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Youth for Neurodiversity
Breaking barriers, celebrating differences, championing strengths, & mobilizing allies!
Our Mission - Empowering Youth
We are a United Nations-recognized youth-led nonprofit, a vibrant grassroots collective that brings neurodivergent and neurotypical teens together—forging bonds, fighting stigma, and jointly championing strengths, youth stories, inclusive opportunities, universal design, sensory spaces, assistive tech, and policy! Our mission is to break barriers for neurodivergent and differently abled youth and dismantle age-old stigmas, rejecting outdated views of differences as “disorders” or "disabilities."
Neurodiversity is for everyone. Differences are not deficits. Inclusivity isn’t about “accommodations”—it’s about creating true belonging, where youth feel understood, valued, and celebrated for who they are. Through collective activism, we fervently advocate for the strengths-based model of neurodiversity, empowering young people to drive change.
We are building chapters in CA, KY, TN, TX, AZ, FL, and expanding! We are honored to be accepted as a youth-leading organization by the United Nations Youth Office's Flagship Initiative on Youth Mental Health & Well-Being and the 2026 Davidson Young Scholar Ambassador program. Join Us!
Founder
Founder, President
Davidson Young Scholar
Stanford Neurodiversity Project's 2026 REACH camper
Stanford Online High School
Aashna P.
California, USA
Hello! I welcome you to Youth for Neurodiversity. I grew up with undiagnosed family members for years, and then faced my own challenges dealing with neuromuscular deficits in my hand after an accident. As I embark on this journey to build our collective of champions, I urge you to join us. 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, mobilizing allies, and impacting policy!
Rising high schooler (8th grade), programmer (USACO Bronze-level), researcher (Neuro + X), swimmer, charcoal artist, writer, origami enthusiast, baker. Honored by nonprofit "Embracing Our Differences" for best-in-show quote for bringing people together.
Mentor & Advisor
Mentor, Youth Advisor
Maxwell Palance
California, USA
Growing up with Autism Spectrum Disorder from a young age, Maxwell learned firsthand how sensory challenges, social misunderstandings, and anxiety can shape a child’s world. His journey from toddlerhood therapies to top-level programming endeavors now fuels his advocacy to show neurodiverse children that their potential can surpass any stigma.
High school senior, Stanford Neurodiversity Project Network for K-12 Neurodiversity Education and Advocacy co-chair, Immune Deficiency Foundation youth advisor, USACO Platinum-level programmer, mobile app developer, speaker, author, policy advocate.
Chapters & Ambassadors!
Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Chapter Co-President
Eleanor A.
I have ADHD and was introduced to Youth for Neurodiversity by my friend Aashna. I am really interested in learning about neurodiversity and wanted to support her. I think this would be really fun to be a part of and would help me to better understand myself and others. I would love to share my story, help plan events, train others, take on projects that involve programming, writing, video, audio, and outreach to recruit teens & partners!
Rising high schooler
Mia J.
I think it’s really important for all children, especially those with neurological challenges, to have equal access to education and opportunities. I want to learn about neurodiversity and help others. I am also interested in research projects for our initiative.
Rising high schooler
Chapter Co-President
Franklin, Tennessee, USA
Nalin S.
Hi, my name is Nalin, and I'm from Tennessee. I was introduced to Youth for Neurodiversity by one of my friends. I would love to learn about the different mental spectrums, and I want to contribute to the cause of helping people with autism, ADHD, and other differences. I think that everyone should have equal opportunities regardless of their mental challenges. I am excited to create resources, help out with creative design, art, social media, research, writing, and editing.
Rising high schooler, varsity tennis player, track runner, baker, writer, artist, and piano player
Chapter President
Plano, Texas, USA
Amulya K.
Hey! My name is Amulya! I am so thrilled to be a part of Youth for Neurodiversity and was introduced by Aashna, my cousin, herself! I’ve met and learned a lot from neurodivergent students at my school. While many are kind and supportive to them, but not always. Sometimes, others treat them like they’re “different,” and that make them feel left out or unseen. I really want to change that. Everyone deserves to be understood for what they can do, not judged for what they can’t. As a Youth for Neurodiversity ambassador, I want to help spread awareness, build empathy, and create safe spaces where everyone feels included and valued. It’s okay to be different — because nobody should ever feel alone for being who they are.
Rising high schooler, swimmer, actress, singer, pianist, classical Indian dancer, writer, podcaster, artist, and member of NJHS. 3rd Chair Soprano 2 All-Region Choir as a 7th grader
Chapter President
Austin, Texas, USA
Francesca D.
I’m neurodivergent and I want to make the world more accessible. I love finding creative outlets and helping others. I like baking, writing, and all different forms of art. Recently, I received an honorable mention for my art about my experiences. At Youth for Neurodiversity, I am interested in creative design, social media, planning events, learning, research, and writing.
Rising high schooler
Morgan Hill, California, USA
Aarya D.
Hello! Being part of a one-of-a-kind community feels so inspiring, and I would love to help build a strong , reliable connection among like-minded peers. I want to support diagnosed and undiagnosed people in any way I can, empowering everyone to celebrate their differences rather than hide them. I'm interested in expanding my knowledge in this field and fostering an accepting and stable environment.
Chapter President
Sarasota, Florida, USA
Suzanne H.
Florida, USA
Bio coming soon
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Alec
High school junior, neurodivergent. Bio coming soon
San Jose, California, USA
Unaysah R.
Bio coming soon
Omar R.
Bio coming soon
Ivy Y.
Bio coming soon
Los Altos, California, USA
Neil K.
Bio coming soon.
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