Hearth at The Yurt

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Hearth at the Yurt is a neurodivergent-centered space for rest, regulation, and connection, offered under the Neurodivergent Compass umbrella, locally, in Athens, Ohio. It grew from a larger dream of creating a community space intentionally designed around neurodivergent nervous systems, not a traditional space attempting to add accommodations around the edges, but a place where different needs, ways of communicating, and ways of simply being are expected from the beginning.

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The name Hearth was chosen because the hearth was historically the warm center of a home, a place where people gathered for comfort, nourishment, safety, and connection. You didn’t have to perform or be productive to belong there. You could come in from the cold, set things down, and simply be. That is what I hope Hearth can offer: a softer place to land where you don’t have to mask, explain yourself, or become less overwhelmed before you are welcome.

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Our Wednesday evening (6p - 730p) gatherings alternate between Neurodivergent Support Circles (1st and 3rd) and Parallel Play Circles (2nd & 4th). These are intentionally small, low-pressure gatherings where talking, eye contact, introductions, and active participation are never required. You are welcome to share, quietly listen, bring something to read or create, wear headphones, move around, sit differently, or simply be among people who understand.

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Hearth also offers The Things We’ve Been Avoiding, a shame-free administration and body-doubling hour for working alongside others on the emails, forms, appointments, paperwork, and other clerical tasks that can feel impossible to begin alone. This happens the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 10-11.

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For those who need privacy more than community, a Hearth Reset provides two uninterrupted hours in the yurt. You don’t have to see anyone, talk to anyone, or explain what you need, just arrive, let yourself in, use the space in whatever way feels supportive, and leave when your time is over. The yurt includes a massage chair, bathtub, comfortable beds and couches, yoga props, a vibration plate, puzzles, art supplies, books, eye masks, and room to stretch out or do absolutely nothing. Individuals and families are welcome; children must remain with and be supervised by a parent or guardian.

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No diagnosis or disclosure is required. Come as your nervous system is.

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Space for both the Wednesday evening circles, the Thursday morning Things We've Been Avoiding hour, or a private Hearth Reset sessions is limited and must be reserved in advance. To request a space, email audhdlish@gmail.com.