What we’re about
We are now Neurodivergent District and will be closing this account at the end of 2024. To stay connected to this community, visit and join us at https://www.neurodivergentdistrict.com/.
Previous description:
Who is the Neurodivergent Friends & Dating in Washington, D.C. group for?
This community is for anyone in or near the Washington, D.C. metro area that is genuinely seeking new friendships based on mutual trust, respect and acceptance. Currently, the majority of our members are between the ages of 25 and 45, and while the group is predominantly male, we’ve been pleased to welcome more women and non-binary folks in recent months. Whether you have a formal neurodivergent diagnosis, feel neurodivergent without one, or simply wish to meet new people, you’ll find a place here.
Meet the Organizer
Kate Woodward, a Relationship Coach and Matchmaker specializing in working with neurodivergent individuals, founded this group over a year ago after struggling to find welcoming, inclusive, and joyful spaces for her clients seeking community. She created this space to offer a supportive environment, and the group has been growing ever since. You can learn more about her work and contact her at katewhdc.com.
Group Expectations
Our group aims to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and respected. In return, we ask members to extend acceptance and kindness, especially to new members, as we know it takes courage to join a new group. We expect everyone to show respect and tolerance, even if others may present or behave differently than expected. However, harassment, racism, and disrespectful behavior of any kind are simply not tolerated. To stay connected, we encourage members to join our WhatsApp chat (https://chat.whatsapp.com/lJ2Kee9rElw9e2l1smidOE), as Meetup’s interface can be limiting for group communication. If you’re able, please consider supporting the group financially to help cover event costs and expenses like Meetup’s organizer fees, party supplies and refreshments, and venue reservations. This helps keep events affordable and reduces the financial burden on our organizers.
"Dating" is in the group name. Do I need to be single to join?
Not at all! You don’t need to be single to join—many members are here to make friends and aren’t focused on romantic relationships. However, if you’re interested in connecting with other singles, you can join our Facebook group or be added to Kate’s free singles database, where you may be matched with one of her matchmaking clients in the future. For more details, visit Kate’s website at katewhdc.com/matchmaking-join-singles-database.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Bark Social Meetup - Bethesda, Maryland - Free Beer Tasting!Bark Social, North Bethesda, MD
Date: November 15th, 4pm to around 7:30pm. You are welcome to come later if you are unable to arrive as early as 4pm.
Location: Bark Social located at 935 Prose Street in North Bethesda, Maryland. There is a free (two hours) parking garage nearby. The nearest metro station is North Bethesda at 5500 Marinelli Road in North Bethesda, Maryland.
Host: Kate Woodward
Meetup Cost: Free. You are responsible for any food or drink charges you incur. Please consider supporting our group at www.neurodivergentdistrict.com/support
Description: Bark Social is not just a dog park. They have music, a bar, and food. In case of rainy weather, there is covered seating available. You don't have to have a dog to join us and there’s no admission fee if you’d like to enter without a dog. Further, on this particular date, November 15th, they have free beer tasting from Atlas Brew Works. In addition to RSVP’ing with us, you should reserve your ticket for the beer tasting here if you’d like to participate.
Important: There's no fee for a person to enter Bark Social on their own, but if you decide to bring along your dog you do have to complete registration (including providing vaccination records) and pay a small entry fee on Bark Social's website before arriving. Click here to register your dog.
RSVP: www.neurodivergentdistrict.com/meetups
- Games, Crafts & GelatoPitango in Adams Morgan, Washington, DC
Date: November 18th, 6:30pm
Location: Pitango Gelato located at 1841 Columbia Road NW, in Washington, D.C.. Parking is very difficult in this area - please consider taking public transportation or budgeting additional time to find street parking. The nearest metro station is Woodley Park/Adams Morgan and is a 10-15 minute walk away.
Host: Kate Woodward
Cost: Donation Encouraged at www.neurodivergentdistrict.com/support
Description: Join us for a low-key gathering to play games and enjoy crafts and activities of various types. A list of some of the activities and games our leadership team is providing can be viewed at www.neurodivergentdistrict.com/games-crafts-activities-list
Important: Pitango Gelato serves gelato, sorbet, and may have a few sandwiches available at the end of the day. We are not providing refreshments for this gathering, so please be prepared to pay for any food or drink charges you incur during this event.
RSVP: www.neurodivergentdistrict.com/meetups
- Trivia Night at Punch Bowl SocialPunch Bowl Social, Arlington, VA
Date: November 19th, 6:30pm
Location: Punch Bowl Social located at 4238 Wilson Blvd Suite 1180 in Arlington, Virginia. There is a parking garage connected to the mall where this venue is located. The nearest metro station is Ballston-MU at 4230 Fairfax Drive in Arlington, Virginia.
Host: Kate Woodward
Meetup Cost: Free. You are responsible for any food or drink charges you incur. Please consider supporting our group at www.neurodivergentdistrict.com/support
Description: Join us at Punch Bowl Social for trivia. This venue is multi-level but trivia is held on the first floor, near the street entrance. Free chips and salsa provided. Please try to arrive by 6:30 so that we can coordinate our team(s).
RSVP: www.neurodivergentdistrict.com/meetups
