We are a youth-led nonprofit with a mission to break barriers for neurodivergent youth globally by amplifying youth stories, championing strengths, mobilizing allies, fighting stigma, and pushing for inclusive spaces, universal design, assistive technologies, and public policy.
Neurodiversity includes everyone. Differences are not deficits. Join us in building a peer-to-peer network of youth champions worldwide, fostering empathy, uplifting each other, and pushing for change!
I grew up with undiagnosed family members for years, and then faced my own challenges after an accident that severed my ulnar nerve. Suddenly, I understood what it feels like to navigate a world not built for you. Unable to swim, sketch, write, or code without severe pain, my world had to come to a grinding halt. Accepting help, even from my mom, to turn on my muscle stimulator for therapy, felt like defeat. But, reminding myself that differences are not deficits, and with the incredible support of my neurodiverse friends and family, I am recovering well. Although my hand still has deficits, I have embraced my new world! I want every teen to know: our unique mind and our unique body are our strengths.
I am deeply thankful to Maxwell Palance, one of my brother’s closest friends, who agreed to become my mentor as I embarked on building a collective of neurotypical and neurodivergent youth to champion neurodiversity! Growing up with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Max endured sensory challenges, social misunderstandings, and anxiety. Max’s journey from toddlerhood therapies to top-level programming endeavors and advocacy to show neurodiverse children that their potential can surpass any stigma inspired me endlessly.
All youth deserve to feel included, respected, and celebrated for who they are by both peers and adults. I envision a world in which universal design is the norm, assistive technologies are ubiquitous, and neurodiversity is celebrated. Together, we can make a difference through amplifying personal stories, fighting stigma, mobilizing allies, and impacting tech and policy.
In the words of the eminent Dr. Lawrence Fung, Director of the Stanford Neurodiversity Project, “neurodiversity is for everyone.” When we embrace each other’s differences and champion strengths, we build stronger communities and ultimately humanity!
Join us: https://www.youthfornd.org/join-us
— Aashna Parsa