The Different Brains Mentorship Programs Page |

Mentorship That Empowers Every Brain

Our mentorship program supports neurodivergent adults in building life and career skills—with compassion, flexibility, and understanding

What Is The Different Brains Mentorship Program?

It’s a common scenario: young people with a neurodiverse diagnosis, despite average or above average intelligence, graduate from high school only to find themselves unable to successfully transition to the worlds of college and employment. Whether they are unable to find their passion, hampered by social skill challenges, or just spending too much time playing video games in their bedrooms, examples of this “failure to launch” have become very common. Meanwhile, a lot of the support for those of us with different brains stops once we become adults – resulting in few resources being available to help. That’s why we created the Different Brains Mentorship Program!

The Story of Different Brains Intern Reuben

How Our Program Works

Program participants (interns) are exposed to the basics of new media journalism, while being given opportunities to develop social skills in a real professional workplace environment. The program itself is flexible, both in terms of hours and activities, to allow for the needs of every individual. During their time with us, trainees are given the opportunity to: write, record, and edit videos and audio podcasts; transcribe interviews; write articles and blogs; practice research skills; and develop multiple forms of web content.

This direct, hands-on work gives them experience to add to resumes, the opportunity to have real credits on published content, and the satisfaction of working on media that gets distributed to the public and makes a positive difference. Simultaneously, trainees learn basic job skills including creating and maintaining a work schedule, participating in staff meetings, handling deadlines, and more. But the job skills are just the tip of the iceberg!

WHO IS IT FOR

Is This Program Right For You?

Whether you're looking for guidance or ready to support someone else, there's a place for you in our mentorship program.

Looking For Mentorship?

If you identify as neurodivergent, are at least 18 years old, are located in the United States, and are seeking guidance in achieving goals—reach out to us! This program offers a supportive, judgment-free space where you can grow your skills and confidence at your own pace.

Just Looking To Help?

If you don’t want mentorship but would still like to help us produce videos, podcasts, or articles, reach out and see if volunteering is right for you!

From Participant To Advocate

Many of our interns, as part of their social challenges, are introverted and may not be used to speaking for themselves. However, starting with their initial applications (which must be initiated and completed by the interns themselves), everyone we mentor is required to move out of their “quiet comfort zones”. As members of a production team, interns are encouraged to share thoughts and ideas, as well as constructive criticism. They also must participate in weekly “staff meetings” and group discussions, all the while being presented with situations that require their input. During the pandemic, these have moved to virtual zoom calls.

Additionally, all trainees must appear on camera (including being the subject of green screen interviews, and hosting episodes of The Week in Neurodiversity), and are given the opportunities to write articles and produce their own podcasts, videos, and more. Finally, the process offers them important experience as an advocate – not just for themselves, but for everyone that may have a “different brain.” We want to make sure that by the end of their time with us, our mentor subjects are ready to become mentors themselves!

BENEFITS

Why It Matters

Many families feel unseen as their children transition into adulthood. Our mentorship program gives neurodiverse young adults tools, structure, and confidence to move forward with purpose.

Confidence & Structure

Empowering mentees with clarity and support

Meaningful Progress

Helping neurodiverse individuals thrive, not just survive

Expanding Horizons

Trainees also regularly take part in meetings with visitors to the office. From thought leaders to local professionals to inspiring self-advocates, these visitors come from of all different walks of life and share their diverse perspectives and unique wisdom. During these meetings our interns are assisted and encouraged to learn how to introduce and talk about themselves while hearing about a variety of career and business possibilities.

This allows our trainees to be exposed to a wide range of careers and people (which is something our society in general doesn’t give young people the chance to do) while making connections to local business leaders. It also gives the trainees practice at taking part in an interactive, multi-participant discussion. And – with a past roster that has included NFL players, oceanographers, filmmakers, best selling authors, celebrated members of the legal system, and more – it’s also pretty fun!

Testimonials

What former interns and parents say about Different Brains

J.F. Previous intern

"I’ve gotten more support from Different Brains than I’ve gotten from almost any other agency and I get to do what I love, so finding this platform was a win-win situation for me."
A.G. Previous intern

"DifferentBrains mentorship program helped me overcome my ADHD & Substance Abuse Addiction. It gave me the structure I needed. 3 years later, I’m now cofounding a Startup and have been able to travel the world."
M.N. Previous Intern

"I’m not sure where I would be right now without Different Brains. This amazing organization has exposed me to a world I was completely unaware of--a world of neurodiversity. Now, I am just beginning my career as a special educator, and I have embraced every second of it thanks to Different Brains and their positive environment."
R.B. Parent of intern

"I can't express our appreciation for what you and your team have done to elevate (our son’s) self-esteem and confidence. You have an amazing organization which is giving these young adults tools that they will be able to utilize the rest of their lives."

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H.R. Previous Intern

"I have learned so much about Neurodiversity. I also learned that I can be responsible and show up for work on time… I have also enjoyed meeting so many new people and learning about the amazing work they do in the community."

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Our Programs

Media Library