Many neurodivergent children end up being home educated, not out of parental choice, but because they cannot cope in mainstream schools, which often take a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. Parents often rely on local groups to support their child’s social development, but many of these are aimed predominantly at primary‑age children, making it difficult to find something suitable for teenagers. This was exactly the challenge Katherine Lightower faced when she was trying to find somewhere her daughter, Freya, could meet like‑minded young people – so she decided to create her own group.
Katherine’s vision was for a space where both teens and their parents could get together in a relaxed environment to chat, take part in activities and support one another. Meeting at Morley Live CIC (then Crank Studios) on a Friday afternoon, the very first session took place in April 2024. No one else turned up, so the two of them spent the time playing chess. Soon, a few more teens and their parents joined, and the young people spent the sessions playing games or crafting while the parents chatted over coffee.
By mid‑2025, the group had grown steadily, and activities began to expand beyond the venue. Trips to a water park, pottery painting sessions and other days out became part of the calendar. The young people also started meeting socially without the adults, heading out for pizza or browsing the shops at the White Rose Centre. The name ‘Neurospice Girls’ was coined, as at that stage only girls were attending.
In September, the group hosted its first prom, giving those who had missed out on a school prom the chance to experience this important rite of passage. It was a huge success, and another is planned for this year on 26th July. Katherine also launched a junior group in November, meeting twice a month on a Monday afternoon. At the beginning of 2026, supported by a committee of parents, the group became a CIC and changed its name to ‘Neurospice World’. Becoming a CIC opened the door to funding opportunities, including support from the National Lottery and Asda, helping the group offer a full programme of subsidised events and activities.
Today, NeuroSpice World CIC provides a chilled‑out, LGBTQ+ inclusive space for teens, juniors and families who find traditional social groups overwhelming. Its ethos is sensory‑first, no pressure and zero masking – interaction is optional, “alone‑together” is celebrated, and ear defenders are always welcome.
Neurospice Teens+ Fridays from 12:30 – 3:30pm
Neurospice Juniors meet on the second and fourth Monday of every month from 12 – 3pm
For further information email Katherine: [email protected]
