Pathways from Education to Employment for Neurodivergent Youth

By Will Wheeler – Neurodiversity Academy

For many neurodivergent students, the shift from education into employment isn’t just a transition — it’s a cliff edge. Despite their talents and interests, they often face systems that were never designed with them in mind. At Neurodiversity Academy, we believe it’s time to reimagine those systems.

That’s why we invited Mariane Power — clinical psychologist, executive coach, and parent to neurodivergent teens — to lead our latest free webinar. Her message was clear and powerful: we must build flexible, human-first pathways that recognise identity, interests, and strengths over compliance.

Key Themes We Explored

• Redefining success: Moving beyond traditional models of achievement to celebrate self-awareness, values, and autonomy.
• Self-authorship: Encouraging neurodivergent youth to create their own path — not just fit into someone else’s.
• AI and the future of work: Seeing rapid technological change not as a threat, but as an opportunity to elevate uniquely human capabilities.
• Supportive environments: How educators, parents, and employers can nurture curiosity, purpose, and wellbeing through inclusive practices.

Mariane also shared insights from her work and her own parenting journey — showing how strengths-based approaches can transform outcomes when young people are empowered to make meaningful, self-directed choices.

What’s Next

At Neurodiversity Academy, we’re building a new model. One that supports young people not only through learning but into sustainable employment. We’re developing a national network of:

• Inclusive educators and training providers
• Future-forward employers who value neurodivergent thinking
• Tools and resources to help families, students, and professionals create flexible learning and work journeys

Let’s move from ‘fitting in’ to building futures where neurodivergent youth can truly thrive.

🔗 Watch the full webinar recording:

Final Thoughts

The future of work is changing. With the right support, neurodivergent youth can lead that change — not just adapt to it. This is just the beginning.