Emotion Networking series on (Neuro)diversity: Feeling Seen, Masking and Re

Hoofdtaal van de workshops is in het Engels

Main language of the workshops is in English

Emotion Networking is a creative and reflective method for exploring complex issues by mapping and discussing the emotions, perspectives, and interests involved in a certain topic. Most often, these topics concern heritage items (objects, buildings, traditions), but more and more non-heritage related subjects are explored via this method. Through dialogue and visualization, participants gain deeper insight into their own and others’ emotional connections to the topic. This opens up space for mutual understanding and new insights in relation to the central topic.

In this series, we will focus on neurodiversity—a concept that embraces the natural variation in how people think, feel, and interact with the world. Whether you identify as neurodivergent, neurotypical, or are still exploring what these terms mean to you, your experience matters.

We aim to create a safe, inclusive, and neurodiversity-affirming space where different communication styles, sensory needs, and emotional expressions are welcomed. Expect to engage not only in dialogue but also through creative forms such as drawing, mapping, and collaborative visual exploration. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to explore and express.

For research purposes, we aim to take a record of the session with your permission. All recordings or other records from the sessions will be anonymous and no personal data will be shared.

Nederlands:

Emotienetwerken is een creatieve en reflectieve methode om complexe vraagstukken te verkennen door de emoties, perspectieven en belangen die bij een bepaald onderwerp betrokken zijn in kaart te brengen en te bespreken. Meestal hebben deze onderwerpen betrekking op erfgoed (objecten, gebouwen, tradities), maar steeds meer niet-erfgoedgerelateerde onderwerpen worden via deze methode onderzocht. Door middel van dialoog en visualisatie krijgen deelnemers dieper inzicht in hun eigen emotionele band en die van anderen met het onderwerp. Dit opent ruimte voor wederzijds begrip en nieuwe inzichten met betrekking tot het centrale thema.

In deze serie richten we ons op neurodiversiteit – een concept dat de natuurlijke variatie in hoe mensen denken, voelen en met de wereld omgaan omarmt. Of je je nu identificeert als neurodivergent, neurotypisch, of nog aan het onderzoeken bent wat deze termen voor jou betekenen, jouw ervaring is belangrijk.

We streven ernaar een veilige, inclusieve en neurodiversiteit-bevestigende ruimte te creëren, waar verschillende communicatiestijlen, sensorische behoeften en emotionele uitingen welkom zijn. Verwacht niet alleen dialoog, maar ook creatieve vormen zoals tekenen, mapping en gezamenlijke visuele verkenning. Er is geen eerdere ervaring vereist, alleen de bereidheid om te ontdekken en je verhaal te delen.

Voor onderzoeksdoeleinden streven we ernaar om met uw toestemming een opname van de sessie te maken. Alle opnames of andere gegevens van de sessies zijn anoniem en er worden geen persoonlijke gegevens gedeeld.

Session Overview:

Session 1 11/6: Feeling Seen
Mapping (neuro)divergent experience
We begin by exploring what it means to feel seen, understood, or misunderstood—and how neurodivergent experiences take shape emotionally.

Session 2 18/6: Masking
Emotional Safety, Burnout and Boundaries
This session focuses on the emotional cost of masking, and how safety, self-expression, and boundaries play a role in well-being.

Session 3 25/6: Reimagining
(Neuro)divergent Joy and Creative Belonging
We close the series by celebrating neurodivergent joy and envisioning inclusive, imaginative ways of belonging—individually and together.


Who is hosting

Jonathan Evans: I am a neurodivergent lecturer and researcher at Inholland University of Applied Sciences, specialising in research on building communities and neurodiversity. I research neurodivergent creativity as part of my research role as well as the future of third spaces such as libraries. I have a keen interest in emotion networking as a way to explore social and cultural issues.

Rosa Mul: I work as a researcher at the research group Dialogics of Justice (University of Humanistic Studies). As an independent (Atelier Rosa) I facilitate emotion networking sessions concerning heritage items. As a researcher I work with the emotion networking method to make emotions around different subjects discussable. I research how emotions play a role in different social issues.

For who: For anyone who identifies as neurodivergent, neurotypical, or still exploring what these terms mean to you.

Catering: Yes. Pizzas from Bar Baggerbeest circa 18:30pm.

Location: OBA Next Lab, Pina Bauschplein 8, 1095 PN Amsterdam (Next to InHolland)

Contact info: website, socials
Jonathan Evans 🟥 | LinkedIn
Rosa Mul | LinkedIn
For more information you can reach Jonathan Evans at Jonathan.Evans@inholland.nl