How The Neurodiversity Alliance Is Building A Movement Powered By Young Voices

The Neurodiversity Alliance

There is a quiet revolution underway in how we see neurodiversity — not as a limitation, but as a source of strength, creativity, and resilience. At the heart of this movement is The Neurodiversity Alliance, an organization with a bold ambition: to reshape educational experiences for neurodivergent students and create pathways for their success.

David Flink (a 2025 Elevate Prize winner) played a foundational role in launching the Neurodiversity Alliance, drawing from his lived experience and long-standing commitment to mentoring neurodivergent youth. It all started with older neurodivergent students mentoring younger ones through what became the original Eye to Eye mentoring program. This ethos of layered mentorship has since evolved into a nationwide network—from high schoolers mentoring middle schoolers to college students supporting one another through affinity clubs. 

I spoke to David Flink,  Jesse Sanchez, President of The Neurodiversity Alliance, and Philister Lukacevic, Director of Marketing and Communications, all passionate advocates, who describe their work not as a program but as a movement. “Our mission is to improve the educational experience and outcomes for neurodivergent students and allies, to achieve a more equitable society for all,” said Sanchez.

A Movement Powered by Young Voices

Every great movement begins with a spark — and for the Neurodiversity Alliance, that spark is the voice of young people who refuse to be overlooked.

“The one thing I love about the young people is that they are very open and they are very transparent,” said Lukacevic. “Every day we hear from young people who just say to us, I wish I had this, I wish I had known about this earlier, or I want to start this in my school, or we have to have this in our community.”

Flink agreed. “Any good ideas that we’ve had about how young people should be treated are only because we were really good listeners to these young people.”

This is what makes the Alliance different. It is not just about raising awareness — it is about action. Through a network of student-led clubs, young people support one another, mentor younger students in local schools, and create a sense of belonging that many of them had once longed for themselves.

From left to right: Dave Flink, Founder and CEO; Jesse Sanchez, President; and Philister Lukacevic, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Neurodiversity Alliance

Shifting Culture Through Storytelling

Flink’s impact goes beyond programs—it extends to shaping the narrative around neurodiversity itself. As a follow-up to his first book ‘Thinking Differently’ (an inspiring guide for parents with neurodiverse kids), Flink is currently writing a book that reframes how society views neurodivergence, diving into unexpected, transformative stories across different sectors.

“I do feel like I am Anthony Bourdain in this whole thing. I’m literally just traveling, and I’m like, why wasn’t there a camera behind me? Because this is so wild,” shared Flink.  This storytelling dimension underscores Dave’s unique ability to connect individual experiences to systemic change, helping reimagine neurodiversity not as a challenge to accommodate, but as a strength to champion.

The Heart of the Movement: Mentorship

For all its programs and initiatives, the soul of the Neurodiversity Alliance is its commitment to mentorship. “Deep in our DNA is mentoring,” said Sanchez. “That was the origin of our entire organization. And I think it was neurodivergent, older people mentoring younger people, right? High schoolers, mentoring middle schoolers… the organization has evolved to this point where it’s this, over the course of someone’s lifespan, there’s just this mentoring ladder that never ends.”

This ladder of mentorship is particularly crucial during moments of transition — from high school to college, or from college to a first job. Lukacevic explained, “We’ve heard from young people that that is something that they are always trying to learn more about, that they have challenges with those two transitions.”

Partnering with Companies

To that end, the Neurodiversity Alliance also partners with companies like Deloitte to bridge the gap between neurodivergent talent and inclusive employment practices. Through initiatives such as Deloitte’s National Impact Day, the Alliance facilitates hands-on experiences where students engage with neurodivergent professionals, complete workplace assessments, and receive mentorship from Deloitte employees. 

As Flink noted, “They’re not just talking the talk, they’re recruiting. They want our students. They want our talent.” These collaborations go beyond surface-level inclusion—aligning the Alliance’s mission of empowering young neurodivergent leaders with Deloitte’s commitment to reshaping workplace culture and unlocking the competitive advantage of neuroinclusion.

Every great movement begins with a spark — and for the Neurodiversity Alliance, that spark is the voice of young people who refuse to be overlooked.

Looking Ahead 

As the Alliance looks to its future, it is determined to amplify its voice and grow its impact. “A big part of our focus now is building awareness — ensuring more people know who we are and what we stand for. We’re determined to lead a movement, and that’s the direction we’re heading,” said Lukacevic.

For Lukacevic, storytelling will play a central role in this next chapter. “I would love to create a film that tracks a young person’s education from receiving the resources of the Neurodiversity Alliance and see the trajectory of their lives,” she said. “If people could witness that impact through storytelling, they would see why this is something we should all be supporting.”

The work of the Neurodiversity Alliance is vital because it challenges outdated narratives and redefines what success looks like for neurodivergent individuals. By centering young people—many of whom have felt isolated or misunderstood in traditional education and work environments—the Alliance creates spaces where their differences are not just accepted, but celebrated as strengths. 

Through peer mentoring, storytelling, and strategic partnerships, NDA equips students with the tools, confidence, and community they need to thrive. As David Flink puts it, “The work is the story”—and by amplifying those stories, the Alliance is building a more equitable future where neurodivergence is seen not as a deficit, but as a powerful driver of innovation, empathy, and resilience.