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As a new school year begins, we are reminded of the many neurodivergent young people heading into classrooms full of possibility. For many, this season brings excitement—new opportunities to learn, grow, and connect. Yet, it can also come with uncertainty about the support and understanding they will receive along the way.
At the Neurodiversity Alliance, we remain committed to ensuring that every student knows they are not alone and that their voice, story, and unique strengths matter. We are also honored that CNN recently featured our CEO and Founder, David Flink, highlighting how far we have come since he was first named a CNN Hero and how our movement continues to grow nationwide.
This fall, we are especially energized after meeting so many of our supporters and student leaders at our annual Summit. The connections, conversations, and ideas shared there continue to inspire our work as we build a movement led by and for neurodivergent young people. We are also thrilled to see members of our community raising awareness and sharing their stories on larger
platforms—from Jesse’s recent appearance on We Are for Good to Matt’s conversation on Don’t Call on Me, and many more.
The momentum of our movement has never been stronger! We were thrilled to see the Associated Press spotlight our Summit and celebrate the incredible voices of our celebrity ambassadors who are
helping champion neurodiversity nationwide. It is an honor to be at the center of this pivotal work—lifting up lived experiences that break down stigma, spark change, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Looking ahead, we are preparing to launch our 'Neurodiversity is…' campaign in October for Learning Disabilities Awareness Month—an opportunity for our community to define, celebrate, and elevate what neurodiversity means to us. Together, we will continue to create spaces where young people can thrive, find community, and lead the way in shaping a more inclusive future.
Join us this school year in reaching more neurodivergent students by helping provide the resources, skills, and support they need to thrive —please consider making a gift today.
Community Updates
CNN recently featured our CEO and Founder, David Flink, reflecting on how far The Neurodiversity Alliance has come since he was first named a CNN Hero in 2021. The segment highlights the evolution of our work—from the mentoring program to today’s national movement advancing awareness, leadership, and opportunities for the 1 in 5 who learn differently.
The Neurodiversity Alliance is honored to announce its inaugural celebrity ambassador cohort! Eva Erickson, Viraj Dhanda, Phil Hanley, Jewell Loyd, and Alex Hackel are remarkable individuals and leaders in their communities who are lending their voices and platforms to champion the neurodiversity movement.
The 2025 National Neurodiversity Leadership Summit brought together an incredible group of students and recent graduates stepping into leadership with The Neurodiversity Alliance. During the event, they gained the skills and training to launch successful campus chapters and represent our movement nationwide. It was a powerful kickoff to the year - check out some of our favorite photos!
We’re excited to introduce our 2025–26 Student Leaders! These neurodivergent students will work alongside national staff mentors to advance our mission while building leadership and professional skills. Their voices will help shape a more inclusive future for our community.
Your brain is powerful, and the right strategies can help you thrive this school year. From building strong connections with teachers to managing stress and finding community, our latest blog breaks down 10 practical tips neurodivergent students can use to turn challenges into strengths and make school more manageable.
ND Alliance In The News
Our President, Jesse Sanchez, shares his insights on being a leader in this movement. From his personal journey shaped by his upbringing and the support of his incredible mom. Jesse continues to inspire our community with powerful ideas about advocacy, resilience, and the importance of creating spaces where every student feels seen and valued.
Our Assistant Director of Development, Matt Pashby, recently joined The Dyslexia Podcast to discuss his educational journey, the challenges he faced from being undiagnosed to being diagnosed with dyslexia later in high school, and his determination as an advocate committed to ensuring he reached for and achieved his educational goals.
This story highlights a growing movement of high school and college students reshaping schools for neurodivergent peers. At the National Neurodiversity Leadership Summit in Denver, hosted by The Neurodiversity Alliance, students and young leaders from across the country came together to build community, strengthen leadership skills, share resources, and raise awareness.
The Neurodiversity Alliance is proud to partner with celebrity ambassadors who use their platforms to broaden public understanding of neurodiversity. From athletes and entertainers to scholars and creators, leaders like Eva Erickson, Alex Hackel, Jewell Loyd, Phil Hanley, and Viraj Dhanda bring unique perspectives that inspire our community and drive change. Together, they’re redefining leadership, creativity, and resilience.
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