Bridging the Gap: Training Programme on Neurodiversity

Right to Smile Foundation launches a Neurodiversity Training Programme for Youth Mentors

Right to Smile is pleased to announce the launch of a new training programme designed to strengthen the skills and knowledge of youth mentors in supporting neurodivergent young people.

As the number of neurodivergent young people participating in our youth programme continues to grow, we recognise the importance of ensuring that our mentors are equipped to create environments where every young person feels welcomed, understood, and empowered to participate fully.

This training programme aims to enhance participants’ understanding of autism and neurodiversity while providing practical tools and strategies that can be applied directly within youth work settings. Through a combination of learning, reflection, and discussion, participants will explore how to create inclusive spaces that recognise and celebrate different ways of thinking, communicating, and experiencing the world.

The training will cover the following topics:

Introduction to Neurodiversity

Understanding neurodiversity and the different ways young people think, learn, communicate, and experience the world.

Understanding Behaviour Differently

Reframing behaviour: from “challenging” to “communicating”

Emotional Regulation in Youth

Practical approaches to supporting emotional wellbeing and self-regulation.

Sensory Processing and Participation

Creating sensory-friendly environments that encourage meaningful participation.

Applying Neurodiversity in Youth Work

Practical strategies and inclusive methodologies for planning and delivering youth activities.

Neurodiversity and Sexuality

The strong intersectional overlap between neurodiversity and gender or sexual diversity in youth.

The training is open for both youth mentors from Right 2 Smile and other youth organisations, creating opportunities for collaboration, shared learning, and the exchange of good practices. Participants will also have the opportunity to apply their learning through practical youth activities and contribute to the development of resources that can support the wider youth sector.

Through this initiative, Right 2 Smile continues its commitment to promoting inclusion, participation, and equal opportunities for all young people. By investing in the development of youth mentors, we aim to ensure that neurodivergent young people can fully engage in youth programmes, develop meaningful connections, and experience a strong sense of belonging within their communities.

Training Format

The course will be delivered over three Saturday morning sessions at the Valletta Design Cluster – Friggieri Hall and will combine presentations, group discussions, practical exercises, and opportunities to reflect on real-life youth work situations.

Participants are required to attend all three sessions. All participants who complete the programme will receive a Certificate of Participation. The certificate will be given during the Closing ceremony (details will be announced later on).

Dates:

Training Session 1: 8th August 2026 09:30 – 12:00

Training Session 2: 29th August 2026 09:30 – 13:00

Training Session 3: 5th September 2026 09:30 – 11:00

This training course is free of charge.

Coffee breaks and refreshments will be available during the training sessions.

Why attend?

By the end of the training, participants will:

• Develop a clear understanding of neurodiversity and common neurodevelopmental differences (with emphasis on Autism and ADHD)
• Learn to reframe behaviours through a neurodiversity-affirming lens
• Gain a better understanding of sensory processing difficulties in the neurodiverse population. 
• Gain practical tools to support emotional regulation in children and youth
• Apply inclusive strategies within youth work settings
• Build confidence in creating safe, supportive, and engaging environments for all.
• Understand the importance of communicating and collaborating with parents/caregivers of neurodiverse youths
• Recognise signs of neurodevelopmental differences and know when to refer for further support.
• The participants will be able to understand the strong intersectional overlap between neurodiversity and gender or sexual diversity in youth. 
• Attendees will learn to adapt their communication styles that support the youth’s evolving identity and affirming LGBTQ+ youth.

Registration

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register here:
https://forms.gle/QeW5qjYfjwwoWSvp6

Deadline for registration: Friday 24th July 2026

For further information, please contact us via email on contact@right2smile.org

About the Trainers

Ms Gaby Meli – Occupational Therapist

• Registered Occupational Therapist (CPCM registration 128) with 7 years of experience working with neurodiverse populations
• Comprehensive training in Sensory Integration, Autism and other neurodiverse conditions
• Masters in Human Rights from the University of London (dissertation and research focusing specifically on inclusion of children and youths with Autism in Maltese NGOs)
• 25 years of experience in voluntary organisations as both a member and leader
• Currently employed as ‘Inclusion Coordinator’ for the Malta Girl Guides Association
• Former Programme Commissioner of Malta Girl Guides Association, current youth leader with Marsaskala Girl Guides and Duke of Edinburgh International Award 
• Extensive experience organising and leading youth initiatives, including international events such as the Mediterranean Jamboree
• International volunteering experience 
• Brings both clinical expertise and lived experience as an active youth leader, allowing for practical, realistic application of inclusion strategies in youth settings

Mrs Tivona Vella Abdilla – Play Therapist & Family Therapist

• Qualified Play Therapist and Family Therapist (PPBM: 331) 
• ⁠Experience working with neurodiverse children and their families for over 10 years. 
• ⁠Experience supporting and mentoring school staff, and support systems of neurodiverse individuals. 
• Expertise in autism, neurodiversity, emotional development, behaviour and attachment
• Strong experience supporting children and youths in understanding and regulating emotions and behaviours
• Skilled in translating therapeutic concepts into accessible tools for community mainstream settings
• ⁠Advocate for children’s voices, perceptions and experiences. 
• Experienced trainer and mentor
• ⁠Council member of the Malta Association of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice 
• ⁠Published author in the Journal of Family Therapy – Through the Eyes of the Child: children’s experience of family therapy (DOI: 10.1111/1467-6427.12484)

Mrs Laura Frendo – Autism Specialist 

• Autism Specialist with over 10 years of experience supporting neurodiverse children, youths, and their families across early intervention and educational settings 
• Holds a Master’s degree in Special Education (Autism – Children) and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) 
• Currently working as a Learning Support Educator in a primary school, supporting children with diverse learning and developmental needs in an inclusive classroom environment 
• Previous experience in senior roles at Inspire Foundation, including Support Services Manager, with responsibility for service development, quality assurance, and programme leadership 
• Experienced in delivering training and information sessions to educators, parents and supporting capacity-building within multidisciplinary teams 
• Strong background in autism, behaviour, and early development, with a focus on practical, person-centred approaches 
• Skilled in translating evidence-based concepts into accessible strategies for use in everyday settings, including schools and community environments 
• Brings a combination of frontline experience and service-level understanding, ensuring training is practical, relevant, and grounded in real-life contexts.

Ms Colette Farrugia Bennett – Social Worker and Family Therapist 

• Colette holds a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in Social Work, as well as a Master’s in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice from the University of Malta. 
• With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in supporting individuals, couples, and families navigating complex relationship dynamics, attachment issues, and parent-adolescent conflicts.
• Colette has dedicated a significant portion of her practice to the therapeutic empowerment and affirmation of diverse gender and sexual identities. In addition to her specialized work within the LGBTIQ+ community, she supports clients through a wide range of challenges, including mental health and well-being, conflict resolution, and rebuilding communication and trust within intimate relationships.

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).