
It’s a Neurodiverse Universe
Appreciating Minds of Different Kinds
Pre-Festival Offering
Thursday August 28, 2025
9 am – 5 pm
cost: $59.00
- Learn the basics about neurodiversity and how it fits into our world.
- Increase your understanding & develop empathy if someone in your life (i.e., family member, co-worker, or YOU) has been diagnosed with a brain difference such as ADHD or on the Autism Spectrum.
- Co-led by a cognitive scientist and a disabilities advocate—who are both neuro-distinct.
We encourage Neurodiverse Humans to come hear, be heard, and create community at the Goose.
Neurodiversity isn’t a trend—it’s a reality. With 1 in 36 children diagnosed with autism and even higher rates of ADHD, more people than ever are seeking understanding. Bring your most embarrassing/intimate/fearful questions. This workshop intends to create a space for open dialogue, honest questions, and real connection.
We will model best practices for inclusion throughout the day. Expect hands-on experiences, multi-sensory engagement, movement and flexibility, as well as presentation and discussions. We’ll also brainstorm ways to make events like WGF more neuro-friendly.
Appropriate for both neurodiverse humans and allies.
Not intended for mental health professionals.
Sarah Frinks Morgan and Jillian Morgan bring both academic knowledge, professional skills, and lived neurodivergent experience.
Sarah (Dyslexia & ADHD) holds a graduate degree in cognitive science from UNCC. She works with neurodiverse adults as an executive function coach. Jillian (ADHD and on the Autism Spectrum) is an invisible disabilities advocate who helps public spaces become more inclusive. Jillian holds a degree in Disability Studies from Roanoke College.
THE FACILITATORS ARE NOT MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND CANNOT DIAGNOSE.
Topics Will Include:
Neurodiversity 101 – Foundations of ADHD, autism, and more. Language Matters – Key terms for understanding and respect. Tough Conversations – Addressing skepticism, misconceptions, and neurodiversity vs. pathology.
Breakout Groups – Focused discussions on different diagnoses of special interest to attendees.
Empathy in Action – Hands-on simulations of neurodivergent challenges.
Superpower or Struggle? – The big debate.
Neurodiversity in Media – From stereotypes to coded representation.
Inclusion in Programs – Accommodations vs. universal design.
Political Landscape – Current policies affecting neurodiverse humans and programs.
Building Community – Cohort formation for WGF weekend.
FACILITATORS
Sarah Frinks Morgan is a Cognitive Scientist who loves round-peg-thinkers in this square-hole-world. Sarah celebrates neurodiversity, helping all kinds of humans appreciate their own brains and lean into their strengths. As Executive Function Coach she helps people develop life-skills, reach a goal, or just get their sh*t together. Most of her clients have ADHD (diagnosed or not!). She holds graduate degrees in Cognitive Science and Interdisciplinary Studies at the intersection of Psychology, Education & Philosophy. Sarah is a speaker on cognitive science topics including integrating neuro-diagnoses into life and into community. www.EFGameplan.com
Jillian Morgan is a recent graduate in Disabilities Studies from Roanoke College. She moves proudly through the world on the Autism spectrum. Making public spaces welcoming to people with neurodiversities is her personal and professional goal – including museums, congregations, classrooms, and most recently a trampoline park. Jillian is always ready to share her experience and knowledge to help others better understand ASD.
Check In for pre-festival events will be available on Wednesday from 1 pm to 5 pm, and Thursday from 7am to 9 am.
If you’re tent camping, there’s no additional campsite charge for Wednesday night.
Some campsite locations are restricted due to large venue tent construction in several areas.
RV campers will need to purchase an additional night.