Bridging the Gap: Reflecting on Our Neurodiversity Training

The Bridging the Gap: Training Programme on Neurodiversity has officially come to an end, marking an important step towards creating more inclusive and supportive youth work spaces for neurodivergent young people.

Over three engaging sessions, participants explored different aspects of neurodiversity and how these can be better understood and applied within youth work. The training brought together youth workers, mentors and volunteers who already work with young people, providing opportunities to learn, reflect and share experiences.

Understanding Neurodiversity

The first session introduced participants to both neurotypical and neurodivergent experiences, with a particular focus on autism, common myths and realities, and the importance of moving beyond assumptions and labels.

Through icebreakers, group activities and practical examples, participants explored how youth work sessions can be planned and adapted to create structured, predictable and supportive environments where neurodivergent young people can participate more comfortably and confidently.

Responding to Behaviour and Sensory Needs

The second session focused on understanding behaviour from a different perspective. Participants explored de-escalation strategies and the differences between tantrums, meltdowns and shutdowns, considering how youth workers can respond in ways that are more supportive, respectful and understanding.

The session also introduced the eight senses and explored how sensory experiences can affect neurodivergent children and young people. Participants discussed the use of sensory toys and tools and how these can be incorporated appropriately to support participation and wellbeing.

Neurodiversity, Sexuality and Inclusion

The final session explored the experiences of neurodivergent LGBTIQ+ people and the importance of creating spaces where young people can feel understood, respected and included. We were pleased to be joined by Ms Colette Farrugia Bennett, an LGBTIQ+ rights activist, who shared valuable insights and perspectives during this session.

As the training came to a close, participants also reflected on how they can put their new knowledge and skills into practice. Rather than ending with the training itself, the programme is now moving into its next phase: learning through practice.

What’s Next?

The participants will now have the opportunity to apply what they have learned by delivering three sessions with the Right 2 Smile Youth Group. These activities will allow them to put the strategies and approaches explored during the training into practice and reflect on how neurodiversity-informed approaches can work within real youth work settings.

The project will then culminate in a Closing Event, which will bring together participants, youth organisations and other stakeholders to celebrate the work carried out through Bridging the Gap, share the project’s outcomes and look towards the future of more inclusive youth work.

The event will also provide an opportunity to reflect on how youth organisations can continue building their capacity to welcome and support neurodivergent young people.

A huge thank you goes to our training facilitators, Gaby Meli, Tivona Vella Abdilla, Laura Frendo and Colette Farrugia Bennett, as well as all the participants and everyone who contributed to making Bridging the Gap possible.

This may be the end of the training sessions, but it is only the beginning of putting what we have learned into action — and continuing to bridge the gap towards more inclusive youth spaces where every young person can feel that they belong.

This project has been funded through the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme (VOPS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV).