1. Introduction
About Neurodivergent Zurich
We are a non-profit, volunteer-led association fostering safer spaces for neurodivergent adults in Zurich to connect, learn, and empower one another.
About the WhatsApp Community
Our WhatsApp network connects members through topic-based sub-groups, facilitating conversations, resource sharing and coordination of in-person meetings and events. While most discussions are held in English, we warmly welcome contributions in German as well.
2. Core Community Values
Respect: Be kind and polite — no hate speech, obscene language, or personal attacks
Mindful Sharing: Stay on topic, avoid spam (too many pictures, too many links/posts in a short time, cross-posting, etc.), and choose the most relevant sub-group before posting. If a relevant sub-group for posting does not seem to exist yet, tell us! There is a possibility to create new sub-groups based on needs.
Confidentiality: Never share others’ information or screenshots without their explicit consent.
How to obtain consent:
- Directly ask the individual if it’s okay to share their information or a screenshot.
- Be clear about what you intend to share, who will see it, and the purpose for sharing it.
- Wait for an affirmative response before proceeding.
- Consent can be expressed verbally, in writing (e.g., via message), or through other clear indication that the person is comfortable with sharing.
- For us, consent simply means: ensuring that the other person feels respected and that their privacy is preserved.
Responsibility: Remember that your WhatsApp name and number are visible — share only what feels safe.
Growth Mindset: When struggling, ask questions and look for support instead of being excessively negative (be mindful of the impact you might have on others). We’re here to support each other.
Positivity & Fun: We value honesty and depth — but also humor, playfulness, and joy.
Diversity & Inclusion: Our community and events are open to all neurodivergent people – regardless of gender identity, race, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, religion, or background. We celebrate diversity and strive to create a space where everyone can thrive.
Co-creation: Our community thrives on the active participation and contributions of every member. Co-creating our space allows us to learn from each other, support diverse perspectives, and foster a welcoming and dynamic environment.
You can contribute in many ways, such as:
- Offering helpful replies to those seeking advice or support,
- Asking thoughtful questions that deepen understanding and spark enriching discussions
- Expressing support and validation using emoji reactions and supportive comments.
- Practicing mindful silence—respecting that sometimes not replying, even when you disagree with another person’s view, is a valuable contribution that honors diverse worldviews.
If something’s missing, suggest it, or get engaged to make it happen! For example, if there is an activity that you want to do, we empower you to have courage and do it – with our support at the beginning. We create and maintain this community together through events.
We celebrate every contribution, big or small, that enhances the well-being and connection within our community. Thank you for being an active part of creating a truly special space.
3. Purpose of Community Guidelines
These guidelines help us:
- maintain privacy and psychological safety (within reasonable expectations: ex., no personal attacks or insults),
- support constructive, inclusive dialogue,
- clarify organizer and professional roles, and
- keep our community non-commercial and ethical.
Participation in any Neurodivergent Zurich chat or event implies agreement with these principles.
Breaches of Community Guidelies – Our Escalation Process
When community members do not adhere to these guidelines, the moderators will typically follow these steps:
- Gentle Nudge – A friendly reminder of the guidelines.
- Formal Warning – Clear communication that the behavior must change.
- Cool-off Period – Temporary removal from the chat (24–72 hours).
- Temporary Removal – Extended removal if needed.
- Board Review – Final assessment for potential long-term action.
4. Privacy, Data Use & Consent
1. No screenshots, recordings, quotes, or reposts without explicit consent.
2. No collection or publication of data from chats or meetings.
3. At events: always ask before recording or note-taking.
4. Share mindfully — once posted, others can see it.
5. If someone withdraws their consent, respect their request by deleting or hiding the content where possible. If deletion on WhatsApp isn’t feasible, please ensure the content is no longer shared or referenced
5. Surveys, Research & Data Collection
1. Research Conducted Within Our Community – to protect the privacy and well-being of our members, we differentiate between two types of research:
– Community-Specific Research: If your study is exclusively aimed at Neurodivergent Zurich members and will not be conducted elsewhere, prior consent from the Neurodivergent Zurich board is required. This process ensures that our community’s unique needs and perspectives are thoughtfully considered.
– General Research: If your research is broadly available to the public (e.g., an open online survey) and Neurodivergent Zurich members are participating on a voluntary basis alongside other participants, prior board consent is not required.
We appreciate your commitment to ethical research practices and your respect for our community’s guidelines.
2. Be fully transparent — state upfront who you are, who’s behind the project, what is the purpose of the project, and how data will be used.
3. Participation must be voluntary and informed.
4. “Anonymized data” means that the data does not contain any information that is traceable to a person (no name, no nickname, telephone number, no identifiers).
5. Projects for commercial, academic or public use require board approval.
6. Do not use WhatsApp posts, WhatsApp screenshots or notes from f2f events as material that you can use in your scientific research, Neurodiversity advocacy activities (i.e. posts in social media, quoting community members experiences with identifiers, etc), press or social media articles, or any other form of capitalizing on/ the experiences shared by the community
6. Professional Members & Ethical Boundaries
- Professionals (therapists, coaches, researchers, etc) join as peers, not providers.
- Disclose professional background openly; no self-promotion or client solicitation.
- Refrain from mixing professional and peer roles (e.g. diagnosing or advising people without taking them on as clients)
- Consent is required for any professional collaboration outside the community.
7. Respectful Communication & Sensitive Topics
- Separate ideas from identities: Engage in discussions about concepts and beliefs, but avoid making comments or judgments about someone’s personal characteristics.
- Use “I” statements; avoid sweeping claims.
- When topics are sensitive (politics, religion, gender, etc), ask if others are comfortable.
- Be mindful of triggers such as abuse or substance use; add content notes when relevant.
- Moderators may pause heated discussions.
8. Reporting Misconduct
Our goal is to create a community where everyone feels secure and respected. If you witness or experience any behavior that violates these community guidelines, please reach out using one of the following channels:
-> Email: Send a message to kontakt@neurodivergent-zurich.ch. This email address is monitored by the Neurodivergent Zurich association board, who will review the information confidentially. We aim to provide an initial response within 48-72 hours.
-> WhatsApp: If you prefer a quicker response, connect with our moderators and leadership team via the “Helpdesk” chat channel on WhatsApp.
All reports will be handled with discretion and sensitivity. We prioritize resolving concerns behind the scenes, avoiding public confrontations whenever possible.
What to expect:
-> For minor breaches of the guidelines, we will work directly with the individuals involved to foster understanding and resolution.
-> In cases of gross misconduct or safety concerns, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us instead of intervening directly. Our team will ensure that appropriate steps are taken to safeguard everyone involved, and depending on the nature of misconduct police will be looped in accordingly.
We encourage you to seek assistance if you believe someone’s behavior is harmful or jeopardizes the safety of others. We take all reports seriously and are committed to responding thoughtfully and effectively.
9. Health Advice & Emergencies
Our community is intended for support and connection, not to provide professional medical or psychological care. All discussions are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. No liability is assumed for any actions taken based on the information shared. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
In case of any emergencies, please dial 144, reach 143.ch, or contact your GP.
10. Closing Statement
We are all learning. By treating each other with respect, empathy, and openness, we create a community where neurodivergent people can thrive — safely, joyfully, and authentically.