Wow, what a weekend! FedCon 33 was a truly a blast. Seeing so many friendly guest stars from my favourite tv shows (who can guess…? Stargate!) and spending time with my friends was amazing! I was so happy to see not only the actors on stage but also Brad Wright who was there from the beginning of Stargate SG-1 as a producer. He said, FedCon was only his second convention ever and he kindly answered so many clever fan questions in his Q&A. It was fabulous because a producer can answer all the questions that fans so often ask the actors, but said actors don’t really know the answers to. I wish that more producers and behind-the-scenes people get invited in the future, from all series.

Seeing all my stars and childhood heroes, getting autographs, admiring all the talented, creative cosplayers, having parties … There are many reasons to go to FedCon every year, and for me, those reasons have changed a lot since the beginning. My priorities have changed from seeing the stars to spending lots of time with the nerdy family. Meeting old friends and getting to know new friends is so, so fulfilling. I’m as introverted as you can get, and then some more, but once a year, this changes. Because it’s so easy to connect. No masking, no pretending to be “normal” (whatever that is), just being my authentic self and it feels so good.

There is a very good reason why almost everybody cries out: “Finally, I’m among normal people again!” as soon as they enter the con area. Here, you are understood. Not only tolerated but seen and included. We are your tribe. We know what you’re going though, out there in the “real” world.

I’m very grateful nowadays to be able to understand the underlying mechanism, now that I know why I’m different. And throwing a provoking theory into the room: I’m among equals at the con. I estimate that about 80% of the visitors are neurodivergent in some way, and not everybody knows about it. If you’re reading this and feel offended by it, then maybe I hit a sore spot. Remember, being neurodivergent is nothing bad and nothing to be ashamed of. It’s just another way of thinking, feeling and experiencing life.

And it’s not only the visitors, some of the stars also give me those vibes. I won’t say any names because I don’t want to get in hot water for libel. Just saying that if you know what to look for, the signs are quite obvious. The ND-ness is strong with these ones. I guess you have to be different to pursue a career as an actor/actress. Most actors I’ve seen on stages in Q&As have pursued many different careers before (or while, or after) they became actors. Multi-talents on so many levels who have an inherent wish to know the world, make new experiences and connect with other people.

It was nice to see that the awareness for neurodiversity is growing. There even was a lecture about it which I missed, unfortunately, because it collided with another event. The programme is always so full of interesting stuff that you cannot see everything you’d like to.

A new experience was that I had medication at the con for the first time. As I said, I was eager to find out whether it made a difference and Oooh, boy, it sure did! Additionally, at the con itself I also had my loop earplugs with me that I used frequently when the sensory overload became unbearable. (Though I still need to learn to better pinpoint the exact moment when the noise turns from “teeth grinding” to “brain.exe not found, immediate zone-out incoming”.) After the con, instead of being frazzled and dissociated for three days I just needed one day to regenerate. So, I’m counting this as a sucess.

Being among so many people, even if they’re as wonderful as these, is a big challenge for NDers. I’m glad that I can cope better with all the loud noise, the bright lights, constant socialising and general stress. Because it is stress, even if it’s pleasant stress. Do you have any experiences being at conventions as an ND that you would like to share so others can benefit? Please don’t hesitate to write below in the comments or send me an e-mail.

Thanks for reading and take care!
DS