In March 2025, youth workers from across Europe came together in Budapest, Hungary, to take part in the Erasmus+ project titled “Supporting Neurodiverse Youth: Inclusion Strategies for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.” This international training was created to help youth workers build inclusive, supportive, and stigma-free environments for young people with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. The training focused on practical tools for adapting youth programs, modifying communication, reducing barriers, and making all young people feel safe and welcomed. The project’s goal was to give youth workers not just theory, but the skills and confidence to make real, everyday changes that could help neurodiverse youth feel empowered and included in social and educational life.
In Bulgaria, the organization Mladezhda works with young people from different social and cultural backgrounds. Before the training in Budapest, many youth workers in the country were aware of the importance of inclusion, but there was still limited knowledge about neurodiversity. In many schools and youth centers, children and teenagers with conditions like autism or dyslexia often felt excluded or misunderstood. Some were labeled as difficult or uncooperative instead of being seen as individuals with different communication or sensory needs. This created stress both for the young people and for their families. In addition, many youth workers did not receive enough training on how to adapt programs or how to create calm and accessible spaces where everyone could participate. As a result, some young people avoided youth activities altogether, missing out on opportunities to grow, connect, and feel a sense of belonging.
The Erasmus+ training in Budapest offered a fresh and hopeful perspective. From the first day, the learning atmosphere was full of understanding, patience, and mutual respect. The program was carefully structured to introduce the topic of neurodiversity in an open and practical way. Participants learned about common neurodevelopmental conditions and the ways these affect learning, behavior, and emotional responses. But more importantly, they explored strategies that could be used to support these youth in real-life settings. One of the most powerful sessions focused on sensory-friendly activities. Trainers explained how noise, light, and crowded spaces can become overwhelming for some neurodiverse youth, and how simple adjustments can help. Using visual aids, predictable routines, and flexible participation options can reduce stress and build trust.
Another memorable part of the experience was the visit to a community center in Budapest that runs a successful inclusion program. This center organized weekly workshops in art, music, and movement where neurodiverse and neurotypical youth worked together without separation. The staff used clear communication techniques, calming spaces, and personalized approaches to make everyone feel safe and encouraged. What stood out was not just the methods, but the attitude. The staff believed that every young person could shine if given the right environment. This message stayed with the participants long after the training.
Returning to Bulgaria, the youth worker from Mladezhda felt inspired to act. With support from the local team, a new project was launched called “Circle of Minds.” This initiative was designed as an inclusive youth club where neurodiverse and neurotypical young people could join activities together. Instead of traditional structured lessons, the club offered flexible workshops in crafts, storytelling, gardening, and relaxation. The space was made sensory-friendly, with soft lighting, quiet areas, and visual instructions. Volunteers were trained using the knowledge from the Budapest course, learning how to guide young people gently and with empathy. Parents were also invited to take part in special discussion circles where they could share experiences and find community support.
The “Circle of Minds” club quickly gained attention and appreciation. Many families who had struggled to find a safe and understanding place for their children felt finally seen. Youth who had once been hesitant to attend public activities started arriving early and staying late. One teenager who barely spoke in school found a love for storytelling games. Another discovered they enjoyed gardening and soon took responsibility for caring for the club’s plants. These stories showed how powerful inclusion could be when practiced with care and consistency.
The project also had a wider influence in the community. Other NGOs in the region started asking for training on neurodiversity inclusion. Teachers from local schools came to observe the club and later adapted some of its methods for their own classrooms. The local municipality invited Mladezhda to present the project and discuss how inclusive youth programs could become a part of broader youth policy planning. Even some universities became interested in developing youth work modules that included neurodiversity topics, something that was rarely done before.
The change did not happen overnight, and there were still challenges. Not every activity worked perfectly, and sometimes it was necessary to pause, adjust, and learn again. But the experience from the Erasmus+ training helped youth workers approach these challenges with more patience and with a clear understanding of the importance of inclusion. The training gave them a vision of what was possible and the practical tools to make it happen.
Looking into the future, Mladezhda plans to grow the “Circle of Minds” initiative into a network. The goal is to connect more youth centers in Bulgaria that are ready to commit to inclusive practices. There are plans to create a handbook based on the training in Budapest and the experience gained in the local project, which can be shared across the country. The youth workers hope to involve more young people as peer supporters and to create stronger cooperation with schools, families, and municipalities.
The Erasmus+ training in Budapest showed that creating an inclusive world is not about having perfect answers, but about being open, respectful, and ready to learn. It taught youth workers that small actions—like offering quiet time, listening more, or adapting a simple game—can make a big difference. Most of all, it reminded everyone that every young person, no matter how they communicate or learn, deserves to feel valued and included. Youth work has the power to open doors, and with the right mindset and support, those doors can lead to truly beautiful places.