In March 2025, a group of passionate youth workers gathered in Budapest, Hungary for a special Erasmus+ training titled “Supporting Neurodiverse Youth: Inclusion Strategies for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.” The program was carefully designed to give participants both theoretical knowledge and practical tools to create more inclusive environments for youth with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. With a strong focus on adapting youth work practices, reducing stigma, and promoting full inclusion, the training aimed to empower youth workers to become active change-makers in their communities.
The importance of this Erasmus+ project was clear from the beginning. In many European countries, there is still a lack of support systems and inclusive strategies for young people with special educational needs. In everyday life, neurodiverse youth often face barriers in education, recreation, and even communication. Many youth workers, though motivated, do not feel prepared to work with diverse learning needs and often lack the right tools. This training responded to that gap. It brought together youth workers from different countries and cultures and created a safe space to learn from each other, challenge stereotypes, and design inclusive youth programs based on equality and empathy.
In Germany, the country represented by the participant from Copernicus Berlin e.V., the conversation around neurodiversity is growing, but there is still much work to be done. While the education system offers special support classes, inclusion in mainstream youth activities is still limited. Families with children who have ADHD, autism, or learning difficulties often feel isolated and left behind. Youth workers face the challenge of creating programs that welcome everyone without separating or labeling them. Before the project, many small community centers in Berlin were trying to become more inclusive but lacked a clear structure or inspiration to move forward.
Arriving in Budapest for the training marked a turning point. The city, known for its rich culture and welcoming spirit, became a place of learning, connection, and personal growth. During the sessions, participants explored the meaning of neurodiversity and the importance of recognizing and valuing differences. They learned how to modify youth activities to meet the sensory, emotional, and cognitive needs of different participants. What stood out the most was the way the trainers introduced inclusion not as a separate topic, but as something that should be present in every part of youth work—from planning to communication, from games to evaluation.
A special part of the training was the visit to local youth centers that had already integrated inclusive practices. One youth center in Budapest had developed workshops for both neurodiverse and neurotypical youth to come together, share their experiences, and learn teamwork through creative arts. Another organization collaborated closely with schools and parents to make sure children with special needs could join afterschool clubs. These local stories, shared by people who had faced real challenges and still found ways to include everyone, became a powerful source of inspiration for all participants.
Returning to Germany after this experience, the youth worker from Copernicus Berlin e.V. felt motivated to start a new initiative. Inspired by the best practices observed in Budapest, the idea of an “Inclusive Youth Lab” was born. The aim was to create a regular activity space where neurodiverse youth and their peers could meet, learn from each other, and express themselves through music, theater, and movement. The sessions would be flexible, with different ways to participate, depending on the individual needs and comfort levels. Sensory-friendly tools, visual supports, and quiet areas would be part of the space. Parents and caregivers would also be invited to join special family workshops to strengthen understanding and trust.
The development of the Inclusive Youth Lab happened step by step. First, a group of volunteers and youth workers received training based on the materials shared during the Erasmus+ course. Then, a pilot session was organized with a small group of participants to test the format and get feedback. Over time, the sessions grew in popularity. Local schools began recommending the program to students, and other youth centers expressed interest in joining the network. The project quickly became more than just an idea. It turned into a model of inclusive youth work that others could learn from and adapt.
The impact of the Inclusive Youth Lab has been visible in many ways. Young people who used to feel excluded or misunderstood now have a space where they feel safe and accepted. Some participants with autism who once avoided group activities are now leading their own small projects. Families report that their children have grown more confident and are building friendships for the first time. Youth workers in Berlin are more aware of how to plan activities that consider everyone’s needs. The local community has become more open to talking about neurodiversity and recognizing it as part of human diversity. Even schools and municipal youth services have started to ask for collaboration and advice, showing that small grassroots projects can influence larger systems.
Reflecting on this journey, it becomes clear how much power youth work holds when it is inclusive. Creating a world where every young person is seen, heard, and valued should not be just a dream. The Erasmus+ project in Budapest showed that inclusion is not something complicated or distant—it starts with small changes, open minds, and meaningful human connection. The experiences shared, the tools learned, and the friendships built during the training continue to guide the work of youth workers in Germany and across Europe.
The long-term vision is one where every youth worker is trained in inclusive practices, every youth center is designed to welcome diverse needs, and every young person can grow without barriers. The Copernicus Berlin e.V. team believes that the future of youth work lies in its ability to adapt, include, and celebrate the differences that make each person unique. With continued collaboration, shared learning, and support from programs like Erasmus+, inclusive communities are not only possible—they are already becoming a reality.