What is Different on Purpose?

Different on Purpose is a neuroqueer expressive arts collective offering online and in-person groups, workshops, curated experiences, consultations, and continuing education for neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ individuals, families, and allies. We create spaces where people can unmask, connect, and explore their identities through creative expression, without judgment, pressure, or the expectation of arriving fully formed.

What does neuroqueer mean?

Neuroqueer is a term developed by scholar and autistic educator Nick Walker. While many neuroqueer people identify as both neurodivergent and queer, the term is not limited to any specific diagnosis, gender identity, or sexual orientation. At its core, neuroqueering is the process of questioning and moving beyond systems that define certain ways of thinking, communicating, relating, learning, feeling, or expressing identity as more "normal" than others. It invites us to explore what becomes possible when we stop measuring ourselves against neurotypical and socially prescribed expectations. For some people, neuroqueer is an identity. For others, it is a practice of unmasking, self-discovery, creativity, authenticity, and belonging. At Different On Purpose, we use the term neuroqueer in this broader spirit: as an invitation to explore authentic ways of being, connecting, creating, and existing beyond the boxes we were told we had to fit inside. We believe people do not need to become someone else to belong. They deserve spaces where they can show up as themselves.

(Adapted from the work of Nick Walker and the broader neuroqueer community.)

What does neurodivergent mean?

Neurodivergent is a term used to describe people whose brains work differently than what society considers “typical.” This can include ADHD, autism, dyslexia, sensory processing differences, Tourette syndrome, learning differences, and many other ways of thinking, learning, sensing, communicating, and experiencing the world. Neurodivergence is a natural part of human diversity. Neurodivergent people often develop unique strengths, perspectives, and ways of navigating the world, while also facing challenges in environments that were not designed with their needs in mind. We believe neurodivergent people do not have to become someone else to belong. They deserve spaces where they can show up as themselves.

This definition is informed by the neurodiversity paradigm and the work of autistic scholars including Nick Walker, Judy Singer, and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN).

Do I need to be neurodivergent or LGBTQIA+ to participate?

Different On Purpose centers neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ perspectives by creating spaces where difference is welcomed, understood, and celebrated. Some offerings are designed specifically for neuroqueer participants. Others welcome parents, caregivers, loved ones, professionals, allies, and anyone whose life has been touched by neurodivergence or gender diversity. We are not creating a gate around belonging — we are creating spaces where difference is understood, respected, and explored with curiosity and care. Each offering will clearly describe who it is designed to serve, helping you find the space that feels like the best fit.

Are these therapy sessions?

No. While Mandy is a licensed mental health counselor and expressive arts therapist, these offerings are community process groups, creative workshops, and curated experiences designed for connection, creativity, learning, and self-discovery. Many people find expressive arts meaningful, supportive, and even therapeutic. However, these offerings are educational and community-based rather than clinical mental health treatment.

Who facilitates the groups, workshops, and trainings?

Mandy Parida (she/they) is a parent, therapist, writer, performer, educator, activist, and founder of Different On Purpose. Their work lives at the intersection of expressive arts, mental health, education, performance, community-building, and lived experience. For decades, Mandy has worked alongside neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ individuals, families, and communities, exploring creativity, identity, belonging, and what it means to live more authentically. Mandy identifies as neuroqueer and approaches this work with curiosity, humor, hope, and deep respect for human difference.

“I am endlessly fascinated by humans, deeply committed to hope, and convinced that difference is not a problem to solve but an invitation to explore what becomes possible when we stop trying to fit inside someone else's expectations.”

How does expressive arts support neurodivergent individuals?

Expressive arts use creativity as a pathway for exploration, communication, connection, and self-discovery. Through visual art, music, movement, writing, drama, and other creative forms, people can express experiences that may be difficult to capture with words alone. For many neurodivergent individuals, expressive arts offer opportunities for regulation, meaning-making, play, creativity, and connection that traditional talk-based approaches may not always provide.

What is a closed group and why does it matter?

A closed group means the same participants meet together for the full 8-week cycle. This structure is intentional: trust, safety, and belonging take time to build, and the quality of what becomes possible together depends on showing up consistently in the same space. A closed group is more than a series of meetings. It is an opportunity to build relationships, explore together, and become part of a community.

What's the difference between a closed group and a workshop?

Closed groups meet with the same participants each week for eight weeks, allowing for deeper relationships, greater trust, and more sustained exploration over time. Workshops are single-session experiences designed to introduce a topic, skill, or creative process without a long-term commitment. If you're new to Different On Purpose, a workshop is often a great place to begin.

What if I'm sensitive to cameras, sounds, or other sensory stimuli?

Sensory needs are real. You're welcome to turn off your camera, use headphones, take breaks, stim, move around, have an emotional support animal (live or stuffed), or adjust your participation in whatever way supports your comfort. We design our spaces with nervous system awareness in mind, not as an afterthought but as a core value.

What if my child needs physical support or is nonverbal?

Both are completely welcome. Caregivers can attend alongside a child who needs support. And expressive arts are a powerful communication tool regardless of verbal ability; in many ways, they're designed for exactly this. Reach out directly so we can make sure your child is placed in the right group.

Is there a cost to participate?

Yes. Pricing varies by offering and is listed on each registration page. If cost is a barrier, reach out and we'll work with you.

What is your refund policy?

Refunds are available up to one week before a group or workshop begins. For individual and family sessions, rescheduling is allowed with at least 48 hours notice. If something comes up after you've registered for a workshop, you can transfer your registration to another workshop one time. After that, registrations are non-refundable.

How do you ensure a safe space?

Through confidentiality, active listening, intentional language, sensory awareness, clear boundaries, and facilitation that actively addresses anything that creates an unsafe or unwelcoming dynamic. These aren't just policies, they're the foundation everything else is built on.

What is your anti-discrimination stance?

Racism, ableism, bullying, and all forms of discrimination are not tolerated — full stop. When harm occurs, it's addressed through a restorative justice framework that centers accountability, healing, and mutual respect. These spaces exist specifically for people who are used to having to mask or shrink. We don't ask anyone to do that here.