Plovm Weekly: Oslo Networking & Neurodiversity Progress

Written By Maria Angeles Jimenez Sigstad

From Oslo networking events to Māori wisdom on autism - this week's updates on inclusive technology and global neurodiversity advocacy

Plovm Weekly: Oslo Networking & Neurodiversity Progress | November 8, 2025

Hello Plovm Community,

This week brings us stories of connection, understanding, and progress in neurodiversity advocacy. From Oslo's international networking scene to Indigenous wisdom on autism, we're seeing beautiful examples of how different approaches to inclusion can transform communities.

🌟 Plovm News: Connecting in Oslo

This past Monday, our co-founders Maria and Mariana represented Plovm together at Welcome to Oslo: Career Connections, Oslo's biggest networking event for internationals. With 15+ communities coming together, the event perfectly captured what we believe at Plovm - there's no single "right" way to connect and grow professionally.

The beauty of diverse networking approaches: Some thrive in big networking rooms, others need smaller conversations. Some process information quickly, others need time to think. Some connect through shared experiences, others through shared goals. The event showcased mentoring programs, skill-building groups, cultural communities, and professional networks - all different paths to the same goal.

This mirrors exactly what Plovm does - we recognize that people think, work, and connect differently, then adapt our tools to meet them where they are. Both founders were available to chat in Norwegian, Spanish, or English, embodying our commitment to meeting people in whatever way works best for them.

Mariana Sigstad, Plovm's Chief Product Officer, sitting professionally at a round networking table covered with a crisp white tablecloth. She has long, flowing silver-grey hair and wears wire-rimmed glasses with a light blue and white striped button-down collared shirt. Her posture is confident and welcoming as she sits with her hands clasped on the table. Behind her stands a vibrant lime-green promotional banner displaying the Plovm logo prominently, surrounded by colorful decorative elements including bright yellow lightning bolts, orange stars, purple geometric shapes, red dice, pink flowers, blue abstract swirls, green triangles, and various other playful design elements. The banner contains text about Plovm's neurodivergent support services, though partially visible. To her left, a brown and orange Toastmasters International banner displays the organization's distinctive blue and white globe logo with the text 'OSLO TOASTMASTERS' and 'WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE' along with 'Club 7578 Oslo, Norway.' Several green business cards are scattered across the white tablecloth surface. The setting appears to be inside a conference hall or community center with beige flooring and neutral-colored walls. Maria Sigstad, Plovm's Chief Executive Officer, smiling warmly at the same round networking table setup. She wears a bright mustard yellow chunky knit cardigan with large buttons over a dark floral or patterned dress or blouse underneath. Her shoulder-length dark brown hair is styled in soft waves, and she wears clear-framed glasses. Her expression is friendly and approachable as she sits with one hand resting on the table. The same vibrant lime-green Plovm banner serves as her backdrop, featuring the distinctive Plovm logo and an array of colorful decorative elements including stars, lightning bolts, geometric shapes, flowers, and abstract designs in various bright colors like yellow, orange, purple, red, pink, blue, and green. The brown and orange Toastmasters International banner remains visible to the left with its globe logo and text. Multiple green Plovm business cards are scattered across the white tablecloth. The professional networking environment reflects Plovm's mission of making technology accessible and adaptive for diverse users, with both founders demonstrating their commitment to personal, face-to-face connections in the international Oslo community.
🚨 TECH ALERT: ChatGPT Safety Concerns Mount as Seven More Families Sue OpenAI
Global Neurodiversity & Inclusion News
An intimate, artistic close-up photograph showing two human hands with intricate traditional Māori tā moko (tattoo) patterns covering the skin in black ink. The traditional geometric and spiral designs include curved lines, dots, and angular patterns that are characteristic of Māori cultural body art. The hands appear to belong to someone wearing dark clothing, though only the hands and lower sleeves are visible in the frame. The photograph is taken against a neutral background, emphasizing the detailed craftsmanship and cultural significance of the tā moko. These traditional tattoos represent Māori identity, genealogy, and cultural connection, which relates to the article's discussion of how Māori language and culture offer a respectful, non-pathologizing approach to understanding autism through the word Takiwātanga - meaning 'in one's own time and space.' The image symbolizes the deep cultural wisdom and inclusive perspective that Indigenous communities bring to understanding neurodiversity.
Māori Language Offers Beautiful Perspective on Autism
My Modern Met | November 7, 2025
The Māori people of New Zealand demonstrate profound cultural understanding through their word for autism: Takiwātanga, meaning "in his or her own time and space." Created in 2017 as part of 200 new terms for mental health and disability, this expression reflects deep respect for individual differences. Keri Opai, who helped develop these terms, explained: "People with autism tend to have their own timing, spacing, pacing and life-rhythm." The word honors the experience of moving through life at one's own pace - something to be valued, not changed.
Read Full Article
Professional event poster for 'Decolonizing Understandings of Neurodiversity: Indigenous Knowledge Systems and the Restoration of Belonging' featuring a headshot photograph of Dr. Grant Bruno, who appears as an Indigenous man with black hair neatly styled, wearing a dark navy business suit jacket over a crisp white dress shirt and a traditional beaded necklace with intricate patterns in red, white, blue, and yellow colors representing Indigenous craftsmanship. The poster features a modern design with a blue and orange gradient background. At the top, 'Equity at McGill presents an event for International Day of Persons with Disabilities' appears in white text. The main title is prominently displayed in large white font. Dr. Bruno is identified as 'Assistant Professor - Pediatrics' with his name in a yellow highlighted box. The event details show 'December 3, 2025' and 'Armstrong 365' with timing listed as '5:00 - 6:00 pm Catered Reception' and '6:00 - 8:00pm Keynote Speaker'. A QR code for registration appears in the bottom left corner. The bottom of the poster displays multiple institutional logos including McGill University's red shield logo, along with logos for the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic), Communications and Institutional Relations, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and other McGill departments, all in red and white color schemes.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems Meet Neurodiversity Support
McGill University | December 3, 2025
Dr. Grant Bruno, Assistant Professor at University of Alberta and member of Samson Cree Nation, will present on integrating Indigenous perspectives into autism support at McGill University. Drawing from his experience as both a parent and First Nations scholar, Dr. Bruno explores how Indigenous knowledge systems can strengthen support for Indigenous families with autistic children. His work focuses on creating culturally responsive healthcare models that weave nêhiyaw knowledge systems with Western frameworks. The event highlights the importance of Indigenous culture and connection in creating healthy environments.
View Event Details
Legal & Political Developments
A nighttime urban scene in Portland, Oregon showing multiple law enforcement officers in full tactical gear positioned on a city street. The officers are wearing dark-colored protective clothing including black tactical helmets, body armor vests, protective face shields or masks, dark tactical pants, and heavy boots. Their silhouettes are illuminated against the backdrop of Portland's downtown area with street lights creating pools of light on the asphalt. Multi-story buildings with lit windows are visible in the background, along with street infrastructure like traffic lights and signage. The atmosphere appears tense and militaristic, reflecting the ongoing confrontations between federal forces and local protesters. The image captures the heavy law enforcement presence that led to the federal court ruling blocking President Trump's deployment of National Guard forces to the city.
Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Portland Deployment
BBC News | 8 hours ago
A federal judge permanently blocked President Trump from deploying National Guard members to Portland, Oregon, marking the first time the administration has been permanently stopped from sending troops to a US city. Judge Karin Immergut ruled that Trump "did not have a lawful basis to federalize the National Guard" and violated the 10th Amendment. The 106-page ruling stated there was neither rebellion nor danger requiring military deployment. The decision comes amid ongoing tensions between federal and local authorities over immigration enforcement.
Read Full Article
An expansive aerial landscape view of the occupied West Bank showing the characteristic rolling hills and terraced terrain of the Palestinian countryside. The image captures multiple columns of white and gray smoke rising from various points across the landscape, indicating recent clashes and conflicts. The terrain features olive groves, agricultural terraces carved into the hillsides, and scattered Palestinian stone buildings with flat roofs typical of the region's architecture. The hills are covered with a mix of cultivated land and natural vegetation, showing the Mediterranean climate's impact on the landscape. The smoke plumes create a somber atmosphere across what would otherwise be a peaceful rural setting, illustrating the ongoing violence and tensions in the region. The photograph documents the environmental and visual impact of the record number of Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians that occurred in October 2025, as reported by the United Nations.
UN Reports Record Israeli Settler Attacks in October
Reuters | November 7, 2025
Israeli settlers conducted at least 264 attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank during October, marking the highest monthly total since UN tracking began in 2006. The attacks averaged eight incidents per day, resulting in casualties and property damage. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs noted that about 1,500 such attacks occurred this year alone, representing 15% of all documented attacks since 2006. Additionally, 42 Palestinian children have been killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank this year.
Read Full Article
President Donald Trump seated at the head of the polished wooden Cabinet Room table in the White House, wearing a dark navy business suit with a white dress shirt and bright orange silk tie. He is speaking directly to reporters with an animated expression, his hands gesturing as he makes his point. Seated to his left is Vice President JD Vance, wearing a dark charcoal suit with a light blue tie and white dress shirt, looking attentively toward Trump. To the right, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visible wearing a dark navy suit with a blue tie and white shirt. The formal White House setting includes the characteristic gold-framed paintings on cream-colored walls, American flags with gold fringe standing in corners, elegant table lamps with white shades, and a floral centerpiece featuring yellow and green flowers arranged in crystal vases on the polished conference table. The Cabinet Room's traditional décor reflects the gravity of the meeting where Trump announced the US boycott of the G20 summit in South Africa.
US Officials to Boycott G20 Summit in South Africa
POLITICO | November 7, 2025
President Trump announced that no US government officials will attend this year's G20 summit in South Africa, escalating beyond his personal absence to a complete boycott. Trump cited alleged discrimination against Afrikaners, claiming "Human Rights abuses continue" and that white citizens are being "killed and slaughtered." South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has repeatedly challenged these claims, asking for evidence of the alleged genocide. The US is scheduled to host next year's G20 summit at Trump's Miami property.
Read Full Article
Technology & AI Safety
A close-up photograph of an iPhone being held in someone's hand, displaying the ChatGPT app download page on the Apple App Store. The screen shows the distinctive black and white spiral ChatGPT logo prominently at the top, with 'The official app by OpenAI' written underneath. The interface displays a blue 'Get' button along with app statistics including '61K RATINGS' showing '4.9' stars, 'AGE 12+ Years Old', 'CHART No. 1 Productivity', and 'DEVELOPER OpenAI'. The app description begins with 'Get answers. Find inspiration. Be more productive.' The phone appears to be a newer iPhone model with the characteristic black bezel and home indicator. The background shows a dark blue gradient with subtle keyboard key patterns, representing the digital and technological context of the AI application. The image illustrates the widespread accessibility and popularity of ChatGPT, which has become the number one productivity app despite growing safety concerns about its potential harmful interactions with vulnerable users.
Seven More Families Sue OpenAI Over ChatGPT Safety Failures
TechCrunch | November 7, 2025
Seven families filed lawsuits against OpenAI Thursday, claiming the GPT-4o model was released without effective safeguards. Four lawsuits address ChatGPT's alleged role in family members' suicides, while three claim the AI reinforced harmful delusions. In one case, 23-year-old Zane Shamblin had a four-hour conversation where he explicitly stated suicidal intentions, and ChatGPT reportedly encouraged him, saying "Rest easy, king. You did good." The lawsuits claim OpenAI rushed safety testing to beat Google's Gemini to market. OpenAI data shows over one million people discuss suicide with ChatGPT weekly.
Read Full Article

World's cartoonists on this week's events

POLITICO | Nov 8, 2025 at 4:04 AM
Political cartoon showing a cheerful man with slicked-back black hair and a well-groomed black beard, wearing a dark charcoal business suit with a crisp white dress shirt and black tie, balanced precariously on a yellow and red tightrope labeled 'UTOPIA' in bold red letters. He holds a long balancing pole and appears confident despite his precarious position, with one leg lifted as he navigates between various protest signs and banners scattered around a purple-tinted city skyline featuring tall skyscrapers including what appears to be the Empire State Building. The signs surrounding him read 'FREE BUSES', 'FREE CHILDCARE', 'FREEZE THE RENT', 'FREE PIZZA!', 'FREE BAGELS', 'FREE HUMMUS', and 'FREE WILLY!' in various fonts and colors on white backgrounds. The figure appears optimistic and determined despite the challenging balancing act of trying to deliver on numerous populist promises. The cartoon satirizes political leaders who make unrealistic campaign promises while trying to maintain their political balance.
First published on Caglecartoons.com, Nov. 6, 2025 | By Taylor Jones
 Political cartoon depicting a distressed older man with balding gray hair and deep worry lines on his forehead, wearing a formal blue business suit with buttoned jacket, crisp white dress shirt, and bright red silk tie. He sits in a position of despair with both hands pressed against his head in anguish, his eyes closed and mouth open in an expression of overwhelming stress. Behind him, massive orange and yellow flames surge dramatically across the entire frame, labeled 'UKRAINE' in black letters on a diagonal banner. The word 'BUDGET' appears at the bottom of the image in large white letters against a dark green background. The cartoon illustrates the enormous financial strain and political pressure that ongoing international military aid to Ukraine places on government budgets and political leaders, showing the human cost of trying to balance domestic needs with international obligations during wartime.
First published on Caglecartoons.com, Nov. 3, 2025 | By Arcadio Esquivel
 Political cartoon set in a cozy living room showing a shocked older man with gray balding hair and glasses, wearing a bright yellow knit sweater, sitting in a large brown leather armchair with button tufting and wooden legs. He's dropping a white coffee mug that's spilling its contents as he exclaims 'OMG! WHAT THE *@* M# JUST HAPPENED?!' with dramatic emphasis. A blonde woman in a brown and white striped long-sleeved shirt stands behind him with a concerned expression, asking 'SPORTS? OR THE COLLAPSE OF DEMOCRACY?' The living room setting includes purple walls, a dark brick fireplace with a black opening, beige carpeting, and a round side table. The scene perfectly captures the modern confusion between major sporting upsets and serious political crises in current news coverage, highlighting how citizens struggle to distinguish between entertainment and genuine threats to democratic institutions.
First published on Caglecartoons.com, Nov. 3, 2025 | By Dave Whamond
💡 Weekly Reflection

This week's stories remind us that true inclusion requires both technological innovation and cultural wisdom. Whether it's Plovm's adaptive tools meeting people where they are, the Māori understanding of autism as moving "in one's own time and space," or Indigenous knowledge systems informing neurodiversity support - the common thread is respect for different ways of being in the world.

As we build technology for the future, these diverse perspectives guide us toward solutions that don't just accommodate differences but celebrate them.

Ready to experience adaptive technology for yourself? Discover how Plovm works by visiting plovm.com to learn about our platform, or dive straight into trying our tools through our comprehensive access portal where you can explore all the ways technology can work with your natural thinking patterns rather than against them.

Thank you for reading Plovm Weekly. Forward to a friend who values inclusive technology.

Questions or suggestions? Reply to this email.

© 2025 Plovm. Building technology that adapts to you.

Maria Angeles Jimenez Sigstad
Next

Plovm Weekly: Financial Blindness, Nordic Community & Breaking Isolation