Written by: Michelle Ridsdale, Founder of Kaboose
Belonging is more than just being part of a group—it’s feeling understood, valued, and safe to be our authentic selves. For neurodivergent individuals, the search for this sense of connection can be lifelong, shaping our confidence, mental well-being, and ability to thrive.
As we celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we’re shining a light on the power of peer connection and the role community plays in finding belonging. We’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with Specialisterne Australia, an organization dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.
At Kaboose, we champion the Thriving Trio: Connection & Belonging, Understanding, and Opportunity. This partnership perfectly reflects these values — fostering a safe community, empowering individuals to embrace their unique strengths, and unlocking pathways to sustainable employment.
The Importance of Peer Connection
From an early age, many neurodivergent individuals experience a deep sense of “otherness.” Traditional social norms can feel confusing, unspoken rules are hard to grasp, and masking often becomes second nature in an attempt to fit in. But true belonging isn’t about changing who we are—it’s about finding spaces where we don’t have to.
At Kaboose, we believe in the Thriving Trio: Connection & Belonging, Understanding, and Purpose. Peer connection is at the heart of this. Whether it’s finding friends who just get you, building a support network of like-minded individuals, or thriving in a workplace that values neurodivergent strengths, these connections are life-changing. They allow us to understand and appreciate how we think, learn, and behave, while creating opportunities to gain confidence and grow both personally and professionally. Most importantly, they remind us that we’re not alone.
Belonging Throughout Life
Belonging isn’t something we find once and hold onto forever; it evolves with us. As children, it might be the first friend who shares our unique interests. As young adults, it’s often about finding a social circle or community where we feel safe. In adulthood, the workplace becomes a crucial space where many seek connection, purpose, and identity.
When we don’t feel a sense of belonging—especially in work and social settings—it can lead to isolation, burnout, and self-doubt. But when we do? It opens the door to confidence, creativity, and personal growth. It’s often as we connect with shared interests that the magic happens!
The Role of Work in Our Journey
Work is more than just a paycheck. It offers routine, purpose, and a sense of contribution, all essential to thriving. For neurodivergent individuals, however, the traditional hiring process and workplace expectations often create unnecessary barriers. That’s why creating environments that understand and celebrate neurodivergence is key.
At Kaboose, our Thriving Trio—Connection & Belonging, Understanding, and Purpose—guides our mission. Through our collaboration with Specialisterne Australia, we’re breaking down employment barriers and fostering workplaces that provide psychological safety, flexibility, and true inclusion. When neurodivergent individuals are supported, they not only excel in their roles but also find fulfillment and confidence in their career journeys.
Finding Your People
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong, know this: your people are out there. Sometimes, it just takes time to find them. Whether through online communities, neurodivergent-friendly workplaces, or local meetups, there are spaces where you will be valued exactly as you are.
At Kaboose, we’re building that space. Through Divergent Discussions, peer mentoring, and our upcoming Neuro-Nuggets, we’re helping neurodivergent individuals connect, understand their unique strengths, and gain confidence in navigating life and work. Our collaboration with Specialisterne Australia, including bringing the job openings they have to the Kaboose live job board, is another step toward breaking down employment barriers and creating workplaces that truly embrace neurodivergent talent.
About Kaboose
Kaboose is a safe online community for neurodivergent people to make friends, navigate life and thrive. We’re built by neurodivergent people, for neurodivergent people.
Our mission is to build a supportive community that enables understanding, confidence and belonging.
Join Us in Celebrating Neurodiversity
This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we encourage you to reflect on what belonging means to you. Where do you feel most at home? Who are the people who truly see and accept you? If you’re still searching for that space, don’t give up—belonging is a journey, and you are never alone in it.
We’re excited to continue fostering connection, breaking down barriers, and celebrating neurodivergent strengths—together.🌟 Join the conversation. Connect with the Kaboose community and discover the work of Specialisterne Australia. Let’s build a future where everyone has a place to belong.
