Neurodiversity & Gap Years: Support and Self-Discovery

Neurodiveristy is beautiful and unique - it’s what makes us all human - but does come with struggles experienced by neurodiverse folks and their families shared amongst the neurodivergent community. In today's episode, Michelle explores how gap years are an incredible tool to support the lived challenges of many neurodiverse youth, helps build confidence and leads to a path of self-discovery. We also share several fantastic resources for you to tap into! 

Topics Discussed

1. Neurodiversity Awareness: Michelle explains what neurodiversity is highlighting the diverse range of neurological profiles (autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, bipolar, learning disabilities, Tourette's) and the common struggles faced by neurodiverse individuals and their families.
2. Gap Year Support: Michelle explores how gap years can offer invaluable support to neurodiverse youth, providing them with a fresh start away from systems that may not adequately accommodate their needs, and enabling them to live authentically and explore their true selves.
3. Self-Discovery and Advocacy: The episode emphasizes the importance of self-discovery during a gap year, allowing neurodiverse individuals to shed their masks, embrace their authentic selves, and advocate for their needs with confidence and self-worth.
4. Community Building: Michelle discusses the power of finding a supportive community of neurodiverse individuals, both online and in-person, and highlights resources and programs geared towards neurodiverse young people, including specialized travel opportunities and gap year programs.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• CanGaps Gap Year for Neurodivergent Youth: https://www.cangap.ca/neurodiversity
• Impact Fellowship: https://www.cangap.ca/fellowship
• Sunflower Project: https://hdsunflower.com/
• Autism Checked: https://autismchecked.com/
• Autism Travel: https://autismtravel.com/
• Wander Rock Travel: https://wanderrock.com/
• Check out Claire’s Video about taking a gap year as a Neurodivergent student: Taking a gap year as a neurodivergent student with CanGap Ambassador Claire
• Get support to light up your gap year! Book a free 30-min call: https://www.cangap.ca/call

 

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect
• Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/
• Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/
• Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap
• Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap
• Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ