In March 2025, youth workers from across Europe gathered in Budapest, Hungary for the Erasmus+ training course titled “Supporting Neurodiverse Youth: Inclusion Strategies for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.” This project focused on developing better inclusion strategies for young people with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Participants were guided through methods for adapting youth programs, improving communication, reducing stigma, and creating safe, empowering spaces where all young people could feel seen, understood, and included. The training aimed to help youth workers from different countries and cultures gain skills, confidence, and knowledge to bring about positive change in their local communities.
The need for this project was especially clear for youth workers in Denmark, where the Pangaea Youth Network operates. In many Danish towns and cities, support for neurodiverse youth in schools and youth centers still faces challenges. While there is a general effort towards inclusion in the education system, many youth with autism or ADHD still feel isolated and misunderstood in informal spaces like after-school programs or community clubs. Some avoid group activities because the environment feels too overwhelming, while others do not feel comfortable expressing themselves freely. Youth workers often want to help but are unsure how to adapt programs for diverse needs, especially when it comes to emotional regulation, sensory challenges, or attention difficulties. Before the project, there was growing awareness about neurodiversity in Denmark, but not enough tools or confidence to apply inclusive practices in everyday youth work.
The Budapest training became a turning point for many of the participants. Over two weeks, the course combined learning sessions, field visits, and open discussions that helped deepen understanding and challenge assumptions. The most eye-opening part of the experience came during the workshops where participants explored how to adapt activities to fit different sensory and communication needs. For example, instead of loud, fast-paced games, trainers introduced quiet spaces, visual schedules, and movement breaks to make sessions more predictable and comfortable for neurodiverse youth. It was not about changing everything but about creating options and showing flexibility.
Local community visits in Budapest also gave participants a clear image of what inclusion could look like in practice. At one youth center, young people with and without special needs worked side by side on creative art projects. There were no labels or divisions, just different ways of expressing ideas and emotions. Another organization had developed a buddy system where neurodiverse youth were paired with trained volunteers who helped them feel safe during group events. These examples proved that inclusion does not need expensive equipment or big reforms. What matters most is a welcoming attitude, good preparation, and a strong belief in the value of every young person.
After returning to Denmark, the participant from Pangaea Youth Network was filled with motivation to begin something new. Inspired by the methods and tools presented in Budapest, a new initiative called “Open Minds Club” was created. This weekly youth program offers creative and social activities designed for both neurodiverse and neurotypical youth. The sessions take place in a calm and flexible environment where participants can choose how to engage. Some enjoy drawing or building quiet projects, others join group storytelling or music sessions. The club also includes parent evenings and mini-workshops for volunteers, where inclusive practices are shared and discussed.
The structure of the Open Minds Club was directly shaped by the Erasmus+ training. The calm space design, the use of visual aids, and the focus on peer understanding all came from the knowledge gained during the training. The program was also guided by one of the key messages from Budapest: neurodiversity is not a problem to solve, but a difference to include and celebrate. The club team worked together to make sure that every activity respected that principle. They also stayed in contact with fellow participants from the Erasmus+ course to exchange advice and support one another in the early stages of the project.
The impact of the Open Minds Club has been significant and continues to grow. Several young people who had never taken part in youth programs before now attend every week. Some feel comfortable speaking in groups for the first time. Others have discovered new talents through arts and crafts or roleplay games. Parents say their children are calmer, more confident, and excited to participate. For the volunteers, the project has been a chance to learn more about inclusion and to build meaningful connections with young people they might not have met otherwise. The local community has also started to take notice. Other youth organizations in Denmark have reached out to learn how to adapt their own programs based on the same inclusive approach. Schools and municipal youth offices have asked for collaboration, and some universities have expressed interest in researching the model.
This project has helped open conversations in Denmark about how youth services can better support all types of learners and personalities. It has shown that inclusion is not about doing everything perfectly, but about being ready to try, listen, and change where needed. Thanks to the Erasmus+ course in Budapest, one youth worker was able to bring back the confidence and practical tools to make a real difference.
Looking ahead, the Pangaea Youth Network hopes to continue growing the Open Minds Club and eventually turn it into a larger inclusive hub that connects with families, schools, and other organizations. The goal is to train more youth workers in Denmark to use the inclusive strategies learned in Budapest, and to continue building bridges between neurodiverse youth and their peers. There is still much work to do, but the progress so far proves that change is possible. With patience, teamwork, and a strong belief in every young person’s potential, inclusive communities can become a normal part of youth work everywhere. This experience has reminded everyone involved that when young people are given the right environment, they can thrive—not in spite of their differences, but because of them.