KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — People can stop by South Press over the weekend for an event celebrating the uniqueness of every person's mind — the second annual Neurodivergent Pride event.
Neurodivergence, otherwise called neurodiversity, is a way to describe the different ways people may think, feel, learn or simply process information. Some neurodivergent people may have medical diagnoses, but neurodivergence does not necessarily imply a kind of mental disability or mental illness.
It describes the mental strengths and weaknesses people may have. Some people may be better able to picture three-dimensional objects more easily than others, while other people may have uncanny memories or easily solve complicated mathematical equations. Some people may not process language or sounds in the same ways as others or may have problems in noisy environments, preferring quieter areas away from large groups of people.
The second annual Neurodivergent Pride event is meant to make sure all people have the space to celebrate themselves and their own identities and enjoy the company of others. Organizers said on social media that it would include free tie-dying, rock painting and bracelet making.
There will also be free games and resources from local organizations. It starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, and the first part of the event lasts until 8 p.m. For an hour after that, participants will have the chance to enjoy a silent disco.
Knox Pride and the Laurel Collective is helping organize the event, and it is totally free.