About the Career Network
The AV Career Network provides a supportive platform for neurodivergent professionals to build connections, share their stories, and explore strategies for professional success. Our inclusive approach ensures participants at all stages of their careers feel supported and valued.
We welcome adults aged 18+ who identify as neurodivergent, including those who are formally diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or exploring their diagnostic journey.
Meeting Details
November: Understanding Non-Literal Communication
This November, we’re thrilled to welcome Paul Micallef for an insightful discussion on non-literal communication and how it impacts social and professional interactions.
Paul is a leading autism advocate, educator, and content creator, best known for his YouTube channel, ‘Autism From The Inside’, which has over 200,000 subscribers and millions of views worldwide. His work focuses on breaking down complex autistic experiences into relatable, easy-to-understand insights, helping both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals foster better communication and mutual understanding.
With a background in engineering and a late autism diagnosis, Paul brings a logical yet deeply personal perspective to the challenges of interpreting sarcasm, metaphors, implied meaning, and indirect communication. Through his workshops, speaking engagements, and online content, he has empowered thousands to navigate social cues, build confidence in conversations, and bridge the gap between different communication styles.
This session will delve into:
✅ Why non-literal language can be challenging – Understanding sarcasm, idioms, and indirect speech.
✅ Practical strategies – How to decode hidden meanings and express yourself with clarity.
✅ Bridging communication gaps – Insights for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals to improve mutual understanding.
Whether you struggle with interpreting tone and subtext, or want to enhance your ability to connect with diverse communicators, this session offers valuable tools and insights from one of the most influential voices in autism education today.
Zoom access will be provided to all participants upon completing their paid registration.
Additional Opportunities
In 2025, we’ve expanded our group offerings to better support and provide tailored experiences for our community. With the introduction of three distinct groups—the Career Network, Job Seeker Network, and Peer Support Touchstone Meetings—we now host a total of 26 events throughout the year.
This expansion allows us to provide more specificity and targeted support to members at various stages of their professional and personal journeys. Each group is designed to address unique needs:
- Career Network: For neurodivergent professionals or someone in a career transition' seeking growth, connections, and strategies to thrive in professional environments.
- Job Seeker Network: A focused group offering practical tools and guidance for individuals actively navigating job transitions or entering the workforce.
- Peer Support Touchstone Meetings: Informal, open discussions for sharing experiences, strategies, and peer support in a welcoming community setting.
These additional opportunities ensure our community can connect in ways that meet their specific needs. Explore the variety of offerings on our Career Network page and Job Seeker Network page for more information.
About Our Facilitators and Speakers
All our facilitators are proudly on the autism spectrum and proudly neurodiverse, bringing their lived experiences and deep understanding of neurodivergent professional journeys to every session.
Our guest speakers and supporting contributors are either neurodivergent themselves, peers within the neurodiverse community, or loved ones of neurodivergent individuals. Together, they provide authentic, insightful, and empowering perspectives that reflect the diverse experiences of our community.
This commitment ensures that every session is led by individuals who truly understand the challenges, strengths, and unique contributions of neurodivergent professionals.
All AV volunteer facilitators hold a valid Working with Children Check.
Cost and Membership Information
- Cost: $10 for AV members, $15 for non-members.
- Membership Benefits: Becoming an AV member provides discounted tickets, access to members-only programs, and opportunities to support the neurodiverse community.
If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV admin team for support.
Registration Guidelines
- Registration is required for all AV activities.
- For online events, you must register to receive the Zoom meeting link.
- Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $15.
Community Guides
We’ve created step-by-step guides to make participation easy:
These guides are designed to ensure that every participant has a smooth and enjoyable experience.
For Assistance or More Information
Contact us:
After-hours support:
- Tech and admin support for after-hours activities is available by phone for an hour before and during the first hour of the activity.
- Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.
Policies and Terms
- AV Privacy Policy
- AV Event T&Cs
Join the AV Career Network and connect with like-minded professionals to share experiences, leverage talents, and support positive change in the perception of neurodiversity in workplaces.
