things just because it feels good for them to exist.
- Letting your creativity and relationship with time be nonlinear, intuitive, and divergent.
- Exploring spirituality, ritual, and meaning-making in a way that honors your unique sensory, emotional, or intuitive perceptions and way of seeing the world.
- Finding what is particularly beautiful, inspiring, lovely, and enlivening for you and giving yourself more of it.
A place just for us
Humans need connection, and for neurodivergent people, it often comes at a high cost. We are forced to mask, track others’ reactions, do excessive emotional labor to understand and be understood—or we are excluded.
We need places where we can just be ourselves, without fear or shame. This is how we recover our authentic way of connecting and release decades of habitual people-pleasing and self-censoring.
Show up as your real self
- No need to mask, pretend, hide, or shrink to fit in. 🌈
- Ask for what you need without feeling like you are being “too much” or “too sensitive”.
- Honor your own rhythms and nervous system needs. 🙏
- Go as deep into topics as you want to without feeling self-conscious.
- Freely nerd out about your special interests. 🦄
- Share the things you are excited about, and be met with genuine curiosity, not blank stares or polite nods.
Get support for the daily friction of living in a neurotypical world
- Decompress from spaces that are hostile to your nervous system. 😩
- Swap self-accommodation strategies and learn from people who have the same struggles.
- Be around people who already get what you’re going through, because they go through it too. 🫂
- Learn strategies for managing stress, processing triggers, and creating an environment that supports your nervous system.
- Work on personal growth and optimizing your life without feeling pressured, judged, pushed, misunderstood, or told you “should” do things you have no interest in doing.
Co-create a language and culture that supports who we are
- Naming the things we’ve always felt but never had words for. 💡
- Sharing new models, metaphors, and language that actually reflect how we function and feel.
- Teaching and learning from each other to crowdsource knowledge and wisdom. 🦉
- Growing alongside people who are also experimenting, healing, unlearning, and reimagining what it means to be whole, well, and free on ND terms.
- Redefining identity, connection, contribution, creativity, and community in a way that works for us. ✨
What makes SLS different?
This is not your typical personal growth space
- No neurotypical expectations. No assumption of consistent motivation, linear progress, perfect emotional regulation, and high executive function. We are owning who we are and making a life that works for us and the ways that we naturally operate.
- No normative assumptions. Maybe you want to work on your career, but maybe you don’t. Maybe you want a relationship, but maybe you don’t. Whatever you are working on is up to you.
- No hustle culture. None of that capitalist performative BS.
- No forceful or demand-based accountability. Pressuring or pushing us often just increases resistance or leads to burnout.
- No spiritual bypassing, toxic positivity, or gaslighting. No “just do the thing” or “just think more positively“ here.
- No forced participation. It’s OK to lurk, it’s OK to keep your camera off.
- No program or guru to follow. This is about developing our self-authority, not conforming to someone else’s idea of who we should be.
What does neurodivergent-supportive personal growth actually look like?
- Inspiring rather than forcing accountability. Showing up in community creates accountability by itself, without schedules, assignments, or deadlines. Just by being around other people, we are naturally inspired, energized, and propelled forward.
- Encouragement to unmask (at your own pace). Masking and unmasking is a very individual and personal process, but this is a safe space to do it in!
- Creativity and experiments welcome! We are making this up as we go along, and we hope to figure out many awesome new things that improve our community and/or members’ lives as we go!
- Feedback is encouraged. We aim for a high-feedback culture so we can adjust, accommodate, and truly care for each other.
- Co-created and non-hiearchical. We are all participants in creating the community we want.
Why I’m creating SLS
Hi, I’m Emma Arbogast. I write about healing, personal growth, spirituality, neurodivergence, and self-liberation on Joy Ninja, Sparkly Dark, and Joy Is My Path.
I grew up in rural poverty, in a dysfunctional family. Like many autistic kids, I was heavily bullied in school. By the time I reached college, I was deeply depressed and convinced I was broken—unlovable, and destined to always feel like I didn’t belong.
I spent decades searching for answers through self-help books, workshops, therapy, and doing inner work. I worked in tech, but I spent my life pursuing healing, happiness, and practical freedom.
Through that journey, I’ve been able to:
- Heal deep shame, CPTSD, depression, and attachment trauma.
- Befriend my inner critic so my own mind is a place I actually enjoy living in.
- Find my own spiritual path outside of organized religion.
- Start and automate a business so I could live with freedom and autonomy
- Accommodate my neurodivergence, recover from burnout, and finally reject the idea that I ought to “be normal”.
Now, at 44, I live a life that’s built on self-love, joy, rest, creativity, and real sovereignty.
I created this space because I want that kind of freedom for you, too.
Self-liberation isn’t quick. It’s not always easy. But it is possible.
I’m available for coaching during Office Hours and on the forum. I can help you see yourself more clearly, understand the healing process, and get past where you are stuck.
How can a community help you?
Co-regulation deepens healing
Belonging supports our nervous system regulation and coherence. Feeling safe, seen, and valued by others allows your body to relax enough to take emotional risks and heal on deeper levels.Others can see what you can’t
Growth in isolation can reinforce blind spots. Others can notice your patterns and your gifts, and reflect back what you’re not seeing about yourself.Others have been where you are
Having people to talk to who understand what you are going through keeps you grounded. Hearing from people who have made it out of something you are struggling with is both inspiring and deeply useful.Relating heals relating wounds
In a conscious community, you can work on those tricky relational wounds that require a safe container and people who can relate with authenticity, vulnerability, and presence.Accountability without force
Showing up in community creates accountability naturally, without schedules, check-ins, or deadlines. Just by being around other people, we are naturally inspired, energized, and propelled forward.You are someone else’s medicine
Your story, your presence, and your questions help others, even when youaren’t trying to. Watching others grow is inspiring, and when you can help them it’s fulfilling.Acceptance heals shame
Shame is a socially-induced wound. Being witnessed in our mess and confusion and still being welcomed heals something deep in our psyche for which there is no substitute.Others can model freedom for you
Being around people who don’t share your particular issue can help you see your way out of patterns you didn’t know were optional, and into ways of being you haven’t experienced yet.Who SLS is (and isn’t) for
SLS is for you if:
- You’re neurodivergent (diagnosed or self-identified) and interested in healing, growth, or spiritual exploration on your own terms.
- You want to rebuild your relationship with yourself after a lifetime of masking, burnout, and self-doubt.
- You enjoy text-based, asynchronous connection.
- You value autonomy, nuance, weirdness, honesty, and deep conversations.
- You are done trying to be “normal” (or you want to be done).
SLS is not for you if:
- You are looking for 1:1 therapy or a support group more than a community.
- You want a step-by-step program to follow.
- You want to overcome your neurodivergent traits rather than embrace them.
- You don’t think self-identification is valid or “real”.
- You are in crisis or severely dysregulated.
This isn’t for everyone—but if it’s for you, we’d love to have you!
What is the structure?
Forum (asynchronous text)
The main connection space for SLS is a forum running Discourse. (not Discord). Discourse is a user-friendly and flexible forum and community platform that is perfect for in-depth asynchronous conversations.
Zoom Lounge (synchronous video)
We have an always-on Zoom room for spontaneous hangouts or events. This lowers the friction immensely to get together on video.
Anyone can add an event to the calendar, or post a spontaneous meetup in the Lounge thread. (see Features below)
Opportunities for Parallel Play
Parallel play is where we are each working on our own thing, but in each others’ vicinity. Technically in parallel play there is no direct interaction, but I am meaning any activity where we are each engaging in self-directed activity while maintaining some degree of interconnectedness.
Examples:
- A crafty hangout, where we can chat, but we’re all working on our own projects.
- Body doubling and co-working—a form of natural accountability where someone else’s presence helps you stay focused on your task.
- Progress logs (see Features below), where we are each working toward our own goals, but sharing our progress with each other on the forum through updates.
Parallel play is a common way that autistic people like to engage. It maximises autonomy in both the choice of activity and socializing, which is generally optional and not emotionally intense.
SLS is your playground, your pace, your people.
What is the vibe?
Engage at your own pace
There is no instant chat, except on Zoom calls. This encourages thoughtful posts that you can respond to on your own time. There is no urgency; engage at a pace that works for you.This isn’t social media
No spam, ads, or trolls. This is an oasis of thoughtful people who want to co-create a healthy place to engage authentically and genuinely support each other.Contribute your talents & wisdom
You can create a group, lead single or recurring events, and suggest anything that would add to the space. Think of SLS as a private playground where you can collaborate and experiment.Invest in your connections
The slower and intentional structure encourages long-term investment in the community.Be as social as you want to be
Members can organize social activities like game nights, book clubs, crafty hangout sessions, co-working, business strategy sessions...whatever you are into, SLS is a place to find folks to do it with.Thoughtful moderation
The goal is to balance freedom of expression, safety, and a supportive atmosphere. Check out the Community Guidelines to see if they resonate with you.Community Features
Member Forum
A space for asynchronous, in-depth conversation. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and crowdsource solutions.
Zoom Lounge
An always-on Zoom hangout space where you can meet with other members or attend events.
Office Hours
Talk with Emma about personal growth, healing, spirituality, or anything else you need help with.
Event Calendar
Any member can create and host an event. Attend or lead classes, game sessions, coworking, and more.
Progress Logs
Access natural accountability through sharing your goals, obstacles, and celebrations.
Mastermind Pods
Form small groups around specific topics or goals for more focused growth.Answers to your questions...
It means the community is just getting started. I have built the structure, but this is a niche offering that is likely to grow slowly at first. So basically it means there will only be a small number of us at the beginning.
SLS is built using Discourse. (not Discord). Discourse is a very user-friendly and flexible forum and community platform. Discourse has apps for both iOS and Android, although it is probably easiest to use on a desktop computer.
Early Access is priced between $10-30/mo (sliding scale) with $20/mo being the standard price. Once we have a sizable number of people, I may raise the price for new members, but early members can retain this rate for life (even if they take breaks).
I don’t know exactly, but I want it to be big enough that it is dynamic and active, but also to keep it small enough that people know each other. Life can be unpredictable and some members may not be able to engage as much as they’d like or had originally planned. So the goal is to grow the group until there is an active core group, even considering the natural ebb and flow of participation. Then it will periodically be closed to maintain that number.
I have training in Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Hakomi (a mindfulness-based therapy method), Presence-Based Coaching, trauma healing, adult attachment styles, and group dynamics.
But honestly, most of my skill in helping others comes from having worked extensively to heal my own CPTSD and trauma-based patterns. I know how to find a path out of the inner wilderness because I’ve done it over and over and over again.
I healed my shame, self-hatred, existential guilt, depression, attachment trauma, and autistic burnout, and I know you can too. I believe that happiness rests on a set of skills that anyone can learn and practice.
What is welcome: diverse folks, including those who identify as queer, trans, genderqueer, non-binary, polyamorous, kinky, etc.
What is not welcome: sexism, racism, bigotry, hate speech, dehumanization, slurs, or people who genuinely support Trump’s deportation policies. No conspiracy theories or anti-vax content.
What is boundaried: Political discussions are limited to the World Events & Politics category (this lets people mute them), and need to remain civil and growth-oriented.
View the Community Guidelines.
Not yet, but maybe in the future. Also, any of us can host classes, workshops, or discussion groups in the Lounge.
Sure! What matters most for a good mutual fit is that you are self-regulated enough to show up in community in a mutually beneficial way.
SLS is not a therapy environment or a support group. If you are in crisis, severely dysregulated, or tend to get triggered frequently when interacting with other people, SLS is probably not the right container for you right now.
This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect or never get upset about anything to be in SLS—it's a matter of degree, and we all know emotional regulation is related to executive function. So, you will need to make a judgement call of whether this will be a supportive or overwhelming space for you.It really is up to you, but IMHO, SLS is a perfect place to explore this question.
Also, from my experience, truly neurotypical people do not spend a lot of time wondering if maybe they are neurodivergent.
On the other hand, people who are neurodivergent often feel a lot of angst about whether they are or not, and go through various stages of feeling like an imposter and like they are taking up space not meant for them.
So if you are in this space of wondering, please know it’s completely fine to join and try it out, and see if it feels like a fit for you.
Abso-frickin-lutely! Come on in! 😁
+ lock in early pricing
On your phone? Send a reminder to yourself to come back later:
Not sure?
If you’re intrigued but not certain if joining is the right next step for you, here are a few ways to learn more:- Use this WhatsApp group or contact me if you have any questions I can answer.
- Read Sparkly Dark This is my Substack where I transparently share my process of growth as I live it. I generally post about 1–2x/month.
- Browse Joy Ninja for my longer-form content teaching healing, growth, and emotional skills.
- Visit my Instagram for insights on growth and healing.
Free gifts!
Thanks for checking us out! Even if you aren’t joining us, I didn’t want to leave you empty handed, so here are two gifts for you to keep.
#1 My favorite ChatGPT Prompt
I use this several times a week to help me process my thoughts and feelings. Think of it as AI-assisted journalling. I use it in a free account dedicated to this, rather than my normal "Plus" account so I can turn the memory off. (The memory tends to color its answers too much and ruin the pure reflection.)
For this conversation I would like you to act like a trained therapist. Your specialty is Rogerian therapy. Your task is to reflect back to me what you believe I am thinking and feeling without giving specific advice. OK?
"Rogerian" here refers to Carl Rogers, who pioneered this reflective type of therapy. I literally use this any time I’m stuck now. It just helps me work through whatever is in my brain.
#2 A short ebook: Liberate Your Weird
This is a fun little book with 10 reframes to help us “weirdos” with not just self-acceptance but truly knowing and owning our own value. The subtitle is: "10 Weirdo-Affirming Reframes to Help You Ditch Conventionality, Unleash Your Inner Maverick, and Become the Awesome Special Snowflake You Were Always Meant To Be".
I wrote this right when I was realizing I’m ADHD and autistic, and starting to embrace the things in myself that I had always judged and rejected and tried to “fix”. It is designed to change your perspective on what it means to be different, and what we really have to offer a world that is draining itself of its own vitality with conformity and judgement.
